2023-08-03 11:15:16
After the holiday, diarrhea can spoil the return home – especially if it doesn’t stop. Read what can cause persistent diarrhea.
The most important things at a glance
Holidays in distant countries can be a dream. But it is not uncommon for travelers to bring unpleasant souvenirs with them: a good half contract diarrhea when they are abroad, which can persist after the holiday – or only start after they return.
Good to know
In principle, diarrhea can occur after every trip to another country. However, traveler’s diarrhea occurs particularly often during stays in tropical and subtropical countries (such as in Asia, Africa, South and Central America).
Diarrhea after the trip: infections as a trigger
Diarrhea often occurs after a vacation if contaminated food or drink has been consumed in the travel destination or if the hands have not been washed sufficiently often. The cause of the symptoms is usually an infection with viruses, bacteria or intestinal parasites.
The risk of such infections may increase if travelers are taking stomach acid blockers such as pantoprazole. Because the reduced stomach acid means that fewer diarrhea pathogens die in the stomach, so that more pathogenic germs can reach the intestines.
In most cases, diarrhea goes away on its own within a few days (usually three to five) after the holiday. In some cases, however, the symptoms last longer than two weeks.
If the diarrhea does not stop after two weeks after a holiday abroad, it may be an infection with certain intestinal parasites.
However, prolonged diarrhea after vacation can also occur when the immune system is weakened. The risk groups include elderly or previously ill people as well as infants.
Traveler’s diarrhea: Possible pathogens
If bacterial triggers In addition to Salmonella or Campylobacter bacteria, enterotoxic coliform bacteria (ETEC) or Shigella are also possible causes of traveler’s diarrhea. In otherwise healthy people, however, diarrhea rarely lasts more than a few days in these cases.
If the diarrhea has been there for a much longer time after the holiday, a Intestinal parasite infection such as giardiasis (also called lamblia dysentery) or cryptosporidiosis. The suspicion is particularly obvious if the holiday destination was in the tropics.
Typical signs of Giardiasis: It takes about seven days from infection with Giardia to the appearance of the first symptoms. The disease usually begins with nausea, a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen and flatulence. The diarrhea in giardiasis can last for weeks, but is comparatively mild. Sometimes there is vomiting.
Typical signs of cryptosporidiosis: About seven to ten days after infection with Cryptosporidium, watery diarrhea occurs, which can last for one to two weeks – sometimes longer in people with a weakened immune system. This is often accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, fever and/or weight loss.
Good to know
Post-holiday diarrhea can also be caused by viruses such as rotavirus or norovirus. However, the pathogens usually only cause (emetic) diarrhea for a short time.
Influence of antibiotics or malaria prophylaxis
If those affected have taken certain antibiotics (such as fluoroquinolones) or medication for malaria prophylaxis during the trip, this can under certain circumstances promote diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.
Clostridia are bacteria that are part of the intestinal flora of many people and usually do not cause any symptoms. However, taking certain medications can shift the bacterial balance in the gut, making it easier for clostridia to multiply and make you sick.
Normally, an illness caused by Clostridia lasts only a few days, but under unfavorable conditions it can last longer.
When to the doctor?
If diarrhea persists after the holiday or if severe diarrhea sets in a few days or weeks after returning from abroad, the sick person should seek medical advice. This is especially true if the condition worsens or other symptoms arise.
Conclusion
If the diarrhea lasts for an unusually long time after a holiday abroad, if it is very severe or if there are other symptoms such as fever or blood in the stool, those affected should have the symptoms clarified by a doctor. The doctor can determine whether certain pathogens are causing the symptoms or whether there are other possible causes – and recommend suitable treatment.]
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