Symptom Checker

  • When to seek medical advice

    • Consult your doctor if diarrhea lasts longer or is more severe than usual, or if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

    • Severe abdominal or rectal pain
    • Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
    • A fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
    • Signs of dehydration, such as thirst, infrequent urination, dry skin, lightheadedness or dark urine

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Diarrhea

Find possible causes of diarrhea based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your symptom.

  • Ongoing or recurrent (weeks to years)

  • Preceded by eating suspect food

  • Preceded by recent antibiotic use

  • Recent (days to weeks)

  • Sudden (hours to days)

  • Eating certain foods

  • Avoiding certain foods

  • Abdominal pain or cramping

  • Bloating or abdominal swelling

  • Bloody stools

  • Constipation

  • Fever

  • Mucus in your stool

  • Muscle aches or joint pain

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Passing gas

  • Unintended weight loss

  • Urgency to have a bowel movement

 

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