20 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You may experience nausea due to an infection, such as the stomach flu or food poisoning. It can also occur due to other health conditions, including food intolerances and heavy metal poisoning.

When your digestive system becomes irritated, or is exposed to something potentially damaging to your health, the nerves signal your system to expel its contents as quickly as possible. Vomiting, diarrhea, or both are the result.

These two symptoms often go together, and are typically linked to common conditions, such as a stomach virus or food poisoning.

Since diarrhea and vomiting are associated with many diagnoses, it may be hard to know what’s causing them. Here are some of the possible causes.

Viral gastroenteritis is a contagious, common condition caused by several different virus strains, such as the norovirus. Also known as the stomach flu, it’s not the same thing as the flu, which is a respiratory condition.

Viral gastroenteritis causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. You can get it from close contact with people or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms vary based on the underlying virus but typically include:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• achiness
• fever
• chills

Gastroenteritis usually clears up on its own within a few days. Treatment is centered on avoiding dehydration by sipping water or other fluids.

Food poisoning is caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, a virus, or parasite. Mold and chemical or natural toxins can also cause food poisoning.

Millions of people come down with food poisoning annually in the United States. Symptoms include:

• watery diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps

In most instances, these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own within one to two days. Food poisoning can, however, cause severe symptoms which require medical treatment.

If you’ve ever had a nervous stomach, you already know that strong emotion can affect your gut. Your digestive system can be adversely affected by fear, stress, or anxiety. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or dry heaving.

Powerful emotions trigger the fight-or-flight response. This puts your body on high alert, activating stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones signal your intestines to empty.

They also divert blood away from your stomach to the vital organs you may need most in an emergency, and cause abdominal muscles to clench. All of these physical reactions can bring on diarrhea or vomiting.

Reducing stress with deep breathing exercises and addressing anxiety with a mental health professional can help.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is earmarked by episodes of severe vomiting that have no obvious cause. These episodes can last for hours or even days.

They often start at the same time of day, last for the same amount of time, and are uniform in severity. These episodes may be interspersed with periods of time when no vomiting occurs.

Other symptoms can include:

• diarrhea
• intense sweating
• retching
• severe nausea

The cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown, but stress or a family history of migraine may be a factor, especially in children.

Some triggers for this condition include caffeine, cheese, or chocolate. Avoiding these foods may help reduce or eliminate attacks.

A change in environment, especially to a place with less-than-optimal sanitary conditions, may result in traveler’s diarrhea. This condition is caused by eating or drinking something unclean or contaminated. Symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• nausea
• vomiting

Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up on its own once you’re no longer eating or drinking the contaminated items. See your doctor to identify the bacteria or organism that is causing the diarrhea if:

• it persists for more than a few days
• it’s accompanied by severe dehydration
• you have bloody or severe diarrhea
• you have persistent vomiting

Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can help. In some instances, prescribed medications may be necessary.

Motion sickness can happen at any age. It can be triggered by traveling in a car, boat, airplane or other vehicle.

Motion sickness happens when the central nervous system receives conflicting information from the inner ear and other sensory systems about your body’s flow of movement. That’s why turning your head or body in a moving vehicle can instigate an episode of motion sickness.

Symptoms include:

• feeling queasy
• breaking out in cold sweats
• getting urgent diarrhea
• vomiting

There are medications you can take prior to traveling which may help you avoid motion sickness. A few home remedies include:

• resting
• chewing gum
• drinking ginger ale
• taking a ginger supplement

Motion sickness usually dissipates within several hours.

Digestive issues are common occurrences during pregnancy. These include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation

Nausea and vomiting often occur during the first 16 weeks, when hormonal changes are taking place. It helps if you avoid strong-smelling foods and eat small, frequent meals.

Severe, unending nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may be caused by an uncommon disorder called hyperemesis gravidarum.

If diarrhea is accompanied by vaginal discharge and low back pain, let your doctor know immediately. Sometimes this triad of symptoms means you’re going into preterm labor.

