How can you distinguish between stomach flu and food poisoning. What are the most effective home remedies for stomach flu. How long does stomach flu typically last. What are the key differences between stomach flu and COVID-19 symptoms. How can you prevent dehydration during a bout of stomach flu.

Understanding Stomach Flu: Causes and Symptoms

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as “stomach flu,” is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its name, it’s not related to influenza. Instead, it’s caused by various viruses, bacteria, or parasites that inflame the gastrointestinal tract. The most common culprit is norovirus, responsible for over 50% of cases, followed by rotavirus and bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.

The primary symptoms of stomach flu include:

• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches

These symptoms can appear as soon as 12 hours after exposure to the virus or bacteria. The duration of stomach flu varies, typically lasting between one to 14 days, depending on the causative agent and individual factors.

How is stomach flu transmitted?

Stomach flu is highly contagious and spreads through the fecal-oral route. This means that virus particles from infected feces or vomit find their way into our mouths, either through direct contact or by consuming contaminated food or water. Noroviruses are particularly resilient and can survive on household surfaces for days, contributing to their easy spread.

Differentiating Stomach Flu from Food Poisoning

Given the overlap in symptoms, it’s often challenging to distinguish between stomach flu and food poisoning. Both conditions can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and fever. However, there are some key differences that can help in identification:

How quickly do symptoms appear after exposure?

Food poisoning symptoms typically manifest within hours of consuming contaminated food. If you can recall eating something questionable recently, or if others who shared the same meal are experiencing similar symptoms, food poisoning is likely the culprit.

Are you the only one affected?

If you’re the only one in your household or group experiencing symptoms, it’s more likely to be stomach flu. Viral gastroenteritis is easily transmitted from person to person, while food poisoning often affects multiple individuals who consumed the same contaminated food.

Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19: Important Distinctions

The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to diagnosing gastrointestinal issues. While primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 can sometimes present with stomach-related symptoms, making it crucial to understand the differences:

How common are gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19?

Approximately 20% of COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are typically not the primary or sole manifestation of the disease.

What’s the typical progression of symptoms?

In COVID-19, gastrointestinal symptoms usually appear in the first couple of days and are followed by more characteristic symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. If you notice a progression from stomach issues to respiratory symptoms, consult your healthcare provider about getting tested for COVID-19.

Effective Home Remedies for Stomach Flu

While there’s no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis, several self-care steps can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

How can you prevent dehydration during stomach flu?

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when battling stomach flu. Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, sports drinks (for older children and adults), or oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte (for infants and young children). If vomiting is severe, try taking small sips every few minutes to avoid overwhelming your stomach.

What foods are recommended during stomach flu?

When your appetite returns, start with bland, easily digestible foods. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is often recommended. Other suitable options include:

• Boiled starches (potatoes, noodles, rice)
• Plain cereals with salt
• Crackers
• Clear soups
• Boiled vegetables

Which foods should be avoided during stomach flu?

To aid recovery, steer clear of the following foods until your symptoms subside:

• Dairy products
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Fatty or highly-seasoned foods

Is rest important for recovery from stomach flu?

Yes, getting plenty of rest is crucial for recovery. The illness itself and potential dehydration can cause significant fatigue, so listen to your body and allow yourself time to recuperate.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Stomach Flu

While the primary treatment for stomach flu involves managing symptoms and preventing dehydration, certain over-the-counter medications can provide relief in some cases:

Can adults use anti-diarrheal medications?

Adults under 65 years old experiencing diarrhea without fever or blood in their stools can use anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for one to two days. However, it’s essential to check for any allergies or contraindications before use.

Are these medications safe for children and older adults?

Children and adults over 65 should consult their healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter medications for stomach flu. These groups may be more susceptible to complications and require different management approaches.

Preventing the Spread of Stomach Flu

Given the highly contagious nature of stomach flu, prevention is key to avoiding its spread:

How can you practice good hygiene to prevent stomach flu?

Proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of stomach flu. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially:

• After using the bathroom
• Before preparing or eating food
• After changing diapers
• After caring for someone with stomach flu

What precautions should be taken when someone in the household has stomach flu?

If someone in your household has stomach flu:

• Isolate the sick person as much as possible
• Disinfect shared surfaces regularly with a bleach-based solution
• Avoid sharing utensils, towels, or other personal items
• Wash contaminated clothing and bedding separately in hot water

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of stomach flu resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

What are the signs of severe dehydration?

Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Seek medical help if you or your child experience:

• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth and skin
• Little or no urination
• Severe weakness or dizziness
• Sunken eyes or fontanelle (in infants)

When should you worry about persistent or severe symptoms?

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Fever above 102°F (39°C)
• Bloody stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Symptoms lasting more than a few days
• Inability to keep liquids down for 24 hours

Understanding stomach flu, its symptoms, and proper management can help you navigate this uncomfortable illness more effectively. By following proper hygiene practices and taking appropriate care measures, you can minimize the impact of stomach flu on your health and prevent its spread to others. Remember, while most cases resolve on their own, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.

