Site Map

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:

Related Information

Campylobacter infection
Crohn disease
Ulcerative colitis
Bacterial gastroenteritis
Lactose intolerance
Giardia infection
Drug-induced diarrhea
E coli enteritis
Traveler's diarrhea diet
Diarrhea
Bone marrow transplant - discharge
After chemotherapy - discharge
Abdominal radiation - discharge
Pelvic radiation - discharge
Drinking water safely during cancer treatment
Safe eating during cancer treatment
When you have nausea and vomiting
Daily bowel care program
Crohn disease - discharge
Ulcerative colitis - discharge

References

de Leon A. Chronic diarrhea. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:194-196.

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.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 8/8/2023  

Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. 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.

© 1997-2024adam.com All rights reserved.