Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock
• Severe dehydration

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you know or think you are pregnant, go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems. If you have abdominal pain or severe discomfort that is not relieved by passing stools or gas: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.

Yes	Are your stools black or bloody?
Yes	Do you have diarrhea and a fever?
Yes	Have you had severe diarrhea?
Yes	Do you have symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration?
Yes	Have you had mild or moderate diarrhea?
Yes	Do you think your diarrhea may be caused by a medicine?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have the following symptom?

• Nausea and vomiting: Go to the topic Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 28, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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