Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for diarrhea. Diarrhea is when you have 3 or more runny or watery stools, or bowel movements, in a day. The doctors think your diarrhea is likely not caused by something serious.
Diarrhea that starts all of a sudden is most often caused by a virus or bacteria. This will likely get better on its own after a few days. Other things can cause you to have diarrhea, like:
●Side effects from your medicines
●Problems digesting food
●Problems with your digestive system
You might be waiting on some test results. The staff will contact you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Drink small amounts of fluid every 15 to 30 minutes. Good fluids to drink are water, broth, and oral electrolyte solutions. Sugar-free or very low sugar sports drinks are also OK.
●Try to eat a small amount of food. Good foods to eat are potatoes, noodles, rice, oatmeal, crackers, soup, soft vegetables, and bananas. Avoid fatty foods and dairy products.
●Wash your hands often. This helps keep others healthy if you have an infection.
●Stay home from school or work until you no longer have diarrhea. Do not cook food for others while you have diarrhea.
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
-No urine for more than 8 hours
-Feeling very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
-Feeling weak, like you are going to fall
•Your stools have a large amount (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) of blood in them.
•You have very bad belly pain.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have more than 6 runny, watery stools in 24 hours.
●You have a fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C) or higher, or chills that do not go away after a day.
●You have very bad belly pain.
●Your stools have a small amount (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) of blood in them.
●You develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:
•Your urine is very dark colored.
•Your mouth is dry.
•You have muscle cramps.
•You have no energy.
•You feel lightheaded when you get up.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Diarrhea in teens and adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Travelers' diarrhea (The Basics)
Patient education: Acute diarrhea in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Chronic diarrhea in adults (Beyond the Basics)
