Stool or blood tests may be needed
If you have bloody stools, high fever, or prolonged diarrhea, we may direct you to a facility that can perform stool and blood tests.
ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS
Loose stools
Loose stools commonly occur with gastroenteritis, food-related illness, or medication effects. Hydration and the presence of blood or severe pain are important.
ONLINE CONSULTATION
What can be discussed online
Loose stools commonly occur with gastroenteritis, food-related illness, or medication effects. Hydration and the presence of blood or severe pain are important.
- Mild diarrhea while fluids can be taken
- No blood in the stool or severe abdominal pain
- Advice on hydration and medication
The doctor may recommend an in-person visit or tests when online assessment is not sufficient.
Possible causes include viral or bacterial gastroenteritis, food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and medication side effects. Severe infection or inflammatory bowel disease may require testing.
These symptoms may indicate severe dehydration or serious inflammation of the bowel. If any of the following apply, prioritize in-person care.
Blood or black stool
Severe abdominal pain or a rigid abdomen
Unable to drink, faintness, or very little urine
High fever or rapid deterioration
We may recommend an early in-person visit
- High fever or prolonged diarrhea
- Infants, older adults, or pregnant patients
- Diarrhea that began after antibiotics
- Symptoms after overseas travel or a suspected cluster of illness
If you have impaired consciousness, severe dehydration, or intense abdominal pain, consider seeking emergency care.
To understand your condition as accurately as possible, the doctor will review the following points in order.
- 01When the diarrhea began, frequency, and stool consistency
- 02Blood in the stool, fever, abdominal pain, or vomiting
- 03Fluid intake and frequency of urination
- 04Recent food, travel, and similar symptoms in people around you
- 05Recent antibiotics and medical conditions
- 06Current medicines
Preventing dehydration comes first
We will explain how to replace fluids and electrolytes and decide whether medicines such as probiotics are appropriate for the cause and your condition.
Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own if you have bloody stools or a high fever.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please prepare
01Frequency and appearance of stoolsYou do not need to prepare a photo
02Temperature recordIf you can measure it
03Food and travel historyWhat happened before the symptoms began
04Current medicinesIncluding antibiotics
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about this symptom
Can I take an anti-diarrheal medicine?
If you have bloody stools, a high fever, or severe abdominal pain, do not take one without medical advice. Consult us first.
Other family members have the same symptoms. Can we consult you?
Infectious gastroenteritis may be possible. We will advise on the appropriate type of care for each person based on their symptoms and age.
ONLINE CARE
Loose stools
The doctor may recommend an in-person visit or tests when online assessment is not sufficient.
Book an online consultation