The symptom checker reviewed by doctors

Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed
symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.

  • Symptom
  • Assessment
  • Results

Are you also nauseated or vomiting?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have GASTROENTERITIS (stomach flu).

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Did you recently start taking an antibiotic or other new over-the-counter or prescribed medicine or supplement?

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Possible Diagnosis

Your diarrhea may be a side effect or adverse reaction caused by the medicine.

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Did your symptoms begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking dairy products?

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Possible Diagnosis

Your symptoms may be caused by LACTOSE INTOLERANCE. People who have this condition have trouble digesting the sugar in milk and other dairy products.

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Did your diarrhea develop within 2-8 hours after eating food that might be spoiled, or did someone else eat the same food and become ill too?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have FOOD POISONING. Other symptoms of FOOD POISONING may include headache, fever, chills, and weakness.

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Have you traveled recently to another country?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have TRAVELER’S DIARRHEA, which is caused by contaminated food or drink.

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Do you have sharp pain in the lower left side of your abdomen, and are you often constipated?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have a condition that affects the intestines, such as DIVERTICULOSIS or DIVERTICULITIS.

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Is your diarrhea watery, and do you have a headache or muscle aches and a low fever?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have GASTROENTERITIS (stomach flu).

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Do you have persistent, severe abdominal cramps, gas, and watery diarrhea followed by greasy stools?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have a form of BACTERIAL DIARRHEA or a parasite (GIARDIA).

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Do you have a fever, and are you experiencing pain in the middle or upper abdomen that radiates to your back?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have GALLBLADDER DISEASE, a perforated ULCER PANCREATITIS.

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Are you bloated, and are you experiencing severe lower abdominal pain or cramping?

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Possible Diagnosis

These could be symptoms of a problem such as an INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION or blockage.

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Do you have diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and stomach pains every time you eat certain foods?

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Possible Diagnosis

MALABSORPTION problems, such as CELIAC DISEASE, can cause food-related diarrhea. Food sensitivities can also cause similar symptoms.

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Do you have frequent loose bowel movements mixed with blood or mucus, and diffuse/generalized abdominal pain and cramping?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE or CROHN’S DISEASE.

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Do your bowel movements alternate between constipation and diarrhea, and does your condition seem to get worse when you’re under stress?

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Possible Diagnosis

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME or SPASTIC COLON may be the cause of your DIARRHEA.

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Have you had chronic constipation (long bouts between bowel movements associated with abdominal pain, bloating and straining to defecate), but suddenly experienced watery diarrhea that leaks out?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have a FECAL IMPACTION, a large mass of dry, hard stool that is trapped in the rectum.

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Self Care

Drink plenty of water, eat a bland diet (smaller, more frequent meals that include non-spicy foods) and see your doctor if you develop and find blood or mucous in your diarrhea or vomit.

Self Care

Talk to your doctor about the antibiotic or medicine you’re taking. He or she may be able to prescribe a medicine that won’t cause diarrhea. However, don’t stop taking your current medicine unless your doctor tells you.

Self Care

If you think you have LACTOSE INTOLERANCE, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend taking lactase enzyme tablets or drops to help prevent problems. Also, avoid eating or drinking foods and beverages that make you sick.

Self Care

Most problems caused by FOOD POISONING will clear up within 12-48 hours. In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Children should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Avoid solid foods until the diarrhea goes away. A simple way to make a home-based ORS is to boil a cup of white rice until the rice has completely overcooked and split and the water is cloudy. Keep the water and throw out the mushy rice. The water replaces the electrolytes lost in diarrhea.

If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, or you’re very uncomfortable, call your doctor.

Self Care

Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products. If your symptoms persist or if you have blood or mucous in your diarrhea, call your doctor.

Self Care

See your doctor. A diet high in FIBER and water may help relieve your symptoms.

Self Care

Get plenty of rest. Children who have GASTROENTERITIS should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration. A simple way to make a home-based ORS is to boil a cup of white rice until the rice has completely overcooked and split and the water is cloudy. Keep the water and throw out the mushy rice. The water replaces the electrolytes lost in diarrhea.

Ease back into eating with bland foods and clear liquids.

Contact your doctor if you have a high fever (greater than 101.5°F), your symptoms last for more than 10 days, or if you are unable to tolerate liquids for more than 2 days.

Self Care

Call your doctor promptly. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine.

Self Care

Call your doctor promptly.

Self Care

See your doctor right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Self Care

Avoid the foods that make you sick, and discuss the problem with your doctor. Keep a food diary (writing down what and when you eat and when symptoms develop) to help determine patterns or triggers for your symptoms.

Self Care

See your doctor. He or she will determine what treatment is right for you. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that make your symptoms worse.

Self Care

Gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet if constipation is the main issue, and drink plenty of fluids. If you see blood in your stools, call your doctor.

Self Care

See your doctor.

For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

DISCLAIMER

Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.