This is a condition where bowel movements are very loose, watery or both. This condition can either be acute, meaning lasting only a short while. Or it can be chronic, which means occurring regularly.

Diarrhea can become dangerous when it causes dehydration. Typically this occurs in small children and the elderly, though it can occur in anyone.

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramping or pain
• Bloating
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Nausea
• Loose, thin, or watery stools

What Are the Causes?

Diarrhea can accompany several different illnesses, so it can be challenging to determine the exact cause. Some of the contributing reasons are:

• Alcohol abuse
• Bacterial infection
• Diabetes
• Food allergies or intolerance
• Food-borne illness
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Overactive Thyroid
• Some medications
• Viral infection

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Experiencing diarrhea once or twice a year is considered normal and in most cases will resolve on its own. However, certain circumstances could indicate that you need medical assistance to treat the issue properly. Come into Bayside Urgent Care Center if you are experiencing the following:

• If it lasts more than 12 hours
• Any symptoms of dehydration
• You have an accompanying fever
• If your stool is black or bloody

What is the Treatment?

One of the biggest concerns with having diarrhea is dehydration. When you come into Bayside Urgent Care Center, one of the first things we will check for is any dehydration signs. If there are indications the cause is infectious, we may also prescribe antiparasitic medications or antibiotics.

What To Bring When You Visit

Know your family medical history and be prepared to give this information to the doctor. Be ready to tell us about any medications you take (including vitamins and supplements), as well as any past illnesses and surgeries. We may also need your primary care doctor’s phone number and address if we need to transfer records.

Does Bayside Urgent Care Accept Insurance?

Yes. We accept Medicare and most major insurance carriers. If you do not have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, our services are reasonably priced and less expensive than an ER visit.

Come to Bayside Urgent Care Center to Treat Your Diarrhea!

Our center is in Clearwater, Florida, conveniently situated to Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, and Tampa. If you are experiencing the runs and have any questions about the appropriate treatment, visit our office or call.

*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience very serious or life-threatening problems. Read What is Urgent Care for more information.

Bayside Urgent Care is your alternative to the high costs and long waits at hospital emergency rooms. We believe that excellent healthcare should be affordable, and it’s our goal to never rush patients.

We are conveniently located in Clearwater, Florida. The center is only a short drive from nearby Clearwater Beach, Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Countryside, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, and Indian Rocks Beach.