SparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more

Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

When to Call A Doctor

Call your doctor promptly if you have symptoms of gastroenteritis together with any of the following:

  • A fever above 101° Fahrenheit

  • Blood or pus in your stool

  • Diarrhea that lasts more than one week

  • Symptoms of significant dehydration, including dry mouth, intense thirst, and weakness

  • A history of recent travel to a developing country or to any area where sanitation is poor

  • Any medical condition that either weakens the immune system or is treated with immune-suppressing medication

Also, call your doctor promptly if you are taking oral medication for a chronic medical condition and you are either too nauseated to swallow your medicine or have vomited after taking it.

Page 7 of 9     Next Page:  Gastroenteritis In Adults Prognosis
Click here to to redeem your SparkPoints
  You will earn 3 SparkPoints
From Health A-Z, Harvard Health Publications. Copyright 2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to reproduce, in any manner, in whole or in part, the material contained herein. To make a reprint request, contact Harvard Health Publications. Used with permission of StayWell.

You can find more great health information on the Harvard Health Publications website.