How is Diarrhea diagnosed?

Diagnosis of diarrhea begins with a medical history and physical exam. If there is severe pain or blood in the stool, a healthcare provider will generally examine the Abdomen. Occasionally, the provider may order one or more of the following tests:

• Abdominal X-rays

• Blood tests

• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which involves placing a lighted tube into the bowel

• Cultures of stool specimens to look for certain organisms

• Urine tests