To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your child's condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• How long has your child had diarrhea?
• How many times per day does your child have diarrhea?
• Describe your child's diarrhea:
  • What color is it?
  • Is it mushy or watery?
  • Does it contain blood or mucus?
  • Have you noticed an unusual odor?
• Does your child have other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain?
• Has your child taken any new prescription or nonprescription medications?
• Do you regularly give your child laxatives or stool softeners?
• Has your child been eating new or different foods?
• Has your child been exposed to other children or adults who have diarrhea?
• Has your child drunk untreated lake, stream or well water?
• Has your child recently visited a foreign country where clean water or proper food preparation was not available?
• Has your child been exposed to farm animals?
• Does your child have a history of chronic disease such as cystic fibrosis or celiac disease?
• Does your child have any health risks?