When to Seek Medical Care for Diarrhea
Diarrhea, a topic most people don’t want to talk about, happens to the majority of us during our lifetime. While your body typically takes care of it on its own, diarrhea that lasts more than two days does require medical treatment.
If you have diarrhea and fever or severe stomach pain and diarrhea, see your doctor or get emergency care.
Personal Care for Diarrhea Treatment at Dignity Health St. John's
Most cases of diarrhea are the result of viral gastroenteritis, more commonly known as the stomach flu. Children are more susceptible to rotavirus, while adults typically get norovirus. Both are caused contaminated water or food. Other causes include bacterial, such as Salmonella, or parasitic infections.
In most cases, your immune symptom takes care of the diarrhea cause on its own. Find a Doctor or get emergency care if you have:
- Signs of dehydration
- High fever
- Pus or blood in your stools
- Tarry, black stools
- Severe pain in your abdomen
Along with loose, watery stools, you can have cramping, fever, bloating, and the sudden need to go to the bathroom. Dehydration becomes a concern because of fluid loss in your stools. Dark urine, dizziness, and thirst are signs of dehydration in adults. Babies and children can have dry mouth, crying without tears, or sunken cheeks and eyes.
To prevent dehydration, it’s important to replace electrolytes (salts and sugars) and drink plenty of fluids.
Our experts recommend eating bland foods and avoiding caffeine and greasy or spicy foods until your symptoms let up.