Diarrhea when to see a doctor?
Diarrhea is when your stools are loose and watery. You may also need to go to the bathroom more often.
Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own.
If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.
Diarrhea may be either:
Diarrhea may be caused by many things, including:
Many people get traveler's diarrhea. This happens when you have food or water that is not safe because of bacteria, parasites, and even food poisoning.
Severe diarrhea may mean you have a serious disease. See your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t go away or if they keep you from doing your daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your diarrhea.
Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms of diarrhea may include:
Dehydration is a serious side effect of diarrhea. Symptoms include:
Diarrhea symptoms may look like other health problems. Bloody diarrhea is always a concern. Always see your doctor to be sure. Be sure to tell the doctor about any bleeding, fever, or vomiting.
To see if you have diarrhea, your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask about your past health. You may also have lab tests to check your blood and urine.
Other tests may include:
Your healthcare provider will make a care plan for you based on:
In most cases you will need to replace the fluids you have lost.
You may also need a medicine that fights infection (antibiotic) if a bacterial infection is causing your diarrhea.
Having good personal habits can keep you from getting diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus. It is important to:
When you are traveling, make sure anything you eat and drink is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries.
Travel safety tips for water and other liquids include:
Travel safety tips for food include:
In most cases diarrhea is a short-term problem. Often it only lasts for a few days. Be sure to take plenty of liquids when you’re having a bout of diarrhea.
Some health problems can make diarrhea last longer or keep coming back. These include inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. If another health problem is causing your diarrhea, follow your healthcare provider’s advice for treating that problem.
Call your healthcare provider if:
Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration. Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
A visit to the doctor for diarrhea will consist of a physical examination and a full medical history, including a review of your medication. A physician will also carefully feel your abdomen and may perform a rectal exam.
