Diarrhea

Diarrhea, characterized by loose, watery stools, is an extremely uncomfortable and disruptive problem. Like vomiting, it can be the body’s way of rejecting something that has been ingested. Most cases of diarrhea are mild, but some cases can be symptoms of a more serious health problem. Diarrhea can be caused by a number of different issues, including:

Food poisoning
Medications
Diseases of the intestines (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
Malabsorption (body is unable to adequately absorb certain nutrients from the diet)
Hyperthyroidism
Some cancers
Laxative abuse
Alcohol abuse
Diabetes

If you are suffering from diarrhea that is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it may be indicative of a more serious health problem that requires medical treatment. Contact your doctor as soon as possbile if you are experiencing:

Nausea and vomiting
Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool
Sharp abdominal pain
Weight loss
Fever

The vast majority of diarrhea cases resolve on their own within hours. When experiencing diarrhea it is extremely important to keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, especially water. Many over-the-counter products exist to treat symptoms of mild diarrhea. If sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools or a fever accompanies your diarrhea, see your doctor immediately.

Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service (GERMS)
Village C West 206
(202) 687-4357

Student Health Center
Darnall Hall Ground Floor
To make an appt: (202) 687-2200
After hours clinician on-call: (202) 444-7243

Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road
Emergency Room
Call 911