Have the Stomach Flu? 4 Ways to Treat Symptoms at Home

There’s almost nothing worse than being bent over a toilet throwing up. And, sadly, it can be hard to know what caused you to be there in the first place. Kelli Miller, ANP, UnityPoint Health, lists the symptoms of the stomach flu and how long it lasts, plus ways to feel better, so you can get out of the bathroom and get back to normal.

Stomach Flu Symptoms

Miller says it’s easy to get confused about the difference between influenza, or “the flu,” and gastroenteritis, better known as “the stomach flu.” The stomach flu is caused by a number of viruses, mainly norovirus, which accounts for more than 50 percent of all cases, and others, like rotavirus. Bacteria, such salmonella and E. coli, can also be to blame. Getting the flu shot does not prevent you from getting the stomach flu, but it does prevent you from getting influenza.

“Stomach flu symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” Miller says. “A low-grade fever, chills and muscle aches aren’t uncommon to experience as well. Symptoms can start as little as 12 hours after exposure.”

These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.

“The stomach flu is spread by the fecal-oral route, which means the viruses from infected feces or vomit find their way into our mouths from either touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face or eating/drinking contaminated foods and/or water. Compared to other viruses, noroviruses can live for days on household surfaces, which is why they spread easily,” Miller says.

Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

Miller says the clinical symptoms of the stomach flu and food poisoning overlap quite a bit, as you can have vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and fever with either one. She says the easiest way to determine the cause of your discomfort is to look back at your recent history.

“If your symptoms are caused by food poisoning, they tend to occur within hours after eating something. If you can recall eating something questionable, or if others who ate the same thing as you and have similar symptoms, you probably have food poisoning. If you are the only one who got sick, you more than likely picked up a viral illness,” Miller says. 

Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19

To make matters even more confusing, some people with COVID-19 (about 20% according to studies) experience stomach issues including nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most people with those symptoms usually report developing them in the first couple of days and then go on to experience other respiratory or cold-like symptoms like fever, headache, cough and fatigue.

If you experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, keep an eye out for other symptoms that may follow. If you notice a progression in the illness, talk with your doctor about getting tested for COVID-19. Remember, if you’re feeling sick, stay home and continue to wash your hands frequently.

How to Treat the Stomach Flu at Home

Miller says there’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses and overusing them can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. She recommends treating the stomach flu with the following self-care steps:

• Keep drinking the right fluids. You’ll need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition to water, older children and adults can drink sports drinks, like Gatorade, Power Aid, while babies and young children can have an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte. If your child is vomiting, you can try to give your child a few teaspoons of fluid every few minutes. Babies who breastfeed can continue to breastfeed. But, you should avoid drinks with increased sugar content, such as juices or sodas, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Eat the right foods. If you don’t have an appetite, you should resort to drinking only liquids for a short period of time. Boiled starches (potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat and oats) and plain cereals with salt are recommended, if you have watery diarrhea. You may also try crackers, bananas, soup and boiled vegetables.
• Avoid heavy foods. On the other hand, you should avoid certain foods until you are feeling better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and fatty or highly-seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness or dehydration can make you feel tired.

“Adults under 65 years old with a new bout of diarrhea, with no fever or blood in bowel movements, can take medicine to stop diarrhea, such as loparmide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicyclate (Pepto Bismal) for one to two days, if they’re not allergic to these medications. Children and adults over the age of 65 should check with their health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines,” Miller says.

As contagious as it is, keeping your family from catching the stomach flu can be tricky. Miller offers these tips to protect against the viral infections that cause gastroenteritis:

• Immunize little ones. Infants can be immunized with the rotavirus vaccine. This is offered at 2, 4 and 6 months old during well-child visits.
• Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer works after being in public as well.
• Give your home the once-over. Use household cleaning products to disinfect surfaces and objects, like countertops, doorknobs, handles, sinks, toilets, computer keyboards and phones.
• Separate your laundry loads. Wash laundry of those recovering from the stomach flu in different loads than the rest of your family.
• Keep your distance. Try to keep your children, especially newborns, away from anyone who is sick. If someone in your family is sick, stay home and do not go to work, school or day care. You should be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning.

When the Stomach Flu Requires a Doctor

While most stomach illnesses pass on their own, there are cases when medical attention is necessary. Miller recommends watching for signs of severe dehydration:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate over 100 beats per minute
• Increased breathing rate
• Dizziness, including when standing from a sitting or laying position
• Passing out
• Fatigue
• Dark yellow or amber colored urine
• No urination within the past six to eight hours (during the day)

In addition to severe dehydration, Miller also says the following are causes for concern, and if you experience these, contact your provider:

• Bloody stool/rectal bleeding or blood in vomit
• Vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Fever greater than 104 degrees
• Weight loss
• Severe abdominal pain
• Prolonged symptoms lasting more than a week
• Are currently pregnant

Lastly, call your baby’s doctor right away if your baby:

• Has vomiting lasting several hours
• Hasn’t had a wet diaper in six hours
• Has bloody stools or severe diarrhea
• Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the top of his or her head
• Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
• Is unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive

If any of these symptoms are present, evaluation by a health care professional is needed right away, and IV hydration may need to be administered or possible admission to the hospital.

