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InstaCare Online

Does this describe your symptom?

  
  • Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of BMs (bowel movements, stools).
  • Mild diarrhea is the passage of a few loose or mushy BMs.
  • Severe diarrhea is the passage of many watery BMs.
General Information
  • The majority of adults with diarrhea of less than two weeks duration have an infectious cause for their diarrhea, and in most cases the infection is a virus. Other common causes of acute diarrhea are food poisoning and medications.
  • Maintaining good hydration is the cornerstone of treatment of adults with acute diarrhea. In general, an adult who is alert, feels well, and who is not thirsty or dizzy - is not dehydrated
    • .
  • Antibiotic therapy is only rarely required in the treatment of acute diarrhea. One type of acute diarrhea that requires antibiotic therapy is Traveler's Diarrhea.

If not, see these other symptoms

  • VOMITING is the main symptom and abdominal pain is mild
  1. Should I Call?
  2. Care at Home

Adult Housecalls. Copyright © 2001-2008. David Thompson, M.D.
Reviewed/Modified: Jan. 2008 by Intermountain Healthcare, Inc.


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