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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you or your child needs to see a doctor, you'll likely see your primary care provider first. If there are questions about the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to an infectious disease specialist.
What you can do
Your time with your doctor is often limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. Some questions you might want to ask your doctor or your child's doctor include:
- What's the likely cause of the symptoms? Are there other possible causes?
- Is there a need for any tests?
- What's the best treatment approach? Are there any alternatives?
- Is there a need to take any medicine? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
- How can I ease the symptoms?
If at any time during your appointment you don't understand what the doctor is saying, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
What to expect from your doctor
Some questions the doctor may ask include:
- When did symptoms first begin?
- Have the symptoms been continuous or intermittent?
- How severe are the symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to improve symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen symptoms?
What you can do in the meantime
Drink plenty of fluids. Stick with bland foods to reduce stress on your digestive system. If your child is sick, follow the same approach — offer plenty of fluids and bland food. If you're breast-feeding or using formula, continue to feed your child as usual. Ask your child's doctor if giving your child an oral rehydration fluid such as Pedialyte is appropriate.
- Parashar UD, et al. Viral gastroenteritis. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2895854. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Viral gastroenteritis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/faq.htm. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Bresee J. Viral gastroenteritis. In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/132204794-2/0/1679/64.html?tocnode=55241342&fromURL=64.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50063-1_1351. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Viral gastroenteritis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/viralgastroenteritis/index.htm. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Rotavirus (cause of severe diarrhea). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about_rotavirus.htm. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Norovirus: Q&A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Rotavirus. Nemours Foundation. http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/rotavirus.html. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Vomiting. Nemours Foundation. http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/vomit.html. Accessed April 15, 2009.
