Diarrhoea in travellers

Public Health England (PHE) estimates that between 20 and 60% of all international travellers will be affected by a gastrointestinal illness, or traveller's diarrhoea (TD). In most cases this is a self-limiting illness, which improves spontaneously within 3–5 days. Without treatment, 90% will have resolved within a week and 98% within a month of onset. Some individuals develop more severe diarrhoea and become dehydrated or unwell and may experience systemic complications that warrant further attention. The most common causes of diarrhoea in travellers will be described here, along with a general approach to the management of such patients.