Often times, diarrhea will pass within a few days and can be supported by safe and effective remedies like DiaResQ. However, some cases of diarrhea can be more severe and could warrant a trip to your doctor. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms that could signify something more serious. Consider the following four factors when deciding whether a bout of diarrhea is cause for concern.
Duration
With a normal, run-of-the-mill case of diarrhea, symptoms should pass within roughly three days for an adult or older child. If your diarrhea persists for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. In children, the duration for a normal bout of diarrhea is much shorter and it is suggested that you should see a pediatrician for all cases of diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours.
Dehydration
One of the primary concerns with diarrhea that persists beyond a few days is dehydration, and this can happen quite quickly in smaller children. Be sure to stay well hydrated when suffering from diarrhea, opting for water and unsweetened coconut water, and relying on ORS (oral rehydration solutions) if needed.
In adults and older children, symptoms of dehydration can include a dry mouth, extreme fatigue, dark-colored urine, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, irritability and sleepiness. In children, symptoms can include crying without tear production, fewer or no wet diapers, unusual sleepiness or drowsiness, a sunken appearance to the eyes, cheeks or abdomen, and/or skin that doesn’t flatten after being pinched and released.
Health Status and Age
A bout of diarrhea that might not be cause for concern in an otherwise healthy adult could be dangerous for people with compromised health or a weakened immune system. Small children, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women or anyone with a health condition that weakens their immune system and their ability to fight off and recover from illness should never hesitate to call the doctor if their diarrhea persists for more than a few days (or 24 hours in small children).
Symptoms
Normal symptoms that often accompany diarrhea include cramping, bloating, a low-grade fever, nausea and sometimes even vomiting. Symptoms that are abnormal and warrant a doctor’s visit are severe abdominal or rectal pain; bloody, tarry or black stool; a fever greater than 101.3 degrees; and the signs of dehydration discussed earlier.
Most cases of diarrhea are no reason to panic, but it’s good to know the common signs and symptoms of a more serious bout so you can take the proper steps and prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
For safe and effective diarrhea relief for kids and adults, keep DiaResQ on hand. DiaResQ provides beneficial nutrients that work with your body to rapidly restore normal function and relieve diarrhea, so you can get back to normal quickly.
