How to prepare for a video visit about Diarrhea (Acute)

Audience: adult

Acute diarrhea is a common condition that usually lasts a few days and often resolves without special treatment. During a video visit, a healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms, suggest ways to stay hydrated, and advise when to seek further care. To get the most from your telemedicine appointment, it helps to prepare information about your symptoms, recent activities, and any medications you are taking. While many cases of diarrhea can be managed remotely, urgent signs like severe dehydration or blood in stools require in-person care. This guide explains how to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do for acute diarrhea, and when to seek emergency help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe dehydration signs such as dizziness, fainting, or very little urine output — seek emergency care immediately.
• Blood or black, tarry stools — get urgent medical evaluation.
• High fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) or severe abdominal pain — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate diarrhea symptoms
• Advice on hydration and symptom management
• Review of medications and possible side effects
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe dehydration requiring intravenous fluids
• Diagnosis of serious infections needing laboratory tests
• Treatment of bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain
• Emergency interventions for life-threatening symptoms

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such as how often you have diarrhea, any pain or fever, and whether you have other symptoms like vomiting. They may ask about recent travel, food you have eaten, and any medicines or supplements you take. They will give advice on managing symptoms and when to seek further care.

Information to Have Ready Before Your Visit

Prepare to share details about:

Having this information ready helps your provider give the best advice.

How to Manage Acute Diarrhea at Home

Most cases improve with simple care:

Your provider may suggest over-the-counter remedies but will generally avoid antibiotics unless a specific infection is suspected.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain signs mean you should get urgent medical attention:

If you notice these, go to an emergency room or urgent care center.

Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and frequency of your diarrhea
• List any other symptoms like fever, nausea, or pain
• Gather information on recent travel, food intake, and exposures
• Prepare a list of all current medications and supplements
• Ensure your device is charged and internet connection is stable
• Find a quiet, private space for the video call
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss

After your tele-visit

• Follow the hydration and dietary advice given during the visit
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening
• Take medications only as directed by your provider
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms develop
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms persist beyond a few days

FAQs

Can I take medicine to stop diarrhea during a video visit?

Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines to help reduce diarrhea, but these are not always needed. They will advise based on your symptoms and overall health.

How long does acute diarrhea usually last?

Acute diarrhea often lasts a few days to a week and usually improves without special treatment. If it lasts longer, you should contact your healthcare provider.

When should I be worried about dehydration?

Signs of dehydration include feeling very thirsty, dizziness, dry mouth, little or no urine, or weakness. If you notice these, seek medical care promptly.

Is it safe to eat during diarrhea?

Yes, you can eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast as you feel able. Avoid fatty, spicy, or heavy foods until you recover.

Can a video visit diagnose the cause of diarrhea?

Telemedicine providers can assess symptoms and give advice, but they usually cannot perform tests needed to identify specific infections or causes. In some cases, in-person evaluation is needed.

Sources

1. Diarrhea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Diarrhea — Mayo Clinic.
4. Acute Diarrhea in Adults — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.