Diarrhea is a common condition that most people will experience at some point in their lives. It is characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. Diarrhea is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection in the intestines. It can also be caused by food intolerances, reactions to medications, and chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. While diarrhea often resolves on its own within a few days, severe or persistent cases may require medical attention to prevent dehydration and other complications. This article will examine what you can expect if you seek treatment for diarrhea at an urgent care facility.
What Causes Diarrhea?
There are several potential causes of diarrhea:
- Viral infections – Rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus
- Bacterial infections – Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile
- Parasitic infections – Giardia, Cryptosporidium
- Food intolerances – Lactose, fructose, gluten
- Medications – Antibiotics, laxatives, NSAIDs
- Chronic conditions – Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease
- Other – Food poisoning, travelers’ diarrhea, reaction to new foods
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are among the most common causes of acute diarrhea. Contaminated food or water sources often lead to infection.
When to Seek Medical Care
In most cases, diarrhea will resolve on its own within a few days without requiring medical treatment. However, you should consider seeing a doctor if you experience:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Fever over 101°F (38°C)
- Bloody or black stool
- Severe pain or cramping
- Dehydration symptoms like excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness
Infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems may also require earlier medical attention for diarrhea to prevent dangerous complications from dehydration.
What to Expect at Urgent Care
If you decide to visit an urgent care clinic for diarrhea, here is an overview of what you can expect:
Intake Process
You will first be asked to complete registration paperwork that includes your personal and insurance information. Be prepared to provide details about your diarrhea symptoms like when they started, frequency of bowel movements, associated symptoms like nausea or fever. Any recent travel, dietary changes, or new medications should also be reported.
Physical Exam
A healthcare provider will then perform an exam to assess your condition. They will check vital signs like temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Abdominal palpation applying pressure to the stomach area may be done to evaluate for pain, tenderness, bloating, or stool in the colon.
Diagnostic Tests
Certain tests may be ordered to help determine the cause of diarrhea:
- Stool test – Checks for blood, parasites, bacteria
- Blood test – Assesses dehydration and electrolyte levels
- Imaging – Abdominal X-ray or CT scan if obstruction is suspected
Treatment Options
Treatments will focus on preventing or reversing dehydration and managing symptoms. Options may include:
- Oral rehydration therapy – Drinking special fluids to restore fluids and electrolytes
- Anti-diarrheal medication – Reduces bowel movements and cramping
- Antibiotics – If caused by a bacterial infection
- Dietary modifications – Avoiding dairy, greasy foods, caffeine, alcohol, high-fiber foods temporarily
| Treatment | Details |
|---|---|
| Oral Rehydration Solutions | Specialized fluids containing water, salts, and sugars to rehydrate the body. Examples: Pedialyte, CeraLyte, Infalyte. |
| Anti-diarrheal Medications | Medications like loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to slow bowel movements. |
| Antibiotics | If caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics like ciprofloxacin may be prescribed. |
| Dietary Changes | Avoiding dairy, caffeine, greasy or spicy foods, and alcohol until diarrhea resolves. |
Home Care Instructions
You will be provided instructions for caring for diarrhea at home. This will include:
- Consuming oral rehydration solutions
- Taking any prescribed medications
- Eating a bland diet low in fiber and lactose
- Avoiding strenuous activity to rest your bowels
- Returning promptly if symptoms worsen or persist more than 1-2 days
When to Visit an Emergency Room
Most cases of diarrhea can be managed in an urgent care setting. However, emergency care is needed if you experience:
- Blood or pus in stool
- Inability to keep down fluids due to vomiting
- Fever over 102°F (39°C)
- Signs of dehydration – fainting, rapid heart rate, little to no urine output
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
Emergency care allows for more advanced testing and treatment like intravenous rehydration. They can also admit patients with severe dehydration or diarrhea complications.
Preventing Diarrhea
You can take steps to avoid developing diarrhea:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Avoid contaminated food and water when traveling
- Cook foods thoroughly, avoid cross-contamination
- Get vaccines like rotavirus, typhoid, and hepatitis A
- Take probiotics to support gut health
Practicing good hygiene and food safety can prevent many diarrheal illnesses. If traveling to developing regions, take precautions by only drinking bottled water and avoiding raw fruits/vegetables that could be contaminated.
Conclusion
Diarrhea often resolves quickly without medical care. However, urgent care can provide treatment to relieve symptoms and address complications. Focus is on preventing or reversing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions, anti-diarrheal medications, and dietary changes. Diagnostic testing helps determine if antibiotics or specialty care is needed. While most diarrhea cases can be managed in urgent care, emergency care is required for severe dehydration or systemic illness. Taking preventive measures can reduce your risk of developing diarrhea.