Urgent Care Services
Diarrhea Diagnosis and Treatment
In Napa, Sonoma and Benicia
Get Quick Relief for Diarrhea in Napa, Sonoma and Benicia
If you are suffering from diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, vomiting, people in Napa, Sonoma and Benicia have a convenient option which is available on the same-day or with an easy online appointment. Our policy at the Urgent Care + TeleHealth clinics is to always accept walk-ins, and our generally short wait times mean that you’ll soon be seen by a provider and on your way back home.
With easy parking and locations close to the freeway, we make coming to an in-person appointment as convenient as possible. Our clinics accept most insurance plans and also offer discounts for patients who pay with cash or use their HSA/ FSA/ Debit card for their co-pay.
Whether your diarrhea just got started or you’ve been suffering for a long time, your care is covered by most insurance plans – including Kaiser. Our clinic is managed by an emergency medicine doctor who has 25 years of clinical experience, and each member of our care team provides courteous, professional and compassionate patient care.
How We Help
- Open on the weekend.
- Most insurance plans are accepted.
- Walk-ins are accepted without appointments.
- Quick and easy online appointments.
- Start with a telehealth visit if more convenient.
- Discounts for self-pay patients using HSA/FSA.
Urgent Care + TeleHealth is managed by Dr. Ian Ahwah, an emergency medicine physician with 25 years of clinical experience. Our doctors, medical providers and support staff treat you with dignity and protect your privacy.
Diarrhea FAQ
What is acute diarrhea and what are common causes of diarrhea?
Diarrhea may be caused by food poisoning (potato or egg salad), viruses (Rotavirus, Norovirus, etc), bacteria (E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, etc), medications, parasites (Giardia, Entamoeba, etc), chronic health conditions, a recent medical procedure or issue with your hormones or metabolism (lactose intolerance). Bacterial and viral infections are common causes of diarrhea.
Some medications, especially rampant usage of antibiotics, can cause diarrhea. This happens when the normal protective beneficial bacteria are killed, which increases the risk of infection with bacterial pathogens that may make you sick. The loss of good bacteria may make it difficult for your body to digest certain foods(dairy products). You may have developed an intolerance to foods or a new food allergy. Gluten intolerance, dairy allergies, and celiac disease are common chronic digestive problems that cause diarrhea after eating certain foods.
A problem with your stomach or bowels, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, could cause you to have diarrhea. Recent surgery on your digestive system, including your gallbladder, may cause diarrhea. The diarrhea may get worse after you eat fatty foods. Metabolic conditions, thyroid problems and hormone fluctuations are less common causes of diarrhea. Some medical treatments, including radiation therapy, cause diarrhea. Some people get diarrhea when they’re anxious or nervous, such as before an exam or a job interview.
When Should You Go to Urgent Care for Diarrhea?
How Is Diarrhea Diagnosed At Urgent Care + TeleHealth?
You’ll also have a physical exam performed by a doctor. During the exam, you’ll be checked for signs of dehydration, abdominal pain and infection. If any additional tests are needed to diagnose what’s causing your diarrhea, you will be advised during your visit. For example, Shiga toxin producing-E. coli, Campylobacter are a couple of bacteria known to cause bloody diarrhea. You might need to provide a stool sample in a container that we provide to you. We send the sample to a lab. The lab checks for parasites, bacteria and viruses that may be causing your diarrhea. We also offer testing for food allergies, metabolic disorders and other causes of diarrhea. You may also need imaging studies to check for stomach or intestinal problems.
How Is Diarrhea Treated at Urgent Care + TeleHealth?
Your Urgent Care + TeleHealth provider may prescribe antibiotics, anti-parasitic medication, antiemetics or antidiarrheal drugs, to mitigate the effects of your diarrhea and vomiting caused by the infection. Two types of OTC medications may also help treat diarrhea. These include loperamide, which slows the movement of food through your intestines, and decreases intestinal secretions. Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate and balances the fluid in your intestines. BSS may reduce diarrhea by approximately 50%; however, it may cause blackening of tongue, stool and may lead to constipation. Moreover, it cannot be used in patients allergic to aspirin.
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