Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Diarrhea

Audience: adult

Diarrhea is a common condition that often resolves on its own or with simple care. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, provide advice on hydration and diet, and suggest when to seek further care. However, some signs indicate a more serious problem requiring in-person evaluation. These include severe dehydration, blood in stool, high fever, or persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days. Recognizing these red flags is important for your safety. This guide explains when telemedicine can support you and when you should see a healthcare provider in person. It also offers tips to prepare for a telemedicine visit and what to expect afterward. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a substitute for urgent or emergency care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe dehydration signs such as dizziness, fainting, or very little urine output require immediate in-person care.
• Presence of blood or black, tarry stools indicates possible serious bleeding and needs urgent evaluation.
• High fever above 39°C (102°F) with diarrhea suggests infection that may need medical treatment.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate diarrhea without severe symptoms
• Advice on hydration and diet
• Symptom monitoring and follow-up guidance
• Medication review related to diarrhea

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe dehydration requiring IV fluids
• Blood in stool or black stools
• High fever with severe symptoms
• Persistent diarrhea beyond 2 days needing diagnostic tests

Understanding Diarrhea

Diarrhea means having loose or watery stools more often than usual. It can be caused by infections, food, medications, or other health conditions. Most cases improve within a few days with rest and fluids. However, diarrhea can sometimes lead to dehydration or signal a more serious illness.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms, suggest ways to stay hydrated, recommend diet changes, and advise on over-the-counter medicines. They can help decide if your symptoms are mild or if you need to see a doctor in person. Telehealth is convenient for quick advice and follow-up.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Seek immediate in-person care if you experience:

These signs may indicate serious infections or complications.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, gather information such as:

Having this ready helps your provider give the best advice.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care plan given by your provider. This may include:

Keep a record of any changes and follow up if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and duration of diarrhea
• Count how many loose stools you have per day
• Check for blood or unusual stool color
• Record any other symptoms such as fever, pain, or vomiting
• List current medications and any recent travel or food exposures

After your tele-visit

• Follow hydration and dietary advice given
• Monitor symptoms daily for worsening or new signs
• Seek in-person care if red flags develop
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your healthcare provider if needed
• Schedule follow-up telehealth visit if symptoms persist or worsen

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for any diarrhea?

Telemedicine is often helpful for mild to moderate diarrhea to get advice on care and when to seek further help. However, if you have severe symptoms like dehydration, blood in stool, or high fever, you should seek in-person care immediately.

How can I prevent dehydration when I have diarrhea?

Drink plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Small, frequent sips can help if you feel nauseous. Eating bland foods as tolerated also supports recovery.

When should I worry about diarrhea lasting too long?

If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days in adults or if you notice worsening symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may require treatment.

Are antibiotics needed for diarrhea?

Most diarrhea cases are caused by viruses and do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics are only used for certain bacterial infections and should be prescribed by a healthcare provider after evaluation.

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. Diarrhea — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any emergency symptoms or severe illness, seek immediate medical attention.