Traveler's Diarrhea ( Diarrhoea ) : Triage

Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is a common ailment affecting individuals who travel to areas with different sanitary conditions and microbial flora. It is generally defined as the passage of three or more unformed stools within a 24-hour period, accompanied by at least one additional symptom such as abdominal cramps, tenesmus, nausea, vomiting, or fecal urgency while abroad or upon return . This condition is particularly relevant for those traveling to regions with lower hygiene standards, where water and food contamination is more prevalent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) offers a similar definition, which is sometimes employed to describe diarrhea in children under five years of age. According to the WHO, diarrhea is characterized by the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day, or more frequent passage than is normal for the individual . This definition underscores the variability in bowel habits among individuals and emphasizes the importance of recognizing significant deviations from a person's typical stool pattern.

Travelers' diarrhea can result from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The most common bacterial causes include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter species. Viral agents such as norovirus and rotavirus, as well as parasitic organisms...