Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Also known as: Delhi belly, Montezuma's revenge, Bali belly, Pharaoh's revenge, Gastroenteritis, TD
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a digestive infection from contaminated food or water, affecting up to 50% of visitors to high-risk regions.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
On day 3 of your trip to Marrakech, you develop sudden watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and nausea after eating from a food stall. You use oral rehydration salts from a pharmacy, stay hydrated, and rest for 24 hours. By day 5 you're recovered. If symptoms had included blood or fever above 38.5°C, you'd have needed antibiotics from a doctor.
Why travellers need to know
TD is the most common travel illness worldwide. It's caused by bacteria (usually E. coli), viruses, or parasites in contaminated food or water. Most cases resolve in 1-3 days with hydration alone. The danger is dehydration, which is more serious in hot climates and at altitude. Carrying oral rehydration salts and knowing when to escalate to a doctor (bloody stool, high fever, symptoms lasting more than 3 days) is practical preparation.
Country-specific notes
Highest risk globally; 30-50% of visitors affected
India has the highest traveller's diarrhoea rates worldwide. Avoid tap water (including ice), raw salads washed in tap water, and street food that hasn't been freshly cooked at high heat. Bottled water is safe; check the seal is intact.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
How Nomedic helps
Your Nomedic record includes any medications you take that affect dehydration risk or interact with common TD treatments, so a local doctor can prescribe safely.
Sources
Your health records, anywhere you go
Your medication interactions, visible to any doctor.
Free to start. No credit card required.