The digestive order called traveler’s dysentery is something everyone dreads while traveling. Also called traveller’s diarrhoea, tourist diarrhea or traveler’s dysentery or Montezuma’s revenge, travel sickness affects most travelers who come into contact with compromised food or water.

Commonly contracted by eating food or drinking water that has been compromised, traveler’s dysentery​ includes symptoms that are often more than just loose stools. Traveler’s dysentery​may include flu-like symptoms or worse. The problems can last for many days. Medical attention should be sought immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a list of ideas for helping to prevent and treat Traveler’s Diarrhea:

1. Eat and Drink Safely by avoiding foods that have been sitting and drinking water from faucets that are not approved clean. Depending on which country you’re in you should do your research and stick to well-worn tourist areas when it comes to consuming your calories and drink.
2. Wash, wash, wash those hands and take showers to avoid contracting sickness.
3. If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids and ensure that you are hydrated while you seek medical attention.
4. Medication may include antibiotics and over-the-counter drugs such as Imodium that can help lessen symptoms.

What can Dr. Cherry Ostrager do about Traveler’s Diarrhea?

Symptoms of Traveler’s Diarrhea

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of Appetite
• Headache