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms and Treatment

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Viral gastroenteritis can cause nausea and vomiting. You can get the virus that causes it from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces. Washing your hands often may help prevent it.

Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of a number of viruses, most commonly norovirus or rotavirus. This illness is also known as the stomach flu.

This highly contagious illness spreads through close contact with people who have the virus or through contaminated food or water.

It can easily spread in close quarters, such as:

• childcare facilities
• schools
• nursing homes
• cruise ships

This article will help you understand more about viral gastroenteritis including symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually begin shortly after infection. For example, symptoms caused by norovirus typically develop within 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms from adenoviruses may be delayed 3 to 10 days after contact.

Depending on which type of virus you’ve contracted, symptoms can last anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Symptoms often start suddenly over the course of 1 or 2 hours.

Symptoms can include:

• loose, watery diarrhea more than 3 times per day
• fever or chills
• nausea and vomiting
• headache, muscle aches, or joint aches
• sweating or clammy skin
• abdominal cramps and pain
• loss of appetite

Diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis isn’t usually bloody. Blood in your stool could be a sign of a more severe infection.

You should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• diarrhea has lasted for 2 days or more without getting less frequent
• your infant develops diarrhea
• blood is present in your diarrhea
• you show or see signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or dizziness

In addition to the above symptoms, you should seek emergency attention for your child if they have the appearance of sunken eyes or if they aren’t making tears when they cry.

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a number of different viruses. It’s easy for these viruses to spread in group situations. Some of the ways the virus is transmitted include:

• eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• being in close contact with someone who has the virus
• sharing utensils or other items with someone who has the virus
• touching contaminated surfaces
• not washing hands properly, especially food handlers

Viral gastroenteritis affects people of all ages all over the world. But some factors can increase the risk of contracting viral gastroenteritis. People who are at a higher risk include:

• children under the age of 5
• older adults, especially those who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities
• people with a compromised or weakened immune system
• those who are often in group settings, such as schools, dormitories, day care, religious gatherings, and other indoor group settings

Other factors that may increase the risk of becoming ill with viral gastroenteritis include:

• being malnourished, especially low levels of vitamin A or zinc
• recent travel to developing countries
• antibiotic or antacid use
• anal intercourse

Several different types of viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common include:

• norovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• astrovirus

Let’s look at each of these viruses in more detail.

Norovirus

Norovirus is highly contagious and can affect anyone at any age. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, or by people who have the virus. Norovirus is common in crowded spaces.

Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Most outbreaks in the United States occur between November and April.

Symptoms include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• fever
• body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who become ill with norovirus start to feel better within 1 to 3 days of symptom onset.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly affects infants and young children. Those who contract it can then pass the virus to other children and adults. It’s usually contracted and transmitted via the mouth.

Symptoms typically appear within 2 days of infection and include:

• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• watery diarrhea that lasts anywhere from 3 to 8 days

A rotavirus vaccine was approved for infants in 2006. Early vaccination is recommended to prevent severe rotavirus illnesses in infants and small children.

Adenovirus

The adenovirus affects people of all ages. It can cause several types of illness, including gastroenteritis. The adenovirus can also cause common cold-like symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Children in daycare, especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to get adenovirus.

Adenovirus is passed through the air via sneezing and coughing, by touching contaminated objects, or by touching the hands of someone with the virus.

Symptoms associated with adenovirus include:

• sore throat
• pink eye
• fever
• coughing
• runny nose

Most children will feel better within a few days of experiencing adenovirus symptoms. However, symptoms such as pink eye may last longer than a few days.

Astrovirus

Astrovirus is another virus that commonly causes gastroenteritis in children. Symptoms associated with astrovirus include:

• diarrhea
• headache
• mild dehydration
• stomach pain

The virus most often affects people in late winter and early spring. It’s transmitted through contact with a person who has the virus or via an infected surface or food.

Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 3 days after initial exposure, and the virus will usually go away within 1 to 4 days.

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, which can be quite severe in babies and young children. Viral gastroenteritis accounts for over 200,000 childhood deaths worldwide per year.

Other complications of viral gastroenteritis include:

• nutritional imbalances
• body weakness or fatigue
• muscle weakness

Dehydration can be life threatening. Call your doctor if you or your child have these symptoms:

• diarrhea lasting more than a few days
• blood in the stool
• confusion or lethargy
• dizziness or feeling like you’re going to faint
• nausea
• dry mouth
• an inability to produce tears
• no urine for more than 8 hours or urine that is dark yellow or brown
• sunken eyes
• sunken fontanel on an infant’s head

Dehydration that accompanies viral gastroenteritis can lead to several complications of its own. These include:

• brain swelling
• coma
• hypovolemic shock, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluid or blood
• kidney failure
• seizures

To prevent complications, get immediate medical attention if you or your child have symptoms of dehydration.

