Prevention and empiric treatment of traveler's diarrhea

Diarrheal illness has plagued travelers for centuries, and to this day it r emains the most common medical problem affecting travelers from industriali zed nations to areas of the world where substandard hygiene conditions and sanitation prevail. This article discusses the cause of diarrheal illness i n travelers, as well as epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and a general approach to sell-treatment.