Diarrhea - what to ask your health care provider - adult

What to ask your health care provider about diarrhea - adult; Loose stools - what to ask your health care provider - adult

Diarrhea is when you have more than 3 very loose, watery, or unformed bowel movements in 1 day. For many, diarrhea is mild and will pass within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make you feel weak and dehydrated. It can also lead to unhealthy weight loss.

A stomach or intestinal illness can cause diarrhea. It can be a side effect of treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments. It may also result from taking some medicines and consuming artificial sweeteners such as those used to sweeten sugar free gum and candies.

Below are questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your diarrhea.

I Would Like to Learn About:

Questions

Questions you should ask:

• Can I eat dairy foods?
• What foods can make my problem worse?
• Can I have greasy or spicy foods?
• What type of gum or candy should I avoid?
• Can I have caffeine, such as coffee or tea? Fruit juices? Carbonated drinks?
• Which fruits or vegetables are OK to eat?
• Are there foods I can eat so I do not lose too much weight?
• How much water or liquid should I drink during the day? What are the signs that I am not drinking enough water?
• Do any of the medicines, vitamins, herbs, or supplements I take cause diarrhea? Should I stop taking any of them?
• What products can I buy to help with my diarrhea?
• What is the best way to take these products?
• Which ones can I take every day?
• Which ones should I not take every day?
• Can any of these products make my diarrhea worse?
• Should I take psyllium fiber (Metamucil)?
• Does diarrhea mean I have a more serious medical problem?
• When should I contact my provider?
• Should I take probiotics?

Related Information

References

Huynh J, Greenberg LA. Chronic diarrhea. In: Kellerman RD, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2025. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:203-211.

Schiller LR, Sellin JH. Diarrhea. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.

Semrad CE. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 126.

Review Date: 7/22/2025  

Reviewed By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

© 1997-2025 All rights reserved.