Primary & Urgent Care
Digestive Issues — Online Care for Stomach Problems, Same Day
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, or something you ate not sitting right? A licensed provider can evaluate your digestive symptoms today — no waiting room, no referral needed.
Start a VisitAbout digestive issues
🫃 What counts as a digestive issue?
Digestive issues are among the most common reasons people seek medical care. Most are acute — meaning they come on suddenly, have a clear trigger, and resolve within a few days with the right support. A stomach bug, a food that didn't agree with you, a bout of heartburn, unexpected constipation, or several days of loose stools are all examples of digestive symptoms that a licensed provider can evaluate and treat online, same day.
This page focuses on acute and primary care digestive concerns — the kind that appear suddenly and need attention now. If you are managing a longer-term digestive condition such as GERD, IBS, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, our Digestive Health page covers ongoing chronic disease management.
What we treat in this category
Acute nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and loose stools, stomach cramps and abdominal pain, gas and bloating, acute heartburn and acid reflux flares, constipation, food intolerance symptoms (lactose, gluten sensitivity), viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), and medication-related digestive side effects.
🚨 Seek emergency care immediately if you have:
Severe or sudden abdominal pain that is constant and worsening, blood in your stool or vomit, vomiting that is projectile or contains material that looks like coffee grounds, signs of serious dehydration (no urination for 8+ hours, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sunken eyes), a rigid or board-like abdomen, or high fever with severe abdominal pain. These require in-person emergency evaluation — not telehealth.
Types of digestive issues we treat
📋 Acute and episodic digestive conditions
Not all stomach problems are the same. Understanding what you are dealing with helps your provider recommend the right treatment faster. Here are the primary care digestive conditions most commonly evaluated through telehealth.
- 🦠 Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) The stomach flu is caused by a viral infection — most commonly norovirus or rotavirus — and is not related to influenza. It causes sudden-onset nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, often with low-grade fever and body aches. Most cases improve within a few days, although some symptoms may last up to a week. Supportive care — particularly rehydration — is the cornerstone of treatment. Telehealth is well-suited for evaluation and management, particularly for guidance on hydration, symptom management, and when to seek in-person care.
- 🤢 Nausea and vomiting Nausea and vomiting have many causes beyond the stomach flu — motion sickness, medication side effects, inner ear issues, anxiety, early pregnancy, food poisoning, or migraine. A provider can help identify likely causes and recommend or prescribe appropriate anti-nausea medications (antiemetics), as well as guidance on rehydration and dietary management. Note that medication choices differ for pregnant patients — always inform your provider if you are or may be pregnant.
- 💨 Gas, bloating, and indigestion Bloating, excessive gas, and post-meal discomfort are extremely common and often tied to diet, eating habits, food intolerances, or swallowing air. While usually benign, significant bloating that comes on suddenly or is accompanied by pain warrants a clinical evaluation to rule out other causes. A provider can assess your symptoms and recommend dietary changes or medications to reduce discomfort.
- 🚽 Diarrhea Loose or watery stools that occur more than three times per day, particularly if sudden in onset, are often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, food poisoning, antibiotic use, or dietary triggers. A provider can evaluate the likely cause, recommend appropriate treatment and rehydration strategies, and determine whether further testing or antibiotics may be warranted. Diarrhea lasting more than a week, or accompanied by blood or significant weight loss, requires further evaluation.
- 😖 Constipation Constipation — defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, or stools that are hard, difficult, or painful to pass — is a very common complaint. Acute constipation is often triggered by dietary changes, travel, dehydration, medication side effects, or reduced activity. A provider can recommend or prescribe appropriate laxatives, stool softeners, or dietary adjustments. Chronic or recurring constipation may benefit from further evaluation. New constipation associated with unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, or anemia requires prompt evaluation rather than simply starting laxatives — these are considered alarm symptoms.
- 🌶️ Heartburn and acid reflux flares Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid traveling up the esophagus. Occasional or acute heartburn flares — triggered by a specific meal, stress, alcohol, caffeine, or certain medications — are well-suited for telehealth evaluation and treatment. H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors are available for appropriate patients. Frequent or persistent heartburn may indicate GERD and benefit from longer-term management.
