Diarrhea in Teens: Care Instructions

Overview

Diarrhea means passing loose or watery stools several times a day or more often than is normal for you. The exact cause of diarrhea is often hard to find. 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 isn't serious, and your stools will return to normal soon. The important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact 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 and treat symptoms of dehydration, which means that the body has lost too much water. Symptoms of dehydration include dry eyes and a dry mouth, passing only a little urine, and feeling thirstier than usual.
• To prevent dehydration, 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. You can try eating a snack or small meal every 3 to 4 hours.
• Limit foods that contain sugar, lactose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, and sorbitol. Avoid spicy foods if they make your diarrhea worse. And avoid caffeine.
• 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. Contact 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.

Contact 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, are pale or white, or 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:

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