Causes of stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain commonly occur together and may be caused by many illnesses. Some are relatively harmless, while others require prompt treatment.

Below, the article explains 11 causes of vomiting and diarrhea with stomach pain. It also lists the treatments and complications that may occur.

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a very common intestinal infection. It typically occurs due to a virus, bacteria, or parasite.

The symptoms can include:

• stomach pain or cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a low-grade fever
• a headache
• fatigue

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States and often stems from consuming food or water containing viral particles. The most common causes are norovirus and rotavirus.

Bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis include:

• salmonella
• shigella
• escherichia coli (E-coli)
• clostridioides difficile
• campylobacter

Learn more about food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

Diverticulosis involves pouches forming in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is the medical name for the infection and inflammation of these pouches.

Diverticulitis typically causes pain in the lower left part of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• bloody bowel movements
• frequent or painful urination
• a fever

The likelihood of developing diverticulosis increases with age. Researchers currently believe that the main cause is having a diet with low amounts of fiber.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to attack its own cells. This can cause permanent damage to the small intestine.

Symptoms of celiac disease may include:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• bloating
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• headaches
• weakness
• fatigue
• joint pain
• bruising easily

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates (NIDDK) that about 2 million people in the U. S. have celiac disease, though many may be unaware of it.

COVID-19 is an illness that predominately affects the respiratory system. The cause is the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

People with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• a cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• new loss of taste or smell
• congestion or a runny nose
• a sore throat
• a headache
• a fever
• chills
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle or body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

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Side effects or adverse events are unwanted reactions to a medication.

Some common side effects include:

• an upset stomach
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Endometriosis involves cells similar to those of the uterine lining growing elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

• stomach cramps
• lower back and pelvic pain
• heavy periods
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• blood in urine or stools
• bloating
• fatigue
• pain during intercourse
• spotting between periods

A bowel obstruction involves the partial or full blockage of the small or large intestine. The blocked part swells with food, fluids, and gas, triggering symptoms such as:

• stomach cramping
• stomach pain
• an inability to pass gas
• abdominal swelling
• appetite loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe constipation or diarrhea

Learn about the many causes of bowel obstruction.

Pancreatitis is the medical term for acute inflammation of the pancreas. The condition usually begins with a sudden onset of severe stomach pain that radiates to the back.

The pain usually worsens when the person:

• takes deep breaths
• coughs
• moves around

Additional symptoms may include:

• a loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a fever
• sweating
• jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

Appendicitis is infection and inflammation of the appendix.

The appendix is a small pouch of tissue that sits inside the colon. It is located in the lower right section of the abdomen.

In addition to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• frequent urination

In about 40% of cases, a person will also experience a fever.

Iron poisoning occurs when too much iron builds up in the body. This may result from the person taking too many supplements that contain iron.

Symptoms of iron poisoning may include:

• abdominal pain
• irritability
• drowsiness
• diarrhea
• vomiting, sometimes with blood
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• a loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe allergic reaction. The trigger may be a medication or food, for example.

Anaphylaxis happens quickly and can be fatal. Symptoms may include:

• a skin rash or hives
• diarrhea
• an itchy throat
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• difficulty swallowing
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• a loss of consciousness

Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to complications, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

The complications depend on the cause of the vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

For example, certain digestive conditions can cause intestinal malabsorption, which prevents the person from getting enough nutrients from food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Untreated pancreatitis, appendicitis, and bowel obstructions can cause serious and potentially life threatening complications such as sepsis, an infection that spreads to the bloodstream and attacks other organs.

The right treatment for vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain depends on the cause of these symptoms.

Many cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are nothing to be alarmed by and resolve in a few days. In the meantime, it is important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent and treat dehydration.

If symptoms are severe or persistent, dietary changes, adjustments to current medications, or medical treatments may be necessary. These treatments may include:

• medications for intestinal infections
• pain relief medications
• intravenous, or IV, fluids
• hospitalization or surgery for serious illnesses, such as appendicitis or bowel obstructions

Anyone who experiences sudden, severe stomach pain with or without vomiting and diarrhea may want to seek emergency care. In particular, the following groups may be more at risk for serious complications:

• children
• pregnant people
• older adults

In addition, anyone who experiences vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, plus one or more of the following symptoms should receive professional care as soon as possible:

• vomiting that is that lasts more than 24 hours
• dehydration symptoms or inability to take in fluids
• bloody vomit
• diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days
• stomach pain that awakens the person from sleep
• any symptoms that began after an injury or surgery to the stomach
• sudden swelling or bruising of the belly
• symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and lethargy
• jaundice
• pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

The following are answers to additional questions about diarrhea and stomach pain.