Most of the time, your medical history and physical exam are the basis for diagnosis, especially if there’s evidence that the virus is spreading through your community.

Your doctor may also order a stool sample to test for the type of virus, or to find out if your illness is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection.

The main focus of treatment is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be necessary.

Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions (OHS), such as Pedialyte, can be helpful in mild cases. These solutions are easy on your child’s stomach, and contain a balanced mixture of water and salts to replenish essential fluids and electrolytes.

These solutions are available at local pharmacies and don’t require a prescription. However, you should follow the instructions carefully.

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications.

Shop online for oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and oral electrolyte products.

Treating diarrhea and vomiting

Diarrhea can be treated in adults with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Your doctor may also prescribe probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria that’s lost during diarrhea or they may prescribe medications to treat severe vomiting.

What to eat and what to avoid

As you start to feel better and reintroduce foods into your diet, it’s best to opt for bland foods, such as:

• rice
• potatoes
• toast
• bananas
• applesauce

These foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause further stomach upset. Until you’re feeling better, you may want to avoid some types of foods, such as:

• fatty or fried foods
• caffeine
• alcohol
• sugary foods
• dairy products

Self-care steps

If you have viral gastroenteritis, consider these self-care measures to help ease your symptoms and prevent dehydration:

• Drink extra fluids with and between meals. If you have difficulty, try drinking very small amounts of water or sucking on ice chips.
• Avoid fruit juices. These don’t replace the minerals that you’ve lost and can actually increase diarrhea.
• Electrolytes. Children and adults can consume sports drinks to replenish electrolytes. Younger children and infants should use products formulated for children, such as OHS.
• Limit portion sizes. Try to eat food in smaller amounts to help your stomach recover.
• Get lots of rest. Prioritize getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Don’t exert yourself until you feel that you have your usual level of energy and strength.
• Medications. Check with your doctor before taking medications or giving them to children. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers with a viral illness. This can cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life threatening condition.

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In addition to rehydrating and resting, there are some natural and home remedies that may help you relieve the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.

Heating pad or heat pack

If you have abdominal pain, try applying a low-temperature heating pad or a warm heat pack to your stomach. Cover the heating pad with a cloth and don’t leave it on for more than 15 minutes at a time.

The heat can help relax the muscles in your digestive tract and keep them from spasming.

Shop online for heating pads and heat packs.

Brown rice water

Some parents serve rice water to their children. This is the water that remains after boiling brown rice. It’s high in electrolytes and can help with rehydration.

To make rice water:

1. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes until the water becomes cloudy.
2. Strain the rice and keep the water.
3. Cool the rice water before serving.

Ginger

Products containing ginger, such as ginger ale or ginger tea, may help soothe an upset stomach.

A 2019 review of studies found that a divided daily dose of 1,500 milligrams of ginger taken in two parts throughout the day may help reduce nausea. More research needs to be done on ginger’s ability to treat other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Shop online for ginger ale and ginger tea.

Mint

Mint may also have anti-nausea properties similar to those of ginger. Sipping a soothing mint tea may help you feel better.

Studies have found that peppermint oil may help relax the muscles in your gut. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Shop online for mint tea.

Yogurt or kefir

Although dairy products should be avoided when you have your most acute symptoms, eating unflavored yogurt with live active cultures or drinking kefir may help restore your body’s natural bacterial balance after illness.

Shop online for plain yogurt and kefir.

Viral gastroenteritis can spread easily. However, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting the virus or passing it to others.

Prevention tips

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before food preparation. If necessary, use hand sanitizer until you can access soap and water.
• Don’t share kitchen utensils, plates, or towels if someone in your household is sick.
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked foods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Take special precautions to avoid contaminated water and food when traveling. Avoid ice cubes and use bottled water whenever possible.
• Ask your doctor if you should have your infant vaccinated against rotavirus. There are two vaccines, and they’re generally started around 2 months old.

Was this helpful?

Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of several types of viruses.

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms. You can get viral gastroenteritis from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces.

Generally, viral gastroenteritis symptoms come on suddenly and pass quickly. If diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, be sure to follow up with your doctor.

It’s also a good idea to get medical attention if your infant or young child develops diarrhea because it can lead to serious complications due to dehydration.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea | What to do with pain in the stomach and diarrhea

Author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 2,495,906

Last updated: 002 Contents

• Causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Some diseases that cause diarrhea and stomach pain
• When you need to see a doctor urgently
• What to do if your stomach hurts and you have diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common pathological symptoms occurring both in isolation and in combination with other manifestations of various diseases ² . About 1.7 billion cases are registered annually in the world ² . Most often they are associated with infections and poisonings ² , in which diarrhea usually accompanies abdominal pain and manifestations of intoxication. However, these same symptoms occur in other diseases.

