Q: How do I know if diarrhea is something I can treat at home or something I should see a doctor about?
A: Most of us have had a stomach bug that left us making frequent trips to the bathroom for a day or two. In many cases, diarrhea is caused by a virus or something we ate, and it gets better on its own with rest and plenty of fluids.
But not every case is that simple.
You’ve probably seen recent headlines about cyclospora, a parasite that’s been linked to outbreaks in several states. It serves as a good reminder that diarrhea isn’t always caused by a “stomach flu.” Bacteria, parasites, medications and even some chronic medical conditions can all be responsible.
So how do you know when it’s time to call your doctor?