Some prescription medications may cause vomiting and diarrhea as side effects. These include some antibiotics. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea may cause:

• loose stool
• frequent bowel movements
• nausea
• vomiting

These symptoms can occur a week or longer after you start taking the medication, and may last for weeks after you’ve stopped. Other prescribed medications can also cause these symptoms to occur.

Check the labels of your prescription medications to see if vomiting and diarrhea are listed. If so, make sure to stay hydrated if you experience these symptoms, and talk to your doctor about strategies for alleviating discomfort.

Taking antibiotics may also result in a C. difficile infection. C. diff is a type of bacteria which produces toxins that can cause antibiotic-associated colitis.

This can happen if antibiotic therapy throws off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your intestinal tract. Coming into contact with fecal matter or a contaminated surface can also cause a C. diff infection.

Common symptoms include:

• mild-to-severe vomiting
• diarrhea
• cramping
• low-grade fever

People with weakened immune systems and older individuals may be more susceptible to this type of infection. If you suspect that you have a C. diff infection, let your doctor know.

Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of toxic amounts of heavy metals in the body’s soft tissue. Heavy metals include:

• arsenic
• lead
• mercury
• cadmium

Heavy metal poisoning can be caused by:

• industrial exposure
• pollution
• medicines
• contaminated food
• exported good
• other substances

Symptoms vary based on the toxin. They include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• muscles weakness
• abdominal pain
• muscle spasms

Lead poisoning is most common in children between 1 and 3 years old. If you suspect heavy metal poisoning, your doctor will run tests and try to identify the toxin so you can eliminate it from your environment.

Other treatments, such as taking a chelating medication or having your stomach pumped, may also be needed.

Overeating can be taxing on the digestive system. This may be more likely to occur if you eat quickly, or if you eat fatty or spicy food. Symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• indigestion
• nausea
• feeling overly full
• vomiting

Eating too much fiber can also cause these symptoms to occur, especially if you don’t typically eat a high-fiber diet.

Alcoholic beverages cause your stomach to secrete acid. Drinking to excess can cause inflammation in the stomach and digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Drinking less alcohol and watering down alcoholic drinks with mixers can help.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease. Its cause is unknown. There are several kinds of Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include:

• stomach pain
• diarrhea, which may be bloody
• excessive vomiting
• chills
• fever
• feeling faint

These symptoms can be signals that your condition is worsening or requires medical attention.

Crohn’s disease is typically treated with prescription medications. You may also feel relief from taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs. Smoking cigarettes makes Crohn’s symptoms worse and should be avoided.

Colon cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and some other types may cause gastric symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Some forms of cancer may go undiagnosed until gastric symptoms occur.

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Let your doctor know if your symptoms are accompanied by:

• pain
• fever
• dizziness
• weight loss

There are medications and lifestyle changes that can help you alleviate nausea and other symptoms.

IBS is also known as spastic colon. It’s more common in women than in men. Symptoms can vary in intensity. They include:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• vomiting
• bloating
• stomach pain

IBS can be a chronic, long-lasting condition. There is no cure, but dietary changes and medication can help.

A peptic ulcer is an open sore which develops somewhere in the digestive system, such as in the stomach lining or lower esophagus. Drinking too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, and exposure to H. pylori bacteria are some potential causes.

Abdominal pain is the main symptom of a peptic ulcer. Other symptoms include:

• watery diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• indigestion
• blood in the stool

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, antibiotics, and acid blockers.

Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition is more common in adults than it is in children. Lactose malabsorption can cause symptoms such as:

• gas
• bloating
• vomiting
• nausea
• diarrhea

Your doctor can diagnose lactose intolerance with a hydrogen breath test. Avoiding foods containing lactose is the best way to avoid symptoms.

