Red flags & when to go in person for Diarrhea (Acute)

Audience: adult

Acute diarrhea means having loose or watery stools that start suddenly and last a short time, usually a few days. It is often caused by infections, food reactions, or other temporary issues. Most people recover without needing to see a doctor in person. However, some signs mean you should seek in-person medical care right away. These include severe dehydration, blood in the stool, high fever, or diarrhea lasting more than a few days. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, provide advice on hydration and diet, and guide you on when to get urgent care. This information explains the warning signs to watch for, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for and follow up after a tele-visit. Remember, if you feel very unwell or have serious symptoms, it is important to get in-person care promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe dehydration signs such as dizziness, very dry mouth, or little/no urination — seek in-person emergency care immediately.
• Blood or pus in stool — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.
• High fever (above 38.5°C or 101.3°F) that does not improve with medication — seek prompt in-person care.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild to moderate diarrhea symptoms.
• Providing advice on hydration and dietary management.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Guidance on over-the-counter remedies and symptom monitoring.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Treating severe dehydration requiring IV fluids.
• Diagnosing causes needing stool tests or imaging.
• Managing blood in stool or severe abdominal pain.
• Providing emergency care for high fever or worsening symptoms.

What is Acute Diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea is when you have loose or watery bowel movements that start suddenly and last for a short time, usually less than two weeks. It can be caused by infections like viruses or bacteria, reactions to food, or medicines. Most cases improve on their own with simple care like drinking fluids and resting.

When to Watch Closely and Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms mean you should see a healthcare provider in person as soon as possible. These include:

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can:

Telemedicine is a convenient way to get advice quickly but has limits.

When Telemedicine is Not Enough

You should seek in-person care if you have:

In these cases, physical examination, lab tests, or hospitalization may be needed.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow these steps after your tele-visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• Note any recent travel, food, or water exposures.
• List all current medications and allergies.
• Have a thermometer ready to check your temperature.
• Prepare to describe your fluid intake and urine output.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet or phone connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow hydration and diet advice given during the visit.
• Monitor symptoms for any worsening or new red flags.
• Seek in-person care if severe symptoms develop or persist.
• Keep a record of symptom changes and any treatments taken.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.

FAQs

How long does acute diarrhea usually last?

Acute diarrhea often lasts a few days to up to two weeks. Most people recover without needing special treatment.

When should I be worried about dehydration?

If you feel very thirsty, dizzy, have a dry mouth, or are urinating very little, these may be signs of dehydration and you should seek medical care.

Can I take medicines to stop diarrhea?

Some over-the-counter medicines can help mild diarrhea, but they are not always recommended, especially if you have fever or blood in your stool. It's best to get advice from a healthcare provider.

Is it safe to eat during diarrhea?

Yes, eating light, bland foods and staying hydrated is important. Avoid fatty, spicy, or heavy foods until you feel better.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of diarrhea?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms but cannot perform tests needed to diagnose specific causes. In some cases, in-person evaluation is necessary.

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 - Symptoms and Causes — 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 in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.