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Diarrhea is one of those annoying bodily functions that we all deal with from time to time. It’s not exactly the most pleasant topic to discuss, but it’s something that affects pretty much everyone at some point in their lives. Whether it’s from something we ate, a virus, or just a case of nerves, diarrhea can really throw a wrench in your day.
Most of the time, diarrhea is just your body’s way of getting rid of something it doesn’t like. But there are times when it could be a sign of something more serious. So, how do you know when it’s time to put down the Pepto-Bismol and make an appointment with your doctor? Here are a few signs to look out for.
First of all, let’s talk about the most obvious of signs: blood in your stool. If you notice any red or black tinges in your poop, it’s time to high-tail it to the doctor’s office. Blood in your stool could be a sign of a number of serious conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, or even colorectal cancer. It’s definitely not something to take lightly, so get yourself to a professional ASAP.
Another big red flag is if your diarrhea is accompanied by a high fever. If your temperature is over 102°F, it could be a sign of a bacterial or parasitic infection, like salmonella or giardia. These types of infections can be pretty serious if left untreated, so it’s best to get checked out by a doctor if you’re feeling feverish.
If you’ve been experiencing diarrhea for more than a week, that’s another big indicator that it’s time to see a doctor. Acute diarrhea usually only lasts a few days, but if it’s been sticking around for over a week, it could be a sign of a chronic condition, like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Dehydration is a common side effect of diarrhea, but if it’s severe or prolonged, it could be a reason for concern. Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, and decreased urination. If left untreated, severe dehydration can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Severe abdominal pain is another reason to book an appointment with your doctor. If your stomach feels like it’s being tied up in knots, or if you’re experiencing sharp, stabbing pains, it could be a sign of something more serious than just a case of the runs. It could be an indication of something like appendicitis, gallbladder disease, or even an intestinal blockage. These conditions require immediate medical attention, so don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain.
If you’ve recently traveled to a foreign country and have developed diarrhea, it’s also a good idea to see a doctor. Traveler’s diarrhea is a common ailment for those who have recently visited a different part of the world, and it’s usually caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. While most cases of traveler’s diarrhea are mild and resolve on their own, there are certain bacterial and parasitic infections that can cause more severe symptoms and require medical treatment.
Finally, if you have a weakened immune system, it’s important to be especially vigilant about seeking medical attention for diarrhea. This includes people with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes, as well as those who are taking immunosuppressive medications. A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to severe infections and complications from diarrhea, so it’s best to be proactive about seeking medical treatment if you fall into this category.
In summary, if you notice blood in your stool, have a high fever, experience diarrhea for over a week, are severely dehydrated, have severe abdominal pain, have recently traveled to a foreign country, or have a weakened immune system, it’s time to pick up the phone and make an appointment with your doctor. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, and your doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your diarrhea and provide you with the appropriate treatment. Plus, who knows, maybe they’ll even prescribe you some magical pill that will make it all go away. A girl can dream, right?
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