Identification and Management of Traveler's Diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is a common occurrence when people travel to foreign countries and can affect individuals of all ages, including those who are pregnant. This clinical syndrome is caused by a variety of intestinal pathogens, and treatment is based on the acuity of the patient's symptoms. This case report describes the clinical presentation and management of a pregnant woman with a history of TD who requests an antibiotic prescription for the potential need of empiric self-treatment of TD for an upcoming business trip outside of the United States. The clinical presentation of TD, differential diagnoses, treatment plan options, prevention recommendations, and empiric self-treatment are reviewed. Current evidence-based guidelines are discussed, and high-risk conditions such as pregnancy are considered.