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SYMPTOMS
Diarrhea Treatment in Lakewood
If diarrhea is not easing up, you cannot keep fluids down, or you are getting dehydrated, we can help. Our ER-trained doctors in Lakewood evaluate your symptoms with on-site lab testing and can treat dehydration with IV fluids when you need them. Walk-ins welcome.
What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools occurring more often than what is normal for you. Most short episodes improve on their own, but frequent stools, vomiting, fever, or poor fluid intake can dehydrate you quickly.
The question is less “how many trips to the bathroom?” and more “are you keeping up with what your body is losing?”
What Causes Diarrhea?
Common causes include:
- Viral infections: gastroenteritis and other short-term stomach bugs
- Foodborne illness: bacteria, viruses, or toxins from contaminated food or drink
- Medication effects: especially antibiotics, which can also raise concern for C. difficile infection
- Travel-related infections: including some bacterial and parasitic causes
- Food intolerance: lactose, certain sweeteners, or foods your gut does not tolerate well
- Chronic digestive conditions: IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions when diarrhea keeps returning
If your symptoms started after a specific meal, see Food Poisoning Treatment. If the biggest problem is dizziness, dry mouth, or low urine output, see Dehydration Treatment.
Urgent Care or ER? Know the Difference
Most persistent diarrhea can be evaluated and treated at urgent care, especially when dehydration is the main concern.
Come to ContinuEM if you have:
- Diarrhea lasting more than two days as an adult
- Frequent watery stools that are not slowing down
- Vomiting or trouble keeping fluids down
- If you notice some blood in your stools
- Fever, cramping, or abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, or weakness
- Diarrhea after recent travel, a suspicious meal, or a new antibiotic
- Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have:
- Fainting, confusion, severe weakness, or very little to no urination
- Black, tar-like stools or a significant amount of blood in the stool
- Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
- A rigid, extremely tender abdomen
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness
Young children and older adults can become dehydrated faster. If you are worried about a child, call us at (562) 731-3990 or come in sooner rather than waiting for the symptoms to become severe.
What We Ask About
The pattern tells us a lot. We will ask:
- When the diarrhea started and how often it is happening
- Whether there is blood, mucus, or a major change in stool color
- Whether you also have vomiting, fever, chills, or stomach pain
- What you have been able to drink and how often you are urinating
- Recent travel, restaurant meals, sick contacts, or untreated water exposure
- Recent antibiotics, new medications, or chronic digestive conditions
These details help us separate a short-lived stomach bug from food poisoning, medication side effects, dehydration, or something that needs more testing.
How We Diagnose Diarrhea
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We listen. The timing, frequency, food, travel, and medication history narrow the possibilities.
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We examine. We check your vital signs, hydration, and abdomen.
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We test when it changes the plan.
Our on-site lab can check blood work and electrolytes when dehydration is a concern. We can order stool testing for bloody, prolonged, or higher-risk cases. If significant abdominal pain suggests a problem beyond diarrhea, our doctors can use on-site imaging when medically appropriate.
How We Treat It
Treatment depends on the cause and how dehydrated you are:
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Oral rehydration: small, frequent sips and electrolyte replacement are enough for many cases
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IV hydration: when vomiting or fluid loss makes it hard to catch up by mouth
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Nausea relief: medication when appropriate so you can start drinking again
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Cause-specific treatment: antibiotics only when the suspected or confirmed cause actually benefits from them
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Clear aftercare: what to drink, what to eat as your appetite returns, and the warning signs that mean you need another evaluation
Anti-diarrheal medicine is not right for every cause, especially when fever or bloody stool is present. Our clinicians will tell you what is safe for your situation.
Why Choose ContinuEM for Diarrhea
ER-trained, board-certified providers
On-site lab testing and IV fluids in one visit
CT, X-ray, and ultrasound available when symptoms point beyond a simple stomach bug
Walk-ins welcome; open until 11 PM weekdays, 6 PM weekends
$99 upfront service fee; most insurance accepted
Conveniently located in Lakewood, CA, serving Long Beach, Downey, Cerritos, Bellflower, Paramount, Signal Hill, Norwalk, Naples, Belmont Shore, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Buena Park, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and West Garden Grove.
Related Care at ContinuEM
One visit can cover the symptoms and the cause:
- Food Poisoning Treatment: when symptoms follow a meal, travel, or suspected food exposure
- Dehydration Treatment: for dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, or reduced urination
- Abdominal Pain: when pain is more than ordinary cramping
- IV Hydration: fluid and electrolyte replacement when drinking is not enough
- Lab Testing: blood work and other testing when the cause is not obvious
FAQ
Diarrhea FAQs
Come in if diarrhea lasts more than two days, happens very frequently, comes with vomiting or fever, or makes it hard to stay hydrated. Get urgent evaluation sooner if you are older, immunocompromised, recently took antibiotics, or symptoms are worsening quickly.
Large amount of blood or black stools, severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, and severe dehydration are red flags. Those symptoms may need emergency care. For persistent diarrhea without significant red flags, urgent care is a good place to start.
Hydration comes first. Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, then add simple foods as your appetite returns. Avoid alcohol and heavy, high-fat meals while your stomach is recovering.
Yes, when dehydration is significant or you cannot replace fluids by drinking. Our doctors will check your hydration first and recommend oral fluids or IV hydration based on what you actually need.
Yes. Antibiotics can upset the normal bacteria in your gut, and persistent or severe diarrhea after antibiotics can occasionally signal a C. difficile infection, which is an overgrowth of one specific bacterium caused by getting rid of others. Tell us which antibiotic you took and when symptoms started.
Not usually. Stool testing is more useful when diarrhea is bloody, severe, prolonged, linked to certain travel or exposure histories, or occurring in someone at higher risk for complications. Your clinician will decide whether it will change treatment.
PHONE
FAX
(562) 461-0082
HOURS & APPOINTMENTS
Monday – Friday
8 AM – 11 PM (last check-in at 10 PM)
Saturday & Sunday
10 AM – 6 PM (last check-in at 5:30 PM)
Times may vary. See Holiday Hours.
COVERAGE
We’ve Got You Covered
Most in-network and out-of-network insurance accepted. You pay a $99 upfront service fee; the rest is billed to your insurance.
*Exclusions apply for insurance plans without urgent care benefits — see cash payment options.
Medically reviewed by
Written by
ContinuEM Editorial Team
Last updated
August 13, 2026
ContinuEM Urgent Care is dedicated to delivering exceptional, convenient healthcare to the Lakewood community and its surrounding areas. Our board-certified providers deliver expert care with compassion, transparency, and respect for your time.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.