Abdominal migraine is a subtype of migraine which includes diarrhea as a symptom. This condition can be debilitating. With abdominal migraine, the pain is centered in the stomach instead of in the head. Regular migraine attacks can also have diarrhea and vomiting as symptoms.

Migraine is more common in women than it is in men. Some women notice a pattern between their menstrual cycle and migraine. Migraine may also have a genetic link. Some people find relief by identifying and eliminating triggers in their environment.

This rare condition is caused by long-term, heavy use of THC-rich marijuana. Symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea

It causes a compulsion to bathe in hot water. If you suspect that you have this condition, eliminating marijuana use can help. You can also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about lifestyle interventions which can help you to avoid this condition in the future.

A bowel obstruction is a potentially dangerous condition, caused by a blockage in the large or small intestine. Vomiting and diarrhea are early warning signs for this condition. Bloating, constipation, and cramping can also be symptoms.

There are many causes for this condition. They include impacted stool, postsurgical adhesions, and tumors. A bowel obstruction requires medical care. Treatments range from medication to therapeutic enemas or surgery.

While we’ve already discussed treatment for each condition, a few home remedies can also help reduce diarrhea and vomiting symptoms, including:

• Rest. Your body needs a chance to fight off the cause of your symptoms. Letting yourself rest can help alleviate the dizziness caused from motion sickness, too.
• Hydration. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you’re taking in. Dehydration can be dangerous, especially for infants, children, and older adults. Slowly sipping water, broth, or sports drinks that replace electrolytes can all help you to avoid dehydration. If you can’t keep liquids down, try sucking on ice chips or ice pops.
• Eat lightly. Once your appetite returns, eat sparsely and avoid spicy or fatty foods. Some people have trouble tolerating dairy but others can tolerate cottage cheese. Bland foods you may want to try include:
  • soft-boiled eggs
  • toast
  • bananas
  • apple sauce
  • crackers
• Medications. Avoid pain medications, such as ibuprofen, that may irritate the stomach. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can help with diarrhea, and anti-nausea medications can also help reduce queasiness.

Since diarrhea and vomiting can have many causes, it’s important to seek medical help if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen. Those who should always see a doctor for chronic diarrhea and vomiting include:

• infants
• toddlers
• children
• older adults
• those with compromised immune systems

Anyone should check in with their doctor if they have:

• diarrhea that’s bloody or lasts longer than three days
• uncontrollable vomiting or retching, which makes it impossible to keep down fluids for more than one day
• symptoms of dehydration, including:
  • light-headedness
  • sunken eyes
  • crying without tears
  • inability to perspire or urinate
  • very dark urine
  • muscle cramps
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • confusion
  • fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
  • extreme pain or muscle cramping
  • uncontrollable chills

Nausea and diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of conditions but are most often linked to viral infections or food poisoning.

These symptoms often respond well to at-home treatments. If your symptoms last longer than a few days or are severe, check in with your doctor.

20 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You may experience nausea due to an infection, such as the stomach flu or food poisoning. It can also occur due to other health conditions, including food intolerances and heavy metal poisoning.

When your digestive system becomes irritated, or is exposed to something potentially damaging to your health, the nerves signal your system to expel its contents as quickly as possible. Vomiting, diarrhea, or both are the result.

These two symptoms often go together, and are typically linked to common conditions, such as a stomach virus or food poisoning.

Since diarrhea and vomiting are associated with many diagnoses, it may be hard to know what’s causing them. Here are some of the possible causes.

Viral gastroenteritis is a contagious, common condition caused by several different virus strains, such as the norovirus. Also known as the stomach flu, it’s not the same thing as the flu, which is a respiratory condition.

Viral gastroenteritis causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. You can get it from close contact with people or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms vary based on the underlying virus but typically include:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• achiness
• fever
• chills

Gastroenteritis usually clears up on its own within a few days. Treatment is centered on avoiding dehydration by sipping water or other fluids.

Food poisoning is caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, a virus, or parasite. Mold and chemical or natural toxins can also cause food poisoning.

