Wilderness-acquired diarrhea

Wilderness-acquired diarrhea
Synonyms	Traveler's diarrhea, Backpacker's diarrhea
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever
Complications	Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance
Onset	Typically 1-3 days after exposure
Duration	Usually self-limiting, lasting 3-5 days
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacteria, viruses, protozoa
Risks	Drinking untreated water, poor sanitation
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, stool culture
Differential diagnosis	Gastroenteritis, food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome
Prevention	Water purification, hand hygiene, safe food practices
Treatment	Oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics for bacterial causes, antimotility agents
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common among travelers to wilderness areas
Deaths	N/A

Wilderness-acquired diarrhea is a condition that typically occurs in individuals who spend time in wilderness settings, such as hikers, campers, and soldiers. It is often caused by consuming contaminated water or food.

Causes

The primary cause of wilderness-acquired diarrhea is the ingestion of contaminated water or food. This can occur when individuals do not properly sanitize their hands or cooking utensils, or when they consume water from natural sources without treating it first. The most common pathogens that cause this condition are Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Escherichia coli.

Symptoms

The main symptom of wilderness-acquired diarrhea is frequent, loose bowel movements. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, individuals may become dehydrated, which can lead to more serious health problems.

Prevention

Prevention of wilderness-acquired diarrhea involves practicing good hygiene and being careful about what you eat and drink. This includes washing hands regularly, especially before preparing or eating food, and treating all water from natural sources before consuming it. It is also important to properly store and cook food to prevent contamination.

Treatment

Treatment for wilderness-acquired diarrhea typically involves rehydration and, in some cases, antibiotics. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or become severe.

See also

• Traveler's diarrhea
• Waterborne diseases
• Foodborne illness

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