How to Determine if You Have Traveler's Diarrhea or Acclimatization Issues
Sep 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or constipation may occur and worsen after consuming local foods, gradually improving upon leaving the new environment; these are mostly caused by gastrointestinal irritation due to changes in diet and water quality. Skin rashes, including redness, itching, hives, or herpes around the lips, may appear shortly after arriving in a new environment, with no other clear allergic triggers.
Whether or not one is experiencing "incompatibility with a new environment" (commonly known as "acclimatization disorder") can be identified through specific physical reactions. It is generally determined by symptoms such as digestive system disturbances, skin and mucous membrane issues, respiratory discomfort, changes in sleep quality, and fluctuations in mental state. If there are concerns, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Digestive system abnormalities: Symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or constipation may occur. Symptoms often worsen after consuming local food and gradually improve upon leaving the new environment. These are mostly caused by changes in diet and water quality irritating the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Skin and mucous membrane symptoms: Skin rashes such as redness, itching, hives, or herpes around the lips may appear shortly after arriving in a new environment, without other clear allergic triggers.
3. Respiratory discomfort: Symptoms resembling the common cold—such as nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing—or worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma may occur, often related to climate, pollen, dust, or other factors in the new environment.
4. Changes in sleep quality: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreams, easy awakening, or lighter sleep may occur. Even with regular作息 (daily routines), adaptation may be difficult, and sleep quality typically improves naturally upon leaving the new environment.
5. Fluctuations in mental state: Symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability may appear. If these persist despite ruling out excessive fatigue, they may indicate ongoing maladjustment.
Diagnosing acclimatization disorder requires considering the correlation between environmental changes and symptom onset. Mild symptoms can often be relieved by adjusting diet and ensuring adequate rest. However, if severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or difficulty breathing occur, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent complications such as dehydration or infection.
