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Compliments of American Academy Of Family Physicians

Diarrhea

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Loose or watery bowel movements, sometimes with unusual colors or consistencies, create an uncomfortable condition that usually stops by itself. Work through this chart to make sure the diarrhea doesn't need immediate attention.

SYMPTOMS	DIAGNOSIS	SELF-CARE

1. Do you have a fever?	Go to Question 5.*

2. Do you have aches, chills, cold symptoms, nausea or vomiting?	You probably have viral GASTROENTERITIS.	Treat yourself with simple medicines for cold or flu symptoms or for nausea. Contact your doctor if you have a high fever or your symptoms persist.

3. Do you have severe abdominal pain along with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea?	This could represent a severe problem such as INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION or blockage.	See your doctor right away or be seen in the nearest emergency room.

4. Are your bowel movements gray, white or greasy in appearance?	GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS or PANCREAS PROBLEMS could cause this change in bowel movements.	Call your doctor.

*5. Have you eaten a food that might be spoiled or did someone else who ate the same food become ill?	You may have FOOD POISONING.	Most episodes will disappear within six to 12 hours. If symptoms last longer or you're very uncomfortable, call your doctor.

6. Do you have persistent severe cramps and watery diarrhea or soft, yellow bowel movements, or is there blood with watery diarrhea?	You may have a form of BACTERIAL DIARRHEA or a parasite (GIARDIA).	Call your doctor.

7. Have you traveled recently to another country?	You may have acquired TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA caused by contaminated food or drink.	If symptoms persist, call your doctor.

8. Are you presently taking an antibiotic or other new medicine?	Your diarrhea may be caused by the MEDICINE.	Call your doctor about the antibiotic or medicine you're taking.

9. Do certain foods always seem to cause diarrhea along with gas, bloating and stomach pains?	MALABSORPTION, such as CELIAC DISEASE, can cause food-related diarrhea.	Avoid the offending food. Intolerance of milk and dairy products can be treated with lactose enzyme, available in stores. Discuss the problem with your doctor.

10. Do you have frequent bowel movements mixed with blood or mucus?	You may have INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE.	Make an appointment with your doctor.

11. Do your bowel movements alternate between constipation and diarrhea, and do "nerves" seem to bring on this condition?	IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME or SPASTIC COLON may be the source of your diarrhea.	Try a high-fiber diet for a few weeks. If you see blood in your bowel movements, call your doctor for an appointment.

12. Do you have pain in the abdomen, especially after you eat foods that are difficult to digest?	You may have a problem of the large bowel such as DIVERTICULOSIS or DIVERTICULITIS.	See your doctor.

13. Have you had chronic constipation but developed recent watery diarrhea?	You may have a FECAL IMPACTION or other blockage.	See your doctor.

For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.