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Causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea

These symptoms most often accompany diseases of the abdominal organs: stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, internal genital organs and bladder. The appearance of pain is provoked by spasms or stretching of the walls of hollow organs (intestines, stomach, gallbladder), stretching of the outer shell of the liver and pancreas, circulatory disorders and inflammation of the organs themselves, the membrane of the abdominal cavity covering them.

Physiological reasons for loose stools can be:

• increased secretion of fluid into the intestinal cavity due to its irritation, for example, bacterial toxins during food poisoning,
• accumulation in the small and large intestines of substances that attract water, as happens, in particular, with lactose intolerance;
• inflammation of the intestine, accompanied by the release of various fluids into it, for example, mucus, pus in ulcerative colitis;
• increased intestinal peristalsis, e. g. in irritable bowel syndrome,
• retarded motility, such as in scleroderma.

Diarrhea and abdominal pain often coexist because of the common cause. In particular, an increase in the volume of intestinal contents and the accumulation of gases that stretch the walls of the intestine lead to the appearance of pain. Inflammation, spasms, in turn, increase the symptoms of the disease.

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Some diseases that cause diarrhea and stomach pain

Diarrhea is divided into acute and chronic. Acute lasts up to 2 weeks ¹ . If liquid feces are observed for more than 4 weeks, they speak of a chronic form ² . Both options can be with the same diseases.

1. Intestinal infections and toxic infections

Acute diarrhea is most often of an infectious nature ¹ occurs as a result of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins entering the body through the use of contaminated water and food, neglect of personal hygiene ¹ .

¹ :

• bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrios, Campylobacter, Yersinia;
• viruses, for example enteroviruses, rotaviruses or adenoviruses;
• various protozoa: amoeba dysentery, giardia, etc.

Loose stools can be from several to 30-40 times a day ¹ , often accompanied by cramping pain in the abdominal cavity, fever, weakness. The appearance of nausea, vomiting may be associated with damage to the stomach and small intestine, that is, with the development of gastroenteritis ¹ .

Nausea, weakness, abdominal pain and diarrhea, mucus and blood in the feces, false urge to defecate are more common with colitis, that is, inflammation of the colon ¹ .

Intestinal infections, especially in children, the elderly, are dangerous due to dehydration ¹ . Therefore, with frequent vomiting, the appearance of liquid feces in the stool, you need to contact an infectious disease specialist.

2. Traveler’s diarrhea

Most often it is encountered by tourists visiting Central and West Africa, India. What to do: Diarrhea and abdominal pain can be associated with changes in diet, water quality, acclimatization, jet lag, and other stresses. The causative agents of the infection are some strains of E. coli ¹ . Violation of the chair occurs upon arrival or in the first two days of stay in a new country, usually happens up to 3 times a day, is accompanied by cramping pain in the abdominal cavity, lasts an average of no more than a week ¹ , you can cope with it yourself. If symptoms persist for longer, a doctor’s consultation and examination are necessary.

3. Food allergy

More common intolerance to cow’s milk and products from it, as well as eggs, nuts, fish, cereals, strawberries, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, etc. ² . Therefore, if every time after eating a particular product, loose stools appear and the stomach starts to hurt, then perhaps we are talking about an allergy.

Allergic stool disorders are associated with the action of inflammatory mediators ² . They cause swelling of the intestinal walls, increase the secretion of fluid into the intestinal cavity and cause its spasms.

Exclusion of allergenic foods from the diet contributes to the normalization of the condition. Their repeated inclusion in the diet leads to liquefaction of feces.

4. Lactase deficiency and celiac disease

Lactase deficiency is a congenital or acquired deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down cow’s milk protein, or lactose. Its classic manifestations are pain, bloating and loud rumbling in the abdominal cavity that occur after the consumption of dairy products, preceding the release of liquid stools with an unpleasant sour odor.

What to do for stomach pain and diarrhea in lactose intolerance? Of course, exclude milk and products in the manufacture of which it is used.

Celiac disease – intolerance to cereal protein, gluten. Wheat and rye contain the most gluten, so discomfort in the abdominal cavity often occurs after eating flour products. The exclusion of cereals from the diet contributes to the normalization of the condition.

5. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder ² . The reason for its development is still unclear. It is believed that emotional factors, hormonal changes, nutrition, individual characteristics of intestinal motility play a certain role.

IBS often occurs with alternating constipation with loose stools. Diarrhea occurs mainly in the morning after breakfast, never bothers at night ² . It is accompanied by pulling pain in the lower half of the abdominal cavity, the release of a small amount of feces in the form of gruel. In some patients, the feces are dense, lumpy at the beginning of defecation, and then mushy or even watery. To restore the normal excretion of feces, it is necessary, first of all, to normalize the psychological state and hormonal levels.

