Should I go to the ER if I've had diarrhea for 3 days?

When to Visit the ER for Diarrhea. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible for diarrhea with these symptoms: Diarrhea lasting more than two days. Blood or pus in the stool.


How long is too long for diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

How do I know if my diarrhea is serious?

When to See Your Doctor
  1. Diarrhea that lasts more than two days.
  2. Diarrhea accompanied by a fever of 102 degrees F or higher.
  3. Six or more loose stools in 24 hours.
  4. Severe, unbearable pain in the abdomen or rectum.
  5. Bloody stools or stools that are black and tarry or contain pus.
  6. Diarrhea accompanied by frequent vomiting.


What will the hospital do for diarrhea?

Diarrhea treatment depends on the underlying cause. For bacterial and parasitic infections, your doctor will prescribe anti-infective medicines, such as antibiotics. Preventing dehydration is the main focus of viral diarrhea treatment. This means replacing electrolytes and drinking plenty of fluids.

Should I go to ER or urgent care for severe diarrhea?

When to Visit the ER for Diarrhea. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible for diarrhea with these symptoms: Diarrhea lasting more than two days. Blood or pus in the stool.


When Should You See a Doctor about Diarrhea?



Should I go to urgent care or ER for severe diarrhea?

If you're experiencing severe diarrhea—like if you're unable to keep any liquids down, or you're having more than six watery stools in a day—go straight to an urgent care. The same goes if your symptoms are accompanied by high fever (103 degrees or higher), nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or blood in your stool.

How long should diarrhea last before seeing a doctor?

Generally speaking, the occasional bout of diarrhea typically isn't a huge cause for concern. But not always. The signs to see a doctor for acute diarrhea: Lasts longer than two days.

Why do I have diarrhea but not sick?

A wide range of problems can cause chronic diarrhea; some of the most common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), malabsorption syndromes, like celiac disease, in which food cannot be digested and absorbed, and chronic infections as well as ...


What is best drink for diarrhea?

The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.

What should I do if I have diarrhea for 3 days?

Most cases of diarrhoea clear up after a few days without treatment, and you may not need to see your GP. However, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so you should drink plenty of fluids – small, frequent sips of water – until it passes. It's very important that babies and small children do not become dehydrated.

Should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.


When should I go to the ER for diarrhea and stomach pain?

If the pain is sudden, severe or does not ease within 30 minutes, seek emergency medical care. Sudden abdominal pain is often an indicator of serious intra-abdominal disease, such as a perforated ulcer or a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, although it could also result from a benign disease, such as gallstones.

Does Pepto-Bismol help stop diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can treat diarrhea and relieve other symptoms, like heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.

How do I know if I am dehydrated from diarrhea?

If you're sick with diarrhea or vomiting, watch carefully for these signs of dehydration:
  • thirst.
  • less frequent urination than normal.
  • dark-colored urine.
  • dry skin.
  • fatigue.
  • light-headedness.
  • inability to sweat.


What causes diarrhea like water?

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.

How much diarrhea is too much?

Severe diarrhea means having more than 10 loose, watery stools in a single day (24 hours). Moderate diarrhea means having more than a few but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day. Mild diarrhea means having a few diarrhea stools in a day.

What virus causes diarrhea only?

Rotavirus. Worldwide, this is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths. It can also spread through contaminated food. The infection is most severe in infants and young children.


What if I have diarrhea but no fever?

If you are regularly experiencing diarrhea that is not accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, consider doing some food allergy testing and/or an elimination diet. Certain sensitivities are not picked up on allergy food testing so both can be helpful to uncover underlying intolerances.

Have had diarrhea for 4 days?

See a doctor for diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, or if you show signs of dehydration. This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness. You should also see a doctor if you have: a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)

What are the 4 types of diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be classified into four types:
  • Osmotic diarrhea. Water absorption in the intestines depends on the proper absorption of solutes, which is hindered if there are too many solutes in the intestinal lumen, which leads to diarrhea. ...
  • Secretory diarrhea. ...
  • Inflammatory or infectious diarrhea. ...
  • Motility-related diarrhea.


What if you have diarrhea for 72 hours?

People without warning signs should call a doctor if diarrhea lasts for more than 72 hours. Depending on the person's other symptoms, age, and medical history, the doctor may recommend the person have an examination or try at-home or over-the-counter treatments (see treatment of diarrhea ).

Can emergency room stop diarrhea?

Most cases of diarrhea can be diagnosed and treated when one heads over to a hospital or to see their primary physician, mostly through medication.

What happens if Imodium doesn't stop diarrhea?

Imodium will usually help to slow down your acute diarrhea in the first hour, but if your diarrhea continues you may need to take additional doses in the same day. Take no more than the recommended maximum dose per day.


What happens if Imodium doesn't work?

If you have constipation with Imodium, stop taking the drug. Constipation may last for a few days after you take Imodium, but it typically goes away on its own. And drinking plenty of water can help ease constipation. However, if you have constipation that doesn't improve after a few days, see your doctor.

What not to take with Imodium?

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Loperamide (Imodium)? Avoid drinking tonic water. It can interact with loperamide and may cause serious heart problems. Avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.