When should you call your doctor?

Diarrhea may just be an uncomfortable problem, or a sign of something more serious. Diarrhea can also lead to other problems, such as severe dehydration.

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Six or more loose bowel movements a day for more than two days
• Blood in your stool or rectal area
• Weight loss due to diarrhea
• Fever of 100.5 F (38 C) or higher
• Inability to control bowel movements
• Diarrhea or abdominal cramps that last more than a day
• Diarrhea accompanied by dizziness

If your diarrhea doesn't seem severe but starts to interfere with your daily activities, such as if you're concerned about leaving home or going somewhere without a toilet nearby, talk to your doctor. If abdominal cramping is keeping you from your daily activities, discuss this with your doctor, as well.

Also call your doctor if you're taking chemotherapy in pill form and you experience diarrhea. Your doctor can determine whether it's safe for you to continue taking chemotherapy pills.