Montezuma’s revenge. Tourista. Tut’s tummy. They’re all euphemisms for a common ailment that travelers may face.
Each year, between 20 and 50 percent of international travelers-an estimated 10 million Americans-develop travelers’ diarrhea (TD). Onset usually occurs during the first week of travel, but can occur at any time during the trip-even after returning home. High-risk destinations are the developing countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. People at particularly high risk for developing complications associated with TD include young adults, immunosuppressed people, people with inflammatory bowel disease or diabetes, and people taking H-2 blockers or antacids.
TD is most commonly caused by E coli and other bacteria. Most diarrhea-causing bacteria are spread through the water and food supply. Fortunately, being careful about what you eat and drink can help reduce your risk of developing TD, the most common reason that travelers cut their vacations short.
For travelers in high-risk areas, one treatment option is a nonsystemic, gastrointestinal (GI) selective antibiotic called Xifaxan (rifaximin) tablets 200...