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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diarrhea

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How is Diarrhea Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Most cases of diarrhea do not require medical attention; however, if the diarrhea is severe, call your healthcare provider for an appointment. Your doctor may run the following tests to find the right diagnosis and treatment for you:

  • Family history - Your doctor will ask about your family history to determine whether the condition causing the diarrhea is hereditary
  • Blood test - A blood test will be taken to measure the amount of electrolytes present; a kidney function test may be used to determine the severity of the diarrhea
  • Stool sample - A stool sample will be examined to determine if the reason for the diarrhea is bacterial or parasitic. Stool testing is the most common way to examine a stool culture for gastrointestinal pathogens such as clostridium difficile (C. diff), fecal trypsin/chymotrypsin, along with a wide range of other possible pathogens.
  • Hydrogen breath test - This test helps doctors figure out if the cause of the diarrhea is because of lactose intolerance. The patient is given a drink that’s high in lactose. The doctor will then measure your breath at intervals to gauge the amount of hydrogen present. Exhaling too much hydrogen indicates that your digestion and absorption of lactose are not working properly.
  • Upper endoscopy - Doctors can view the inside of the stomach and the upper small intestine using a thin tube equipped with a miniature camera attached. Your provider may remove a tissue sample to check for cancer (biopsy).
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy - A thin, medical tool equipped with a small camera and light on the end is inserted into the rectum allowing the doctor to view the inside. Your doctor may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to be examined for signs of cancer or other problems causing diarrhea.
How can a primary care doctor help?

Most cases of diarrhea are not usually severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. However, if you are concerned that diarrhea has lasted longer than four days, make an appointment with your primary care physician. They may prescribe medication to treat your symptoms, order essential medical tests, or determine whether your symptoms need further analysis by a specialist.

If you don’t have a primary care physician, know that NewYork-Presbyterian is home to compassionate and experienced primary healthcare professionals at over 200 medical clinics conveniently located throughout the New York City metropolitan area, including Westchester and Putnam counties.

How is Diarrhea Treated?

Treatment

Most cases of diarrhea do not require a visit to the doctor. There are numerous over-the-counter medications made specifically for treating diarrhea. However, if your diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than two days, contact your doctor or find a new healthcare provider near you.

Medications and dietary changes to treat diarrhea
  • Dietary changes. Many people lose their appetite while they are experiencing diarrhea. The BRAT diet was once considered the ultimate dietary fix for diarrhea, consisting of eating bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. However, experts feel that this type of diet is okay for adults but is not necessarily a good nutritional choice for children who are recovering from diarrhea.
  • Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium), and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) can help control diarrhea
  • Doctor prescribed medications:
    • Lomotil (diphenoxylate/atropine) for severe diarrhea
    • Mytesi (crofelemer) – used to treat diarrhea associated with HIV/AIDS
    • Xifaxan (rifaximin) – used to treat serious bacterial-associated diarrhea
    • Aemcolo (rifamycin) – used to treat serious bacterial-caused diarrhea
    • Alinia (nitazoxanide) – Used to treat parasitic-related diarrhea
    • Motofen (difenoxin and atropine sulfate) – used for serious diarrhea

FAQs

FAQs

Antibiotics can cause diarrhea in some people; antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections are known to cause diarrhea in about 1 in 5 people.

Black or bright red stool could be an indication of blood in your stool. Should this continue, you should seek medical attention. Bright yellow stool may be the sign of a parasitic infection called giardiasis, caused by consuming unclean drinking water.

Diarrhea normally lasts between two to four days with some infections taking as long as a week. However, if you are experiencing severe diarrhea lasting longer than four days, you should call your doctor to schedule an appointment.

Get Care

Receive Treatment for Diarrhea at NewYork-Presbyterian

Knowing the symptoms and causes of diarrhea can help you know when to seek treatment. If you’re looking for a primary care physician, NewYork-Presbyterian has locations throughout the New York City metropolitan area, including Westchester and Putnam counties. Most insurance is accepted.

Patients can also access patient portals, online urgent care, and referrals to specialists.