- 🍞 Food intolerance symptoms Food intolerances — including lactose intolerance and non-celiac gluten sensitivity — cause digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramping after consuming specific foods, but do not involve the immune system response of a true allergy. A provider can evaluate your symptom pattern and history, advise on dietary elimination approaches, and help determine whether further testing for celiac disease or other conditions is appropriate.
- 🍔 Food poisoning Food poisoning occurs when you ingest food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps starting within hours to a day of eating the suspect food. Most cases are self-limiting. A provider can help assess severity, advise on hydration and recovery, and determine if antibiotic treatment is warranted. Most food poisoning does not require antibiotics, and for some infections antibiotics are not recommended. Your provider will make this determination based on your specific symptoms and exposure history.
- 💊 Medication-related digestive side effects Many common medications — antibiotics, NSAIDs, iron supplements, certain blood pressure medications, and others — cause digestive side effects including nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. A provider can review your medications, assess whether your symptoms are likely medication-related, and recommend adjustments or supportive treatments. Never stop a prescribed medication without speaking to your provider first.
Signs you may need care
🔥 When to see a provider about your stomach
Many digestive symptoms resolve on their own with rest and hydration. But some situations benefit from a provider evaluation — especially when symptoms are interfering with daily life, are getting worse, or are outside what you would expect from a routine stomach upset.
| Symptom | See a provider if... |
|---|---|
| 🤢 Nausea or vomiting | Vomiting for more than 24 hours, unable to keep fluids down, or accompanied by fever or severe headache |
| 🚽 Diarrhea | Lasting more than 2 days, frequent (more than 6 times per day), accompanied by fever, or occurring after recent travel or antibiotic use |
| 😖 Abdominal cramps | Pain that is severe, constant (rather than coming in waves), or located in the lower right abdomen |
| 💨 Bloating or gas | Sudden onset, accompanied by significant pain, or not resolving after a day or two |
| 🌶️ Heartburn | More than twice per week, not responding to OTC antacids, or accompanied by difficulty swallowing |
| 😴 Constipation | No bowel movement for more than 3 days despite dietary measures, or accompanied by significant pain or bloating |
| 🍞 Food intolerance | Consistent symptoms after eating specific foods that disrupt daily life or are affecting your nutrition |
⚠️ Go to the ER or call 911 if you have:
Severe, sudden abdominal pain that is constant and worsening; blood in your stool or vomit; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; signs of serious dehydration (no urination, rapid heartbeat, confusion); high fever with abdominal pain; or a rigid, board-like abdomen. These are potential emergencies requiring in-person evaluation — do not use telehealth for these symptoms.
Stomach symptoms interfering with your day? A licensed provider can evaluate you today.
Start a VisitHow online care can help
💻 Digestive care online — what works and what does not
Acute digestive symptoms — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, heartburn flares, and food intolerance symptoms — are well-suited for telehealth evaluation. Your provider can assess the likely cause based on your symptom history, what you have eaten, recent exposures, and your medications, then recommend or prescribe appropriate treatment without you having to sit in a waiting room feeling unwell.
There are things that require an in-person visit: physical examination of the abdomen when something serious is suspected, diagnostic testing such as stool cultures or colonoscopy, or emergency situations. Your provider will always tell you clearly if your symptoms require a higher level of care.
| What online digestive care can do | What it cannot replace |
|---|---|
| Evaluate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and heartburn | Physical abdominal examination when serious pathology is suspected |
| Prescribe antiemetics, antidiarrheals, acid reducers, antispasmodics | Stool culture, endoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging |
| Advise on rehydration, dietary management, and recovery | Emergency evaluation for severe abdominal pain or GI bleeding |
| Evaluate food intolerance symptoms and guide dietary approaches | Formal food intolerance or celiac disease testing (requires lab work) |
| Review medications causing digestive side effects | Management of complex chronic GI conditions (see our Digestive Health page) |
| Recommend referral to gastroenterology when appropriate |
- 🤒 You feel too sick to leave home. Stomach symptoms are one of the clearest use cases for telehealth. You can speak with a provider from your couch, bed, or bathroom — no travel required.
- 🏪 Prescription sent to your local pharmacy. If prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to the pharmacy you already use. Anti-nausea medications, acid reducers, antidiarrheals — no mail-order required.
- ⏰ Same-day appointments may be available. Digestive symptoms rarely wait. Appointments available every day, 8am to 8pm ET.
- 🩺 A real clinical evaluation. Your provider listens to your full symptom picture before making a recommendation. This is not a one-size-fits-all algorithm.
Treatment options
💊 How acute digestive issues are treated
Treatment for acute digestive issues depends on the specific cause and how your symptoms are presenting. Your provider will tailor their recommendation to your situation — not every stomach problem requires medication, but when it does, getting the right one makes a meaningful difference.
- 🤢 Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) Prescription antiemetics — including ondansetron (Zofran) and promethazine — may provide better symptom relief for moderate to severe nausea or vomiting when OTC treatments are not sufficient. They work by blocking the signals in the brain that trigger the vomiting reflex. Ondansetron may not be appropriate for every patient, particularly those with certain heart rhythm disorders or medications that affect the QT interval. Metoclopramide is another option but is typically reserved for selected situations based on clinical judgment due to its side effect profile. Your provider will select the appropriate medication based on your specific situation and health history.
- 🚽 Antidiarrheals and stool management For acute diarrhea without fever or blood, loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can reduce stool frequency and relieve cramping. When diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be appropriate. Your provider will assess the likely cause before recommending treatment, since antidiarrheals are generally not recommended for diarrhea accompanied by high fever, bloody stool, or suspected Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection.
- 🌶️ Acid reducers for heartburn and reflux For acute heartburn flares, H2 receptor blockers such as famotidine may provide relief within a few hours, while proton pump inhibitors (PPIs such as omeprazole, pantoprazole) are generally more effective for frequent symptoms but may take several days to reach their full effect. Antacids provide immediate but short-lived relief. Your provider will recommend the right class of medication based on how often your symptoms occur and how severe they are. Important: new chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw should be treated as a potential cardiac emergency — call 911 rather than assuming it is heartburn.
- 💨 Antispasmodics and gas relief Abdominal cramping associated with gas and bloating may respond to antispasmodic medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), which relax intestinal smooth muscle and reduce cramping. Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles and is available OTC and in prescription combinations. Dietary guidance targeting common gas-producing foods is also an important part of management.
- 😖 Laxatives and stool softeners for constipation For acute constipation, osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol, MiraLax), stimulant laxatives, or stool softeners (docusate) are commonly recommended based on severity. Your provider will advise on the appropriate type and dosage for your situation. Long-term laxative use without evaluation is generally not recommended.
- 🍞 Dietary guidance for food intolerance For suspected lactose intolerance, a trial elimination of dairy is a common first step. For gluten sensitivity, your provider will assess whether evaluation for celiac disease is appropriate before recommending a gluten-free diet — celiac testing requires active gluten consumption for accuracy. Dietary guidance is an important component of managing food intolerance and reducing recurrent digestive symptoms.
- 💧 Rehydration guidance For gastroenteritis, vomiting, or significant diarrhea, rehydration is the cornerstone of treatment. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) containing the right balance of electrolytes are more effective than plain water alone. Your provider will advise on appropriate rehydration strategies, including whether a commercial oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte or a solution prepared using established WHO or CDC recipes is appropriate, and when IV hydration may be needed.
When to consider a GI specialist referral
Most acute digestive issues are manageable without specialist care. A referral to a gastroenterologist is appropriate when symptoms are recurring or unexplained, when blood in the stool is present, when there is significant unexplained weight loss, when celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, or when diagnostic procedures like endoscopy or colonoscopy are needed. Your provider will help you understand when and whether a specialist is the right next step.
Stomach not cooperating? A licensed provider can help you figure out what is going on and what to do about it.
Start a VisitWhat to expect
🗓️ Your visit, start to finish
Here is what happens from the moment you start your visit to when you have a treatment plan in hand.
|
1
Describe your symptoms
Answer a short intake about what you are experiencing, when it started, what you have eaten recently, current medications, and any relevant health history. About 5 minutes. |
2
Meet with your provider
You speak with a board-certified provider who reviews your intake, asks follow-up questions, and assesses the likely cause of your symptoms. This is a real clinical conversation, not a symptom checker. |
3
Get a treatment plan
Your provider explains what they believe is going on and recommends the right approach — whether that is prescription medication, OTC guidance, dietary changes, or a recommendation to seek in-person care if needed. |
4
Pick up at your pharmacy
If prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to your selected pharmacy. Medication availability and dispensing time vary by pharmacy and medication. |
When will I start feeling better?
Antiemetics (anti-nausea): relief typically within 30 to 60 minutes of the first dose. Antidiarrheals: reduction in stool frequency usually within 2 to 4 hours. H2 blockers for heartburn: relief often within 1 to 2 hours. Antispasmodics for cramping: relief typically within 30 to 60 minutes. For viral gastroenteritis without medication, most symptoms resolve within 1 to 3 days with appropriate rehydration and rest.
Supporting your recovery
🥗 What you can do at home
For most acute digestive issues, home care plays as important a role as medication. Here is what helps — and what to avoid — while your gut recovers.
For nausea, vomiting, and stomach flu:
- →Sip fluids slowly and frequently rather than drinking large amounts at once — small, frequent sips are better tolerated
- →Use an oral rehydration solution (ORS such as Pedialyte, Liquid IV, or a pharmacy-brand equivalent) rather than plain water alone, especially if vomiting or diarrhea has been significant
- →Once you can tolerate fluids, introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods: toast, crackers, rice, bananas, boiled potatoes
- →Avoid dairy, fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and high-fiber foods until symptoms fully resolve
- →Rest as much as possible — your body is fighting an infection or recovering from significant fluid loss
For heartburn and acid reflux flares:
- →Avoid common triggers: spicy foods, tomato-based foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and large meals
- →Do not lie down within 2 to 3 hours of eating — gravity helps keep stomach acid down
- →Elevate the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches if nighttime symptoms are an issue
- →Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions
- →Avoid tight clothing around the waist, which increases abdominal pressure
For gas, bloating, and indigestion:
- →Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly — swallowing air is a major contributor to bloating
- →Avoid carbonated beverages, which introduce gas directly into the digestive tract
- →Common gas-producing foods include beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), onions, and high-fructose foods — reduce these temporarily if bloating is significant
- →Gentle walking after meals can help move gas through the digestive tract
- →If lactose intolerance is suspected, try eliminating dairy for a few days and see whether symptoms improve
⚠️ Contact your provider or seek in-person care if:
- You cannot keep any fluids down for more than 8 hours, or fluids are not staying down despite anti-nausea medication
- Symptoms are getting significantly worse rather than improving
- You notice blood in your stool or vomit
- You develop a high fever (above 102°F / 39°C) alongside digestive symptoms
- You are showing signs of dehydration: dizziness, dark urine, no urination for 8+ hours, rapid heartbeat
- Abdominal pain becomes severe, constant, or is focused in one area (particularly lower right, or pain that worsens with walking or movement)
- Symptoms are not improving after 3 to 5 days
Care connected to your pharmacy
🏪 Your prescription. Your pharmacy. Same day.
Pharmacies are the front door of healthcare in most communities. We built MyPhysician360 to respect that. When prescription treatment is appropriate, your prescription may be sent to the pharmacy you already trust — filled by the pharmacist who already knows you.
Already at the pharmacy looking for something to help with nausea or an upset stomach? Many of our partner pharmacies have a MyPhysician360 QR code at the counter. Start a visit from the aisle and a prescription option may be on its way the same day.
- ✓When prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to your selected pharmacy
- ✓Pick up at your neighborhood pharmacy or any major chain
- ✓Home delivery available by request at many local pharmacies
- ✓No required memberships to access our telehealth services
- ✓If we cannot treat you online, you will not be charged
Frequently asked questions
❓ Digestive care online — your questions answered
The questions we hear most often before a digestive care visit.
Can I get anti-nausea medication prescribed online?
Yes. Prescription antiemetics such as ondansetron (Zofran) are available through a telehealth visit and may provide better symptom relief for moderate to severe nausea when OTC options are not sufficient. They can make a meaningful difference in managing nausea and vomiting from a stomach bug, food poisoning, motion sickness, or medication side effects. Your provider determines the appropriate medication based on the likely cause and your health history.
Is it a stomach flu or food poisoning — and does it matter?
Both cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, but there are some helpful clues. Food poisoning typically comes on faster — within a few hours of eating — and is often tied to a specific meal or food. Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) usually develops over 12 to 48 hours and may spread among household members. The distinction matters for treatment: most stomach bugs resolve with supportive care, while some bacterial food poisoning may benefit from antibiotics. A provider can help you sort it out.
What is the difference between heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD?
Heartburn is the symptom — a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Acid reflux is the mechanism — stomach acid traveling back up into the esophagus. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic condition involving frequent acid reflux, typically defined as occurring more than twice per week. For an occasional heartburn flare, a telehealth visit can help. If you experience frequent heartburn, our Digestive Health page covers ongoing management of GERD and related conditions.
How do I know if I am lactose intolerant or have a gluten sensitivity?
Lactose intolerance typically causes gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea within 30 minutes to 2 hours of consuming dairy products. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes similar digestive symptoms after eating gluten-containing foods, without the immune or intestinal damage of celiac disease. A provider can review your symptom pattern and guide you through an elimination trial. Formal testing for celiac disease — if suspected — requires blood tests and active gluten consumption, so it is important to get evaluated before cutting out gluten entirely.
When should I go to the ER instead of using telehealth?
Use emergency care rather than telehealth if you have severe or sudden constant abdominal pain (especially in the lower right abdomen), blood in your stool or vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, signs of serious dehydration (no urination, rapid heartbeat, confusion, fainting), high fever with abdominal pain, or a rigid abdomen. These symptoms may indicate appendicitis, GI bleeding, or another serious condition that requires in-person evaluation and testing.
Can a telehealth provider help with constipation?
Yes. A provider can recommend or prescribe the appropriate type of laxative, stool softener, or osmotic agent for your situation, as well as dietary and hydration guidance. Not all constipation treatments work the same way for everyone — getting the right recommendation based on your symptoms and history can save a lot of trial and error at the pharmacy.
My child has stomach flu symptoms. Can I use this service?
MyPhysician360 provides care for patients of all ages. For a child with stomach flu symptoms, a provider can advise on appropriate rehydration, dietary management, and whether prescription anti-nausea medication may be appropriate. Medication recommendations depend on age, weight, and the suspected cause of symptoms — not all antiemetics are appropriate for young children. Your provider will factor all of this in when making a recommendation. If your child is showing signs of significant dehydration, lethargy, or prolonged vomiting, in-person evaluation is the appropriate first step.
Do you treat ongoing digestive conditions like IBS or GERD?
This page covers acute and episodic digestive symptoms. For longer-term conditions including GERD, IBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic digestive management, please see our Digestive Health page, which covers provider-guided chronic disease management.
Is this visit HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. MyPhysician360 consultations are HSA and FSA eligible. Your visit cost is reimbursable through your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, making this accessible through your existing health benefits even without insurance.
Helpful resources
📚 Learn more about digestive health
Trusted, authoritative sources for digestive health information.
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🫃 Patient education Digestive diseases: overview of symptoms and conditions National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Visit NIDDK |
🦠 Gastroenteritis Viral gastroenteritis: causes, symptoms, and treatment Mayo Clinic Visit Mayo Clinic |
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🍞 Food intolerance Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity: diagnosis and dietary guidance Celiac Disease Foundation Visit Celiac Disease Foundation |
💧 Rehydration Dehydration in adults: prevention and treatment Cleveland Clinic Visit Cleveland Clinic |
Ready to feel better? Let's get started.
Answer a few questions, meet with a licensed provider same day, and get a personalized treatment plan. No required membership. Available in most states. Your prescription, if appropriate, may be sent to your pharmacy.
HSA & FSA eligible | No required membership | No charge if we can't help
Medical disclaimer & sources: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Not all digestive symptoms are appropriate for telehealth management. Severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool or vomit, signs of serious dehydration, or high fever with abdominal pain are potential emergencies requiring immediate in-person or emergency care. A licensed MyPhysician360 provider will assess your specific situation before recommending any treatment. Content informed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Mayo Clinic gastroenterology guidelines, and the American College of Gastroenterology. MyPhysician360 services are available in most states. Services are not currently available in Mississippi or Alaska.