What Causes Travelers' Diarrhea? - Health Digest

While it's common to have an upset stomach due to stress or trying new foods, travelers' diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria. Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and other bacterial species are responsible for up to 90% of all cases of diarrhea in travelers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Another 5% to 14% of cases are due to viral infections, which may occur following exposure to noroviruses, rotaviruses, or other pathogens. Less commonly, this condition may be caused by protozoan pathogens like Giardia and Cyclospora.

Travelers' diarrhea usually occurs 12 to 72 hours following the consumption of food or water contaminated with pathogens, according to the MSD Manuals. For example, you may experience this problem after eating improperly stored or prepared meat, fish, or eggs. The risk is higher among travelers who've had gastrointestinal surgery or take medications for peptic ulcers, notes Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Certain groups — especially teens and young adults — are more likely to get travelers' diarrhea, notes a 2018 review published in the journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Backpackers and travelers who eat street food are at risk, too. This condition seems to be more common in those with compromised immune systems, IBS and other digestive diseases, or low stomach acid. Alcohol consumption can further increase your risk of diarrhea, according to the researchers. 

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