DIARRHEA( ADULTS) 129
Have the attacks of diarrhea occurred since a visit abroad?
Foreign travel
No foreign travel
Do you have recurrent pain in the lower abdomen?
No
Yes
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have an intestinal disorder.
Do you have either of the following?
Nausea or vomiting
Temperature of 100.4 ° F( 38 ° C) or above
Neither
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have picked up an intestinal infection, such as giardiasis, during your travels abroad.
Is your diarrhea associated with either of the following?
Eating particular foods
Period of stress
Neither
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You probably have gastroenteritis or food poisoning.
• Follow the advice for preventing dehydration( p. 165).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if you are no better in 2 days or if any other symptoms develop.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have an intolerance of a specific food or foods.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Anxiety disorders can be a cause of diarrhea.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Your symptoms may be a side effect of the medication.
• Stop taking any overthe-counter medicines but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
Are you currently taking any medication?
Medication
No medication
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your diarrhea from this chart.