Evaluation of diarrhea in the returning traveler.

Diarrhea in the returned traveler raises the possibility of a wide range of infectious, post-infectious, and idiopathic (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease) disorders that require a thoughtful evaluation. Specific clues in the history and clinical presentation are helpful in distinguishing inflammatory from noninflammatory processes and in suggesting persistent parasitic or other syndromes. The authors describe a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of diarrhea in the returned traveler.