What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Diarrhea (Acute)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for acute diarrhea, you will usually receive advice on how to manage symptoms at home. This often includes guidance on staying hydrated, eating a gentle diet, and monitoring your condition. Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines or prescribe treatment if needed. They will also inform you about warning signs that require urgent care. Follow-up visits might be suggested if symptoms do not improve or worsen. It is important to keep track of your symptoms and any new developments. Telemedicine can help you get timely advice without leaving home, but some situations need in-person evaluation to ensure safety and proper care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Signs of dehydration such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, or decreased urination — seek emergency care immediately.
• Blood or pus in your stool — contact your healthcare provider promptly or go to urgent care.
• High fever (above 38.5°C or 101.3°F) lasting more than 24 hours — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of diarrhea symptoms and medical history.
• Providing advice on hydration and diet.
• Recommending over-the-counter remedies and prescribing medications when appropriate.
• Guidance on symptom monitoring and when to seek emergency care.
• Scheduling follow-up telemedicine visits for ongoing symptom evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require hands-on assessment.
• Conducting laboratory tests or stool cultures.
• Administering intravenous fluids or injections.
• Managing severe dehydration or complications requiring hospitalization.
• Diagnosing or treating conditions that mimic diarrhea but need in-person evaluation.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history during the visit. Afterward, they will usually give you instructions on how to care for yourself at home. This may include tips on drinking plenty of fluids, eating bland foods, and resting. You might receive recommendations for medications to reduce diarrhea or relieve discomfort. If needed, a prescription can be sent to your pharmacy electronically.

Monitoring Your Symptoms at Home

Keep track of how often you have diarrhea, any changes in stool color or consistency, and other symptoms like fever or abdominal pain. Note if you feel weak, dizzy, or dehydrated. Monitoring helps you and your provider know if your condition is improving or if you need further care.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

If you notice warning signs such as severe dehydration, blood in your stool, high fever, or persistent vomiting, you should seek emergency care immediately. Your provider will explain these red flags during your visit. In-person evaluation may be necessary to perform tests or give treatments that cannot be done remotely.

Follow-Up and Additional Testing

Sometimes, your provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine visit or an in-person appointment if symptoms last longer than expected or worsen. Additional tests, like stool cultures or blood work, might be recommended to identify infections or other causes.

Preventing Future Episodes

Your provider may offer advice on hygiene practices, safe food and water consumption, and other ways to reduce the risk of diarrhea. This can help you avoid future illness.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your current symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Prepare a list of any medications, supplements, or treatments you are currently using.
• Note any recent travel, food intake, or exposures that might be relevant.
• Have a way to measure your temperature if possible.
• Be ready to describe your bowel movements (frequency, color, consistency).
• Ensure your device has a good internet connection and a quiet place for the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the hydration and diet advice given by your provider.
• Take any recommended medications as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms carefully and note any changes.
• Contact your provider or seek emergency care if red flags develop.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading illness to others.

FAQs

How long does acute diarrhea usually last?

Acute diarrhea often lasts a few days to about a week. Most cases improve without special treatment, but if symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks, you should contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Can I take over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea?

Some over-the-counter medicines may help reduce diarrhea symptoms, but they are not always recommended, especially if you have a fever or blood in your stool. Your telemedicine provider will advise you on safe options based on your situation.

Is it safe to eat during diarrhea?

Yes, eating small amounts of bland foods like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce can be helpful. Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy foods until symptoms improve. Staying hydrated with water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths is very important.

When should I seek emergency care for diarrhea?

Seek emergency care if you experience signs of severe dehydration (such as dizziness, fainting, very little urine), blood or pus in your stool, high fever lasting more than a day, or severe abdominal pain. These signs require prompt medical attention.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for diarrhea?

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and mild cases, but it cannot replace in-person care when physical exams, tests, or treatments like intravenous fluids are needed. Your provider will guide you on when to seek in-person care.

Sources

1. Diarrhea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Acute Diarrhea — Mayo Clinic.
4. Diarrhea — 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.