When should I go to the ER for stomach pain and diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a symptom of gastritis. However, it does not immediately indicate you need emergency help as long as you are able to stay hydrated. You should see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital if you have had gastritis symptoms for longer than a week, are vomiting blood or black sputum, have blood in your stool, have pain that is getting worse, or you develop a fever.

Are diarrhea and stomach cramps symptoms of Covid 19?

While not common symptoms of Covid-19, digestive symptoms can occur with an infection of the virus. They are usually associated with a less severe form of illness but can also occur with a more severe illness. Covid-19 can be detected in stool.

Why do I have a sudden stomach ache and diarrhea?

Abdominal pain and diarrhea can have many causes. They include infection, food poisoning, overeating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are a common symptom combination. They often result from gastroenteritis and tend to go away in a few days without the need for professional care.

However, see a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. They can stem from more serious issues that require prompt treatment.

Most causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are treatable as long as a doctor diagnoses and treat them in time.

Causes of stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain commonly occur together and may be caused by many illnesses. Some are relatively harmless, while others require prompt treatment.

Below, the article explains 11 causes of vomiting and diarrhea with stomach pain. It also lists the treatments and complications that may occur.

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a very common intestinal infection. It typically occurs due to a virus, bacteria, or parasite.

The symptoms can include:

• stomach pain or cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a low-grade fever
• a headache
• fatigue

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States and often stems from consuming food or water containing viral particles. The most common causes are norovirus and rotavirus.

Bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis include:

• salmonella
• shigella
• escherichia coli (E-coli)
• clostridioides difficile
• campylobacter

Learn more about food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

Diverticulosis involves pouches forming in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is the medical name for the infection and inflammation of these pouches.

Diverticulitis typically causes pain in the lower left part of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• bloody bowel movements
• frequent or painful urination
• a fever

The likelihood of developing diverticulosis increases with age. Researchers currently believe that the main cause is having a diet with low amounts of fiber.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to attack its own cells. This can cause permanent damage to the small intestine.

Symptoms of celiac disease may include:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• bloating
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• headaches
• weakness
• fatigue
• joint pain
• bruising easily

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates (NIDDK) that about 2 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease, though many may be unaware of it.

COVID-19 is an illness that predominately affects the respiratory system. The cause is the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

People with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• a cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• new loss of taste or smell
• congestion or a runny nose
• a sore throat
• a headache
• a fever
• chills
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle or body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

Was this helpful?

Side effects or adverse events are unwanted reactions to a medication.

Some common side effects include:

• an upset stomach
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Endometriosis involves cells similar to those of the uterine lining growing elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

• stomach cramps
• lower back and pelvic pain
• heavy periods
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• blood in urine or stools
• bloating
• fatigue
• pain during intercourse
• spotting between periods

A bowel obstruction involves the partial or full blockage of the small or large intestine. The blocked part swells with food, fluids, and gas, triggering symptoms such as:

• stomach cramping
• stomach pain
• an inability to pass gas
• abdominal swelling
• appetite loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe constipation or diarrhea

Learn about the many causes of bowel obstruction.

Pancreatitis is the medical term for acute inflammation of the pancreas. The condition usually begins with a sudden onset of severe stomach pain that radiates to the back.

The pain usually worsens when the person:

• takes deep breaths
• coughs
• moves around

Additional symptoms may include:

• a loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a fever
• sweating
• jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

Appendicitis is infection and inflammation of the appendix.

The appendix is a small pouch of tissue that sits inside the colon. It is located in the lower right section of the abdomen.

In addition to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• frequent urination

In about 40% of cases, a person will also experience a fever.

Iron poisoning occurs when too much iron builds up in the body. This may result from the person taking too many supplements that contain iron.

Symptoms of iron poisoning may include:

• abdominal pain
• irritability
• drowsiness
• diarrhea
• vomiting, sometimes with blood
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• a loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe allergic reaction. The trigger may be a medication or food, for example.

