Diarrhea (increase in the number of bowel movements with loose, watery stools)
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Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Signs of dehydration (little or no urine output, little or no fluid intake, dry mouth, sunken eyes)
- Bloody or black tarry stools
- Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Diarrhea and fever in individuals with a history of chronic disease (asthma, emphysema, diabetes, HIV/AIDS) or who are elderly
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No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
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| Maintain good fluid intake to prevent dehydration
Some medications (antibiotics, antacids that contain magnesium), stress or food intolerance may cause loose stools
"Food poisoning" usually resolves itself in 1-2 days
Diarrhea may be a symptom of intestinal disease such as diverticulitis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer |
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Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Diarrhea after recent travel outside the US
- Change in bowel habits-alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Watery stools with pus, abdominal pain, weakness or joint pain
- Diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea continues after 3 days of self-management
- Weight loss
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No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
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Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- If symptoms are severe - drink clear liquids for first 24 hours: (ginger ale, Gatorade, tea, broth, apple juice)
- Increase diet gradually to bland foods: (bananas, rice, dry toast, baked potato, chicken) and resume normal diet in 3-4 days
- May eat normal diet if symptoms are not severe
- Take over the counter (OTC) anti-diarrhea medication (Kaopectate, Imodium)
- Avoid spicy, fried and greasy food, alcohol and caffeine
- Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen
- Warm water baths may soothe irritated rectal area
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