[Epidemiology, clinical aspects, prevention and self care in travelers' diarrhea].

Travellers' diarrhea is the most frequently occurring health problem in travellers to tropical and subtropical regions. The main risk factors for this condition are substandard hygiene, contaminated food and drink. Usually the illness begins during the first week of travel and lasts on average four days with mild symptomatology. The causative agent is usually bacterial (40% enterotoxic E. coli), and strict observance of hygiene rules and careful selection of food and drink is an effective strategy to avoid travellers' diarrhea. Prophylactic use of antibiotics is rarely indicated, but self-therapy is of central importance. Adequate oral rehydration is essential, and in uncomplicated cases, antimotility drugs can provide adults with rapid symptomatic relief. Additional antibiotic treatment can be recommended.