6. Chronic enteritis

Chronic enteritis, or long-term inflammation of the small intestine, can develop as a result of malnutrition, autoimmune diseases, parasitic infections, long-term uncontrolled use of certain drugs, and other factors.

The disease is accompanied not only by a violation of the stool, but also by a change in the digestion of food, the assimilation of nutrients. Diarrhea occurs 1-3 times a day ^1.3 . There are many stools, they are watery, frothy. Pain sensations are localized mainly in the area on the left above the navel, are dull in nature, accompanied by rumbling and transfusion in the intestines. Prolonged indigestion leads to weight loss, deterioration of the skin, hair and nails, and the appearance of signs of hypovitaminosis. In severe cases, dehydration occurs, the work of all digestive organs and the endocrine system is disrupted. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease, including taking antidiarrheal drugs.

7.

Chronic colitis

Chronic colitis, or inflammation of the colon, also causes abdominal discomfort. Symptoms of exacerbation of the disease – aching pain in the lateral sections and lower abdomen, diarrhea 3-10 times a day ^1.3 . Unlike enteritis, the amount of feces is not increased, they look like gruel. Typical false urge to defecate with the release of a small amount of feces or just mucus.

If inflammation of the colon is accompanied by the formation of ulcers on its walls, as is the case with ulcerative colitis, intestinal spasms become severe, pus and blood appear in the stool, body temperature rises, weight loss is noted ^1.2 .

8. Other diseases

Violation of the stool, discomfort in the abdominal cavity can be associated not only with intestinal problems.

Diarrhea, heaviness in the left side are sometimes a sign of chronic pancreatitis ^1.3 . The cause of loose stools in this case is indigestion, which occurs due to a lack of pancreatic enzymes. Fecal masses have a fetid putrid odor, contain undigested food residues and fat.

Stomach pain and chronic diarrhea are sometimes signs of stomach cancer ³ . The disease is accompanied by a decrease in gastric secretion and acidity, which causes a rapid evacuation of the food eaten into the small intestine, the development of intestinal dysbacteriosis with its inherent symptom of diarrhea. Colon cancer can also lead to loose stools.

There are many reasons for the appearance of pain in the intestines and diarrhea, therefore, when they appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Only a doctor can establish the true cause of violations, prescribe adequate treatment.

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When to see a doctor urgently

Abdominal pain with diarrhea should always be a concern. Short-term disturbance of the stool occurs in many acute diseases requiring surgical care ³ , for example, in the first stage of intestinal obstruction, biliary colic or appendicitis ³ .

You need to see a doctor urgently if:

• you have severe stomach pain and diarrhea;
• fever, chills appeared, the general condition continues to deteriorate;
• Pain is accompanied by tension in the anterior abdominal wall;
• vomiting is frequent, it does not bring relief;
• feces contain red blood or are black;
• Loss of liquid with liquid fecal masses cannot be compensated by the stool on its own due to incessant vomiting and diarrhea, the stomach hurts and it is not clear what to do;
• there are signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes and plaque on the tongue, sunken eyes, pallor and grayish skin tone, confusion, lack of urination;
• diarrhea, pain in the abdominal cavity occurred in a small child, a pregnant woman, an elderly or debilitated person.

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What to do if you have a stomach ache and diarrhea

In case of acute diarrhea and pain in the abdominal cavity, qualified medical assistance is needed, so you need to call a doctor at home.

What to do before the consultation ^1.2 :

• stop eating,
• drink still mineral water,
• keep physical peace.

What not to do if you have a stomach ache and diarrhea:

• take medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals – they can “blur” the picture of the disease and make it difficult to diagnose;
• apply a heating pad to the sore spot – heat can contribute to the development of infection and inflammation;

Treatment of diarrhea includes prevention and control of dehydration, diet therapy and stool normalization.

1. Rehydration, or replenishment of the water-salt balance

To restore the water and electrolyte balance, it is not enough to use ordinary drinking water. Together with loose stools, the body loses a large amount of minerals. Therefore, for drinking it is better to use special solutions or mineral water of a high degree of mineralization without gas ^{1. 2} .

2. Diet

Meals should be fractional, but high in calories, so as not to overload the digestive system and compensate for the loss of nutrients.

From the diet it is necessary to exclude flour products from yeast dough, dairy products, fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs, legumes, coffee, carbonated drinks, kvass ¹ . Spicy, fatty, fried, spicy dishes, canned food, smoked meats, marinades are not recommended ¹ .

3. Drug therapy

All medicines are prescribed by a doctor, based on the diagnosis and characteristics of the course of the disease. These can be antibiotics, enterosorbents, probiotics, prebiotics, eubiotics, antidiarrheals ^1.2 . As the last component, IMODIUM® Express can be recommended.

