Date:
Patient:
Admitting Physician:
Reason for Visit:
Traveler’s diarrhea (acute onset of diarrhea during or shortly after travel)
History of Present Illness:
Date of travel onset and return
Geographic location(s) visited
Symptoms (diarrhea frequency, urgency, consistency, blood or mucus in stool)
Duration of symptoms
Associated symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, tenesmus – straining to have a bowel movement)
Dietary habits while traveling (consumption of street food, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products)
Over-the-counter medications taken for symptoms
Past Medical History:
Underlying medical conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome)
Previous episodes of traveler’s diarrhea
Allergies (medications, food)
Surgical history
Medications:
Current medications (including prescription and over-the-counter)
Social History:
Travel companions (ill or well)
Access to clean water and sanitation facilities during travel
Physical Examination:
Vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate)
General appearance (dehydration signs)
Abdominal examination (distention, tenderness, bowel sounds)
Assessment:
Acute infectious gastroenteritis (traveler’s diarrhea) likely due to enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), other bacterial pathogens, or viruses
Consider dehydration status (mild, moderate, severe) based on clinical findings
Plan:
Hydration:
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) as first-line therapy
Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration
Dietary modifications:
Bland diet (BRAT – bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
Avoid dairy products, greasy foods, and caffeine
Antidiarrheal medications:
Loperamide (consider risks and benefits) for symptom control only, not to shorten duration
Antibiotics:
Consider empiric antibiotic therapy for severe cases, high-risk individuals (immunocompromised), or specific pathogens (e.g., azithromycin for appropriate bacterial causes)
Probiotics:
May be considered for symptom relief and gut flora restoration (discuss with healthcare provider)
Follow-up:
Schedule follow-up appointment for persistent symptoms or worsening condition
Education:
Importance of proper handwashing and hygiene
Safe food and water consumption practices while traveling
Signs and symptoms of dehydration and when to seek medical attention
Expected course of illness and symptom management strategies
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of traveler’s diarrhea