1. Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow

Medical Author:

Anthony L Buscaglia, DO

Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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When to call the doctor

• If diarrhea lasts longer than three days
• If blood, mucus, or worms are seen in stool
• If the person has pain in the abdomen or rectum
• If the person has a temperaturegreater than 102 F (38.8 C)
• If a severe headache develops
• If the person has signs of water loss including dry mouth, excessive thirst, little or no urination, or feels lightheaded
• If the person's immune system is weakened by another condition such as HIV or cancer
• If the symptoms do not improve when the individual drinks fluids or uses nonprescription medications for diarrhea
• Vomiting prevents fluid intake

When to go to the hospital

• Continuing bloody diarrhea
• Severe weakness
• Passing out (fainting)
• Dehydration

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