The active substance of IMODIUM® Express – loperamide ⁴ – can act for 4-6 hours, can reduce intestinal peristalsis, slow down the movement of its contents, promote the absorption of water and electrolytes ⁵ . This drug is used in the treatment of acute, chronic diarrhea of ​​various origins in adults and children over 6 years of age ⁴ .

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

“Imodium is contraindicated for use in children under 6 years of age.”

Intestinal colic – symptoms, causes, signs and treatment of intestinal spasm in adults in “SM-Clinic”

This disease is treated by Gastroenterologist

• About disease
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnostics
• Expert opinion
• Treatment
• Prophylaxis
• Rehabilitation
• Questions and answers
• Doctors

About the disease

Intestinal colic is mainly associated with infants, in whom such cramps are a completely normal consequence of the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract and the absence of the necessary enzymes for digestion of food. With physiological growth, these symptoms disappear.

In adult men and women, intestinal colic is almost always one of the leading symptoms of the pathological process. In some cases, there is a reflex contraction of the muscles of the intestinal walls without functional disorders. This occurs in patients with congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract, in patients who have undergone surgical interventions on the digestive organs.

Intestinal colic is not an independent nosological unit (ie disease), there is no generally accepted classification.

Symptoms

The main symptom of intestinal colic is acute cramping pain in the central part of the abdomen. Some patients describe the sensation as twisting, throbbing spasms that take their breath away.

The rest of the clinical picture depends on the primary disease. Additional symptoms along with intestinal spasm can be:

• nausea, up to vomiting;
• flatulence;
• heartburn;
• heaviness in the abdomen;
• swelling;
• eructation of air or acidic stomach contents;
• girdle pains all over the abdomen;
• absence or severe loss of appetite;
• pain, discomfort in right side;
• hepatic colic;
• rumbling in the abdomen;
• diarrhea or constipation.

With liver damage, it is possible to stain the skin and sclera of the eyes in an icteric hue. With an intestinal infection, there is an increased body temperature, chills, and a general deterioration in well-being. Often, intestinal colic is accompanied by dizziness, headache, sharp and increasing weakness, excessive sweating.

Causes

Most often, intestinal colic occurs against the background of various acute and chronic diseases of the digestive tract, which include:

• gastritis;
• pancreatitis;
• gastric ulcer;
• diverticulitis;
• duodenitis;
• Crohn’s disease.

Other equally common causes of intestinal colic are:

• helminthiases;
• acute respiratory viral infections;
• viral and bacterial enteritis;
• appendicitis;
• hepatitis;
• transferred surgical interventions on the digestive tract;
• neoplasms in the digestive tract;
• acute food poisoning;
• intoxication of the body with heavy metals, harmful chemicals contained in fertilizers, household cleaners, etc. ;
• poisoning with natural and industrial poisons;
• overdose of drugs due to their incorrect or irrational use;
• injuries and chemical burns of the intestines;
• intestinal obstruction;
• ingestion of foreign objects in the digestive tract;
• drinking and smoking;
• diet violation.

In some people, intestinal spasm occurs as a response to too cold or too hot food entering the digestive tract. The cause can also be a hypertensive crisis, atherosclerosis, compression of the blood and lymphatic vessels by a tumor, a bezoar.

There is a relationship between spasms and the psycho-emotional state of a person: colic can occur in stressful situations, after strong negative experiences, against the background of excitement.

Get advice

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

You can find out more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by calling:

+7 (495) 292-39-72

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Why SM-Clinic?

1

Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines

2

Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis

3

Modern diagnostic equipment and own laboratory

9000 2 4

High level of service and balanced pricing policy

Diagnosis

The algorithm for examining patients with intestinal colic involves:

• collection of anamnestic data;
• general physical examination;
• conducting instrumental studies and laboratory tests.

As part of the anamnesis, the doctor asks the patient about complaints and symptoms, past or active diseases, determines the nature of the diet, evaluates the lifestyle. During a physical examination, the doctor evaluates the skin and mucous membranes of the oral cavity, performs thermometry, as well as palpation and percussion of the abdomen.

In the future, a complex of auxiliary examinations is prescribed, which, taking into account the indications, may include:

• general clinical blood and urine tests;
• fecal analysis;
• culture of urine;
• testing for helminthiases;
• biochemical blood test;
• radiography of the digestive system, including with contrast;
• CT or MRI;
• FGDS;
• bowel endoscopy.

In some cases, additional colonoscopy, barium enema and sigmoidoscopy are performed.

Expert opinion

Motility disorders can occur anywhere in the intestine, both in the small and large intestine. Pain, as a rule, occurs after eating or taking medications, against the background of physical activity, emotional experience. It is very important not to ignore such a symptom and immediately seek help from specialists. Constant intestinal colic significantly reduces the quality of life, negatively affects the nutrition and well-being of a person, and can lead to pathological weight loss. It is necessary to identify the cause of the spasm and eliminate the primary disease.

