What condition is characterized by abdominal pain and coughing in a traveler to Africa or the Far East?

The condition characterized by abdominal pain and coughing in a traveler to Africa or the Far East is associated with Ascaris lumbricoides infection. This parasitic infection is caused by a roundworm that is commonly found in areas with poor sanitation, which includes many regions in Africa and parts of Asia.

When a person becomes infected, the larvae can migrate through the lungs, causing respiratory symptoms such as coughing. This respiratory phase is often overlooked, but it can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or even pneumonia as the larvae pass through lung tissue. After this stage, the worms enter the gastrointestinal tract, where they can cause abdominal pain, obstruction, and other complications.

It's important to note the context of travel history which supports the likelihood of exposure to this parasite, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas where sanitation practices may be inadequate. The other conditions listed, while all significant health concerns in travelers to these regions, do not typically present with this specific combination of abdominal pain and cough that follows the larval migration characteristic of Ascaris lumbricoides.