Definitions
Diarrhea
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Adult's diarrhea doesn't improve within two days
- Stool is bloody or black
- Little to no urination, very dry mouth and skin, or other signs of dehydration
- Fever over 102 F (38.9 C)
- Abdominal or rectal pain
Self-care
Replacing fluids with a rehydrating solution taken by mouth, such as Pedialyte, can help prevent dehydration. Nonprescription antidiarrheal medicines include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).
When to seek immediate medical care
See a healthcare professional immediately if:
- No wet diaper in three hours or more.
- Fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or higher in infant or child.
- Bloody or black stools in infant or child.
- Diarrhea doesn't improve after 24 hours in infant or child.
- Listless or unresponsive.
- Dry mouth, cries without tears, or sunken look to eyes, cheeks or belly in infant or child.
When to make a doctor's appointment
Make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if:
- Diarrhea doesn't improve within two days in adults.
- Stool is bloody or black.
- Little to no urination, very dry mouth and skin, or other signs of dehydration.
- Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius).
- Belly or rectal pain.
