Acute diarrhoea is often accompanied by nausea, fever and abdominal pain and is an expression of an irritated or inflammatory intestinal mucosa. If the acute diarrhoea does not last longer than one week, a visit to the doctor is not absolutely necessary. If, however, a bloody or purulent stool appears or if the diarrhoea is accompanied by a very high fever above 39°C, you should see a doctor. In this case, microbiological diagnostics can provide information about the cause of the digestive disorder.