Guillain-Barre syndrome: post-Campylobacter (most common preceding infection)
Post-infectious IBS: bowel habit alterations persisting weeks to months
Patient Discharge Instructions
copy discharge instructions
Discharge instructions for Bacterial Gastroenteritis
What is bacterial gastroenteritis?
Bacterial gastroenteritis is an infection of your stomach and intestines caused by bacteria, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps
Most cases get better on their own within 3 to 7 days with proper rest and hydration
The most important treatment is replacing fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting
Hydration instructions
Drink small sips of oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte, Gastrolyte, or similar) frequently throughout the day
Avoid large volumes at once if vomiting — try 5 to 10 mL every 5 minutes
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and very sweet drinks like juice or soda
Resume normal eating as soon as you feel able — there is no need for a special diet
Medications prescribed
Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed — complete the full course even if you feel better
Anti-nausea medication may be taken as prescribed to help you keep fluids down
Do not use anti-diarrheal medications (Imodium/loperamide) if you have bloody stools or fever — call us first
Preventing spread to others
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after every bathroom visit and before handling food
Do not prepare food for others while you are symptomatic
If you work as a food handler or healthcare worker, stay home from work until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours
Disinfect bathroom surfaces with appropriate disinfectants
Follow-up instructions
See your family doctor in 2 to 3 days if symptoms are not improving
If stool tests were ordered, your doctor will contact you when results are available — some results take 2 to 3 days
Return to the emergency department immediately if you experience
Bloody or black stools (new or worsening)
High fever (temperature >=38.5 degrees C or 101.3 degrees F)
Inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours
Decreased urination, dizziness, or fainting
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Confusion, difficulty thinking clearly, or unusual drowsiness
New rash, joint swelling, or dark-colored urine (signs of post-infectious complications)
No improvement after 7 days
References
Guidelines and key sources
Primary evidence sources
Meisenheimer ES, Epstein C, Thiel D. Acute Diarrhea in Adults. American Family Physician. 2022. PMID 35839362
AAFP clinical practice guideline: comprehensive evaluation and management framework
Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, et al. 2017 IDSA Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diarrhea. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2017. PMC5850553
Level A and B recommendations for antibiotic selection, stool testing indications, STEC management
DuPont HL. Bacterial Diarrhea. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009
DuPont HL. Acute Infectious Diarrhea in Immunocompetent Adults. New England Journal of Medicine. 2014
Supportive care evidence, ORT, traveler's diarrhea management
Riddle MS, DuPont HL, Connor BA. ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Acute Diarrheal Infections in Adults. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2016
ACG recommendations for diagnostic testing including multiplex PCR
Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, et al. Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update. IDSA and ASM. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2024
Stool culture and multiplex PCR panel indications and limitations
Florez ID, Sierra J, Perez-Gaxiola G. Balanced Crystalloid Solutions Versus 0.9% Saline for Treating Acute Diarrhoea and Severe Dehydration in Children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023
Evidence supporting Lactated Ringer's over normal saline in pediatric dehydration
McGee S, Abernethy WB, Simel DL. Is This Patient Hypovolemic? JAMA. 1999
Orthostatic hypotension as most useful bedside indicator of volume depletion
Empiric antibiotic selection by region, rifaximin indications
Lopez-Velez R, Lebens M, Bundy L, et al. Bacterial Travellers' Diarrhoea: Narrative Review. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2022
Regional pathogen distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.