Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common symptom, most often caused by an uncomplicated gastrointestinal infection. During the video consultation, doctors specifically check for warning signs and advise you on symptomatic treatment. Following a medical assessment, a private prescription may be issued.

Medically reviewed by Adi Zoabi, Approbation als Arzt.
Last reviewed on August 31, 2026. Updated as clinical guidelines change.

Overview

Diarrhea is present when bowel movements occur more than three times a day and stool consistency is markedly reduced. In adults, the most common cause is an acute, uncomplicated gastrointestinal infection (gastroenteritis), usually triggered by viruses, which as a rule resolves on its own within a few days. The most important measure is replacing lost fluids and salts, as the body loses a great deal of water and electrolytes during diarrhea. In the OpenClinic24 video consultation, doctors take a structured history of your symptoms: duration, frequency and consistency of bowel movements, accompanying symptoms, recent travel, medicines taken, and pre-existing conditions. They then specifically check for warning signs that speak against an uncomplicated course. If, following a medical assessment, an uncomplicated gastroenteritis is present, you receive concrete recommendations for symptomatic treatment; where medically appropriate, a private prescription according to the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ) may be issued. If there is doubt about an uncomplicated course, you will be referred to a local practice or clinic.

Common causes

Most acute diarrheal illnesses are caused by viruses, in particular norovirus and rotavirus, which spread easily from person to person. Bacterial pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, or certain E. coli strains often enter the body via contaminated food or drinking water; typical features here are more severe abdominal pain, fever, or bloody stools. After long-distance travel, so-called traveler's diarrhea is an additional possible cause. Medicines can also trigger diarrhea, above all antibiotics, as can food intolerances such as lactose intolerance. If diarrhea persists for several weeks, chronic causes come into consideration, such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases; these require further work-up with a physical examination and laboratory diagnostics. In the video consultation, a precise description of the onset, course, and possible triggers helps to narrow down the probable cause and determine the next steps.

When to see a doctor

Uncomplicated diarrhea usually improves within two to three days. You should seek medical advice if the symptoms last longer, worsen, or if warning signs appear. These include: blood or mucus in the stool, fever above 39 °C, severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting with an inability to keep fluids down, and signs of dehydration such as intense thirst, dark urine, dizziness, or markedly reduced urine output. A lower threshold applies to infants, small children, pregnant women, elderly people, and persons with a weakened immune system – here an in-person examination is advisable at an early stage. In the case of emergency signs such as drowsiness, confusion, almost no urine output, cold pale skin, or circulatory weakness, call the emergency number 112 immediately.

Symptoms & Indications

Frequent, loose or watery stools Cramping abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Bloating and a feeling of fullness Slightly raised temperature or fever Loss of appetite Fatigue and weakness

Treatment Options

Replacing lost fluids and salts, for example with oral rehydration solutions
Easily digestible, adapted food in small portions
Physical rest until symptoms subside
Motility-inhibiting medicines for short-term relief – following medical assessment
Probiotics as a supportive measure
Anti-nausea medicines (antiemetics) for accompanying vomiting – following medical assessment
Antispasmodic medicines for cramping abdominal pain – following medical assessment

Important Notes

A video consultation does not replace a physical examination. In unclear or severe cases, a visit to a practice or clinic with stool and laboratory testing may be necessary.
Seek in-person medical help promptly if you notice blood in your stool, high fever, severe persistent abdominal pain, or diarrhea lasting longer than three days.
If there are signs of severe dehydration – such as drowsiness, confusion, very little or no urine output, or circulatory weakness – call the emergency number 112 immediately.
Stricter standards apply to infants, small children, pregnant women, and elderly or immunocompromised persons: when in doubt, an in-person medical examination is always advisable.

HOW IT WORKS

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STEP 02

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STEP 03

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Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can diarrhea be treated in a video consultation?

Yes, an uncomplicated gastrointestinal infection is in many cases well suited to a telemedical assessment. The doctor takes a structured history of your symptoms, specifically checks for warning signs, and advises you on symptomatic treatment. If there are indications of a complicated course, you will be referred to a local practice or clinic.

What does the treatment cost and will my insurance cover it?

Billing is carried out as a private service according to the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). Privately insured patients can usually submit the invoice to their private health insurer; reimbursement depends on the individual tariff. Self-paying patients receive a transparent invoice based on the GOÄ, and those with statutory insurance can also use the service as self-payers.

Will I get a prescription for diarrhea?

A prescription is not issued automatically. Following a medical assessment – and where medically appropriate – a private prescription for symptom-relieving medicines may be issued, such as motility-inhibiting agents or anti-nausea medicines. If a bacterial infection with a complicated course is suspected, an in-person examination with stool diagnostics is often required first.

What can I do myself when I have diarrhea?

The most important thing is to drink enough and replace lost salts, for example with an oral rehydration solution from the pharmacy. Eat easily digestible food in small portions and rest physically. Practise careful hand hygiene to avoid infecting others. If your symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, you should seek medical advice.