DIARRHEA

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR DIARRHEA

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
  • Signs of dehydration (e.g. no urine in more than 12 hours, very dry mouth, lightheaded, etc.)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Constant abdominal pain for more than 2 hours
  • Bloody bowel movements
  • Black bowel movements
  • More than 10 diarrhea stools in the past 24 hours

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher
  • Abdominal pain (EXCEPTION: Pain clears with each passage of diarrhea stool)
  • Mucus or pus in stool for greater than 2 days
  • Small amount of blood in the stool (EXCEPTION: only on toilet paper. Reason: diarrhea can cause rectal irritation with blood on wiping)
  • Recent antibiotic treatment
  • Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
  • Recent travel to a foreign country and diarrhea started during trip or within 7 days of return
  • Receiving tube feedings (e.g. nasogastric, g-tube, j-tube)
  • Age greater than 70

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Diarrhea persists for more than 7 days
  • Diarrhea is a recurrent problem

Self Care at Home If

  • Mild diarrhea and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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