Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Diarrhea After Travel

Travel-related diarrhea is diarrhea that begins during or after a trip, especially after travel to areas where food or water may contain unfamiliar germs.

Bacteria are a common cause, but viruses and parasites can also cause diarrhea after travel. Contaminated food, water and ice are common sources.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Diarrhea After Travel

The AAP guide below explains hydration, what information to share and when your child needs medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerDiarrhea after travel

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerDiarrhea after travel New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Diarrhea persists longer than expected.
  • Blood appears in the stool.
  • Your child has significant fever or severe abdominal pain.
  • Your child shows signs of dehydration.
  • Your child recently traveled to an area with higher risk of food- or water-borne infection.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has severe dehydration, severe weakness or is very difficult to wake.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on stomach and bowels

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms