Should I see a gastroenterologist or visit the intestinal clinic for diarrhea?

Diarrhea is usually caused by either infectious or non-infectious factors. It is generally advisable to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital, or, depending on test results, to seek treatment at an intestinal clinic.

1. Gastroenterology Department

The gastroenterology department in clinical practice primarily focuses on diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and pancreas. If diarrhea occurs due to infections or non-infectious factors that irritate the gastrointestinal tract, patients can typically seek care at the hospital's gastroenterology department.

2. Intestinal Clinic

The intestinal clinic is a specialized department established specifically for preventing and controlling the spread of intestinal infectious diseases such as cholera. If diagnostic tests—including complete blood count, routine stool examination, and PCR—confirm a diagnosis of cholera, patients should visit the intestinal clinic for treatment. During treatment, strict isolation is generally required, along with thorough disinfection for both patients and carriers, to prevent disease transmission.