It is strictly not recommended to take any medications that affect intestinal motility on your own. Rash actions can lead to a sharp deterioration in the condition, instead of the expected benefit, cause additional harm. Only a full-time doctor can understand the causes of spasms in the intestines and choose a high-quality and safe treatment.

Butenko Elena Vladimirovna

Hepatologist, gastroenterologist, Ph.D.

Treatment

Therapy consists of symptomatic relief and elimination of the primary disease. As part of first aid for intestinal colic in adults, it is absolutely impossible:

• give painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs;
• apply heating pads to the abdomen;
• apply warming ointments to the skin of the abdomen;
• give food and drink.

Such actions can blur the clinical picture of the disease, due to which acute surgical pathologies will not be detected in time (appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, etc.), which entails a real threat to the patient’s life.

In the treatment of diseases that cause intestinal colic, various medications, surgical techniques, physiotherapy procedures can be used. Medicines may include:

• laxatives;
• antispasmodics;
• antibiotics;
• anti-inflammatory and analgesics;
• diuretics;
• sedatives and sedatives;
• enterosorbents.

Correction of lifestyle and diet, complete rejection of alcoholic beverages and smoking is of great importance. It is desirable to reduce the impact of stress factors, avoiding conflicts, situations in which a person is very worried and worried.

Prophylaxis

There is no specific prophylaxis against intestinal spasms. It is recommended to control the existing chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, not to self-medicate with the use of potent drugs and folk methods, to lead a healthy lifestyle. In case of acute diseases of any nature, it is necessary to seek qualified medical help.

Rehabilitation

Forecasts and terms of recovery depend on the clinical picture of the primary disease, the severity of the patient’s condition, the frequency and duration of intestinal colic, the age of the patient and other indicators.

Strict adherence to diet and strict compliance with medical prescriptions are of paramount importance during rehabilitation. It is recommended to refuse such products as:

• fried meat;
• fatty fish and meats;
• pickles;
• conservation;
• hot spices;
• smoked products;
• unpasteurized dairy products;
• chocolate;
• flour confectionery;
• kvass;
• carbonated mineral water and soft drinks;
• cabbage;
• beans;
• mushrooms.

Questions and answers

To a general practitioner or gastroenterologist.

Safe if pain is associated with malnutrition or large meals. In other cases, such behavior is extremely negatively assessed by practitioners, since under the usual spasms in the intestines, acute surgical pathology or an extensive inflammatory process can be hidden. In such situations, heat will play the role of a catalyst and cause unpredictable consequences.

Undesirable, at least not without medical advice. The fact is that enzymatic preparations help to cope with the digestion of food faster, but relax the work of the pancreas. There is a real risk that with the frequent and uncontrolled use of such drugs, the functions of the gland will simply turn off, and the patient will be forced to take enzymes constantly.

Clinical gastroenterology / Grigoriev P.A., Yakovenko A.V. – 2004.

Batyrkhanova G.G. Differential diagnosis and approaches to the treatment of abdominal pain syndrome (literature review) // Science and Health. – 2014. – No. 1.

V. T. Ivashkin, E.A. Poluektov. Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Moscow. MEDpress, 2013.

Ivashkin V.T., Poluektova E.A., Beniashvili A.G. Interaction of a gastroenterologist and a psychiatrist in the management of patients with a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Experience exchange. Russian Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Coloproctology 2011 No. 06.

Minushkin O.N., Elizavetina G.A. IBS: modern concepts, diagnosis, treatment approaches. St. Petersburg: Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. – M: GMU UD of the President of the Russian Federation, – 2007.

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Diseases referred to Gastroenterologist

Avitaminosis
Ascariasis
Atrophic gastritis
Achalasia
Balantidiasis
Crohn’s disease
Viral hepatitis
Gastritis
gastroptosis
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenterocolitis
Helminthiasis
Liver hemangioma
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis C
Hepatomegaly
hiatal hernia
Diarrhea
diarrhea during pregnancy
Traveler’s diarrhea
Intestinal diverticulosis
Dysbacteriosis
Dyspepsia
Benign neoplasms of the esophagus
Duodenitis
Jaundice
Cholelithiasis
fatty liver disease
Fatty hepatosis
Constipation
Heartburn
intestinal candidiasis
liver cyst
pancreatic cyst
Colitis
Blood in stool
Flatulence
Mechanical jaundice
food poisoning
pancreatitis
Intestinal pneumatosis
Polyps of the stomach
Gallbladder polyps
Intestinal polyps
Postcholecystectomy syndrome
Reflux esophagitis (GERD)
Gilbert’s syndrome
Spasm of the esophagus
Toxic hepatitis
Helicobacteriosis
Cholangitis
cholestasis
Cholecystitis
Chronic gastritis
Chronic cholecystitis
celiac disease
Cirrhosis of the liver
Enteritis
Enterocolitis
Erosive gastritis
Esophageal ulcer
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
Ulcerative colitis

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