How do I know if mom has more of a problem than diarrhea?

gave up and took her to the er..... now she's spending the night there. will know more tomorrow.

Sometimes as one get older one might become lactose intolerant, thus cannot digest milk products, cheese, ice cream, cottage cheese, cream soups, etc.

My Dad has this issue and there are Lactaid pills one can take before eating something that is diary.... Dad will order regular ice cream at the main dining room but would forget to bring his Lactaid pill, and the next day, oops.

Also, Dad's morning caregiver has noticed if Dad eats raisin bran too many days in a row [it's his favorite cereal], there is an explosion problem.

I think I'd keep trying for the sample. I can imagine that isn't easy, though.

Diarrhea itself is worth watching closely, especially in the elderly. Be certain she stays hydrated.

As cwillie suggests, this may be related to medicines she has recently taken.

Was she on antibiotics for the bronchitis? They can mess up the gut flora and cause problems like your mom's, ask about giving her some probiotics.