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InstaCare Online

Diarrhea

Should I Call?

	Call 911 NOW (you may need an ambulance) IF: Very weak (can't stand)
	Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF: You feel weak or very sick Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or hig her Signs of dehydration (e.g., no urine in more than 12 hours, very dry mouth, lightheaded, etc.) Severe abdominal pain Constant abdominal pain for more than 2 hours Bloody bowel movements Black bowel movements More than 10 diarrhea stools in the past 24 hours Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to a nearby Instacare clinic or to a local hospital Emergency Department. Use our Facility Search, to find the Instacare clinic nearest you.
	Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (between 9 am and 4 pm) IF: You think you need to be seen Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or higher Abdominal pain. EXCEPTION: Pain clears with each passage of diarrhea stool Mucus or pus in stool for greater than 2 days Small amount of blood in the stool. EXCEPTION: only on toilet paper. Reason: diarrhea can cause rectal irritation with blood on wiping. Recent antibiotic treatment Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy) Recent travel to a foreign country and diarrhea started during trip or within 7 days of return Receiving tube feedings (e.g., nasogastric, g-tube, j-tube) Age greater than 70
	Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF: You have other questions or concerns Diarrhea persists for more than 7 days Diarrhea is a recurrent problem
	Self Care at Home IF: Mild diarrhea and you don't think you need to be seen