Diarrhea in Teens: Care Instructions

Skip Navigation

Overview

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools (bowel movements). The exact cause of diarrhea is often hard to find. Sometimes diarrhea is your body's way to get rid of what caused an upset stomach. Viruses, food poisoning, and many medicines can cause diarrhea. Some people get diarrhea in response to emotional stress, anxiety, or certain foods.

Almost everyone has diarrhea now and then. It usually is not serious, and your stools will return to normal soon. The important thing to do is replace the fluids you have lost to prevent dehydration.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Watch for signs of dehydration, which means your body has lost too much water. Dehydration is a serious condition and should be treated right away. Signs of dehydration are:
    • Increasing thirst and dry eyes and mouth.
    • Feeling faint or lightheaded.
    • A smaller amount of urine than normal.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you feel like eating, start with small amounts of food.
  • The doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter medicine, such as loperamide (Imodium). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not use this medicine if you have bloody diarrhea, a high fever, or other signs of serious illness. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • Your stools are maroon or very bloody.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • Your stools are black and look like tar, or they have streaks of blood.
  • You have new or worse belly pain.
  • You have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
    • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
    • Passing only a little urine.
    • Cannot keep fluids down.
  • You have a new or higher fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your diarrhea is getting worse.
  • You see pus in the diarrhea.
  • You are not getting better after 2 days (48 hours).

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter V728 in the search box to learn more about "Diarrhea in Teens: Care Instructions".

Current as of: October 19, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 19, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.