Anaphylaxis happens quickly and can be fatal. Symptoms may include:

• a skin rash or hives
• diarrhea
• an itchy throat
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• difficulty swallowing
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• a loss of consciousness

Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to complications, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

The complications depend on the cause of the vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

For example, certain digestive conditions can cause intestinal malabsorption, which prevents the person from getting enough nutrients from food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Untreated pancreatitis, appendicitis, and bowel obstructions can cause serious and potentially life threatening complications such as sepsis, an infection that spreads to the bloodstream and attacks other organs.

The right treatment for vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain depends on the cause of these symptoms.

Many cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are nothing to be alarmed by and resolve in a few days. In the meantime, it is important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent and treat dehydration.

If symptoms are severe or persistent, dietary changes, adjustments to current medications, or medical treatments may be necessary. These treatments may include:

• medications for intestinal infections
• pain relief medications
• intravenous, or IV, fluids
• hospitalization or surgery for serious illnesses, such as appendicitis or bowel obstructions

Anyone who experiences sudden, severe stomach pain with or without vomiting and diarrhea may want to seek emergency care. In particular, the following groups may be more at risk for serious complications:

• children
• pregnant people
• older adults

In addition, anyone who experiences vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, plus one or more of the following symptoms should receive professional care as soon as possible:

• vomiting that is that lasts more than 24 hours
• dehydration symptoms or inability to take in fluids
• bloody vomit
• diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days
• stomach pain that awakens the person from sleep
• any symptoms that began after an injury or surgery to the stomach
• sudden swelling or bruising of the belly
• symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and lethargy
• jaundice
• pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

The following are answers to additional questions about diarrhea and stomach pain.

When should I go to the ER for stomach pain and diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a symptom of gastritis. However, it does not immediately indicate you need emergency help as long as you are able to stay hydrated. You should see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital if you have had gastritis symptoms for longer than a week, are vomiting blood or black sputum, have blood in your stool, have pain that is getting worse, or you develop a fever.

Are diarrhea and stomach cramps symptoms of Covid 19?

While not common symptoms of Covid-19, digestive symptoms can occur with an infection of the virus. They are usually associated with a less severe form of illness but can also occur with a more severe illness. Covid-19 can be detected in stool.

Why do I have a sudden stomach ache and diarrhea?

Abdominal pain and diarrhea can have many causes. They include infection, food poisoning, overeating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are a common symptom combination. They often result from gastroenteritis and tend to go away in a few days without the need for professional care.

However, see a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. They can stem from more serious issues that require prompt treatment.

Most causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are treatable as long as a doctor diagnoses and treat them in time.

Food poisoning as a cause of diarrhea

Imodium®>Causes of diarrhea>Food poisoning

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Author, editor and medical expert – Zavgorodnyaya Ekaterina Aleksandrovna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 38 606

Date last updated: 06/25/2023

Average reading time: 1 minute

Contents:

How to Avoid Food Poisoning
How to Treat Food Poisoning Diarrhea

The main cause of diarrhea (loose stools) is eating poor-quality foods.

If you are at home. If you have gastroenteritis, you may mistake it for food poisoning.

If you are abroad . If you experience symptoms of gastroenteritis while traveling, you may think it is “traveler’s diarrhea”.

Diarrhea most often occurs when visiting hot countries or places with poor sanitation.

In addition to ingestion of contaminated food or water, diarrhea can be caused by new types of bacteria or simply by eating very fatty or spicy foods.

Back to Contents

How to Avoid Food Poisoning

To reduce the chances of food poisoning, certain rules must be followed.

For example, make sure food has been cooked properly and wash your hands before eating. If you are abroad, avoid drinking tap water or eating food offered by street vendors.

Back to Contents

How to Treat Diarrhea from Food Poisoning

If you have food poisoning, you need to take action to deal with diarrhea right away. Take IMODIUM ^® Express. The tablet does not need to be taken with water, it dissolves in the mouth in 2-3 seconds and within an hour brings the bowels back to normal. Diarrhea is not a defense mechanism that fights infection (this is the task of the immune system), diarrhea is a symptom of indigestion. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

Find out more about IMODIUM ^® Express

IMODIUM® Express are lozenges that quickly and gently stop diarrhea. They have a pleasant minty taste and dissolve in the mouth in 2-3 seconds. Tablets are presented in 6, 10 or 20 pcs. packaged.

