Dale Prokupek, MD
Board Certified Internist & Gastroenterologist
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (16)
How to Identify and Manage an HIV Rash
Learn what HIV rash looks like and how to take care of it at homeA skin rash is a common symptom of HIV infections. It is an early indication in most cases and occurs within two to three weeks after you have contracted t...
How to
Recognize HIV Symptoms
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system, destroying a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off infection and dise...
How to Take a Stool Sample with a Stool Collection Kit
The easiest way to take a stool sample for a lab testIf you’re having gastrointestinal issues, your doctor may have asked you to provide them with a stool sample for testing. While taking a stool sample may sound intim...
How to
Make Yourself Poop
Infrequent bowel movements lead to abdominal pain, a drop in appetite, and bloating. If you haven't had a stool, there are some ways you can help your digestion and make yourself poop. Start with the gentler methods and ...
How to Stop & Treat Rectal Bleeding (And When to See a Doctor)
Plus, how to determine what might be causing your rectal bleedingAs scary and surprising as it can be to find blood on your toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, rest assured that this almost always indicates a minor issue...
How to
Poop Less Often
Taking a long hike? Flying a small airplane? Or are you just sick of having to go to the bathroom so often? This article will show you how to stop going to the bathroom so much, whatever your case may be. Just remember t...
How to
Soften Hard Stools
Passing hard, dry stool is painful. It hurts when it blocks your bowels and when it is difficult to pass. There are several dietary and lifestyle changes that will likely help solve the problem. If they don’t work, see...
How to
Get Rid of Diarrhea Fast
Stomach cramps, frequent trips to the bathroom, and loose, watery stools - diarrhea can cause anyone's day to come to a screeching halt. Fortunately, you can try to treat diarrhea at home with simple diet changes, and ov...
How to
Check Your Health by Poop or Stool Colors
Colors of poop can indicate a number of illnesses, suggesting specific, possible problems that may need attention. Stop being puzzled by amorphous colors of bowel movements. By learning how to scan the specific color ind...
How to
Cure Diarrhea
Diarrhea is not a condition; it is a symptom of another health issue, such as an infection or a virus. It can also be a reaction to food allergies, medications, protozoans (10%-15% of cases), viruses (50%-70% of cases), ...
15 Easy Ways to Calm a Nervous Stomach
Settle your anxious stomach with these pain-relieving tipsIf you deal with nerves or anxiety on the regular, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of a nervous stomach. Churning, cramping, and bloating are never ea...
How to
Treat a Bleeding Ulcer
When the lining of your stomach becomes compromised, normal stomach acids that aid in daily digestive functions eat away the protective layer of mucus in your digestive tract. This results in an open sore—called an ulc...
How to
Reduce Bloating and Gas
Gas and bloating are a natural result of the digestion process, but too much gas can be painful or embarrassing. Luckily, you can often reduce those unpleasant symptoms by making a few simple changes to your diet. Keep r...
How to
Poop More
Having regular bowel movements is important for maintaining your digestive health. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do to help keep your body regular and increase how often you have to go. We’ll start with so...
How to
Analyze Poop
Stool analysis is an extremely common diagnostic tool used by health professionals. The information gained from these tests helps to diagnose a variety of digestive diseases, ranging from parasitic infections to colorect...
How to
Keep Your Pancreas Healthy
While it’s often overlooked, the pancreas is an important, hardworking organ. It makes enzymes that help digest food and regulate blood sugar levels. The most important steps to keeping your pancreas healthy are to eat...