Lozenges will help to cope with diarrhea in an hour and restore the natural rhythm of the digestive system.

Find out what is secretory diarrhea? How to treat it and why does it happen?

25. 06.2023

What are the features of the use of loperamide and its dosage in case of food poisoning?

If this is not poisoning, what is? 7 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts and Feels Nauseous

• Health

In the fall, if nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and malaise appear, we attribute them to poisoning, “stomach” flu or rotavirus. But often this is not the reason at all.

October 29, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

If at night or in the morning you suddenly feel sick, have diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, we often think that we ate something wrong. If this is excluded, then the thought appears that they have caught an unpleasant virus, which is commonly called “intestinal flu”. Often this infection in one way or another affects the entire family, although the severity of the condition varies.

But it is not always right to attribute all problems to an insidious virus and wait a couple of days for the body to cope with the infection. Sometimes these symptoms – abdominal cramps, nausea with vomiting and diarrhea – can be the first signs of other, more dangerous and serious illnesses. What it could be, Alexandra Yakovleva, a gastroenterologist, hepatologist at the SM-Clinic in St. Petersburg, listed Dr. Peter.

Not only rotavirus – there are a lot of “intestinal flus”

Nausea and abdominal cramps are clear signs of acute viral intestinal infections: rotavirus, enterovirus and others. Such diseases are also known under the informal name “intestinal flu”. However, in addition to the most famous, there are less common, but no less relevant infections. Most often, the body copes with them for 3-5 days, but you need to monitor your condition: if it gets worse, you should call a doctor at home.

However, other infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections, as well as non-infectious digestive problems or certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, can also indicate similar symptoms. The most common problems include those that we list below.

Read also

Banal overeating

Abdominal cramps and nausea, and sometimes vomiting with malaise, are a sign that your stomach simply cannot cope with the amount of food eaten. Therefore, try to reduce portions, observe moderation in food. Colic in the intestines can also be added to the discomfort of overeating.

Usually such troubles with digestion occur if among the amount of food eaten there were gas-producing foods: legumes, milk, certain types of fruits and vegetables, sweet lemonades.

Exacerbation of chronic gastritis

A surge in the activity of this disease is not always caused by a viral agent. Often, gastritis makes itself felt against the background of severe stress, if you have experienced a shock, overtired or nervous, forgot to eat on time or were on a diet.

Exacerbation also provokes irrational nutrition: a violation of the diet prescribed by the doctor, an abundance of spicy and salty foods in the diet, smoking, alcohol abuse.

See also

Stagnation of bile

Biliary dyskinesia is a functional disorder. This is a violation of the outflow of bile from the liver through the bile ducts to the gallbladder, and then from it through the common cystic outflow into the duodenum. The disease can develop independently, or may be accompanied by other diseases: gastritis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, pancreatitis and others.

In addition to nausea, symptoms of biliary dyskinesia include sharp pain in the right hypochondrium, bloating, bitter taste in the mouth, and lack of appetite.

Inflammation of the pancreas

One of the most common gastroenterological diseases is pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. It happens in an acute or chronic form (with periodic exacerbations). Symptoms are characteristic of both an attack of acute pancreatitis and an exacerbation of the chronic form of the disease.

In addition to nausea, the disease is accompanied by vomiting and pain in the upper abdomen. Sometimes they are shingles in nature and extremely painful.

Read also

When the intestines grumble

Irritable bowel syndrome is a violation of the basic functions of the organ. With this disease, the pain sensitivity of the intestine increases: even ordinary irritants cause severe cramps, discomfort in the abdomen and impaired stool. The disease often occurs against the background of increased stress, depression, chronic fatigue and anxiety. Other possible causes: violation of the intestinal microflora, hormonal changes and a hereditary factor.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Abdominal pain and nausea can be associated with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and intestinal obstruction – obstruction of the passage of feces through the intestines due to obstructions – adhesions, volvulus of the intestine or tumor.

In Crohn’s disease, the inflammatory process can affect all parts of the gastrointestinal tract, but most often it affects the large intestine and ileum – the final section of the small intestine.