Millions of people come down with food poisoning annually in the United States. Symptoms include:

• watery diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps

In most instances, these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own within one to two days. Food poisoning can, however, cause severe symptoms which require medical treatment.

If you’ve ever had a nervous stomach, you already know that strong emotion can affect your gut. Your digestive system can be adversely affected by fear, stress, or anxiety. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or dry heaving.

Powerful emotions trigger the fight-or-flight response. This puts your body on high alert, activating stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones signal your intestines to empty.

They also divert blood away from your stomach to the vital organs you may need most in an emergency, and cause abdominal muscles to clench. All of these physical reactions can bring on diarrhea or vomiting.

Reducing stress with deep breathing exercises and addressing anxiety with a mental health professional can help.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is earmarked by episodes of severe vomiting that have no obvious cause. These episodes can last for hours or even days.

They often start at the same time of day, last for the same amount of time, and are uniform in severity. These episodes may be interspersed with periods of time when no vomiting occurs.

Other symptoms can include:

• diarrhea
• intense sweating
• retching
• severe nausea

The cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown, but stress or a family history of migraine may be a factor, especially in children.

Some triggers for this condition include caffeine, cheese, or chocolate. Avoiding these foods may help reduce or eliminate attacks.

A change in environment, especially to a place with less-than-optimal sanitary conditions, may result in traveler’s diarrhea. This condition is caused by eating or drinking something unclean or contaminated. Symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• nausea
• vomiting

Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up on its own once you’re no longer eating or drinking the contaminated items. See your doctor to identify the bacteria or organism that is causing the diarrhea if:

• it persists for more than a few days
• it’s accompanied by severe dehydration
• you have bloody or severe diarrhea
• you have persistent vomiting

Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can help. In some instances, prescribed medications may be necessary.

Motion sickness can happen at any age. It can be triggered by traveling in a car, boat, airplane or other vehicle.

Motion sickness happens when the central nervous system receives conflicting information from the inner ear and other sensory systems about your body’s flow of movement. That’s why turning your head or body in a moving vehicle can instigate an episode of motion sickness.

Symptoms include:

• feeling queasy
• breaking out in cold sweats
• getting urgent diarrhea
• vomiting

There are medications you can take prior to traveling which may help you avoid motion sickness. A few home remedies include:

• resting
• chewing gum
• drinking ginger ale
• taking a ginger supplement

Motion sickness usually dissipates within several hours.

Digestive issues are common occurrences during pregnancy. These include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation

Nausea and vomiting often occur during the first 16 weeks, when hormonal changes are taking place. It helps if you avoid strong-smelling foods and eat small, frequent meals.

Severe, unending nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may be caused by an uncommon disorder called hyperemesis gravidarum.

If diarrhea is accompanied by vaginal discharge and low back pain, let your doctor know immediately. Sometimes this triad of symptoms means you’re going into preterm labor.

Some prescription medications may cause vomiting and diarrhea as side effects. These include some antibiotics. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea may cause:

• loose stool
• frequent bowel movements
• nausea
• vomiting

These symptoms can occur a week or longer after you start taking the medication, and may last for weeks after you’ve stopped. Other prescribed medications can also cause these symptoms to occur.

Check the labels of your prescription medications to see if vomiting and diarrhea are listed. If so, make sure to stay hydrated if you experience these symptoms, and talk to your doctor about strategies for alleviating discomfort.

Taking antibiotics may also result in a C. difficile infection. C. diff is a type of bacteria which produces toxins that can cause antibiotic-associated colitis.

This can happen if antibiotic therapy throws off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your intestinal tract. Coming into contact with fecal matter or a contaminated surface can also cause a C. diff infection.

Common symptoms include:

• mild-to-severe vomiting
• diarrhea
• cramping
• low-grade fever

People with weakened immune systems and older individuals may be more susceptible to this type of infection. If you suspect that you have a C. diff infection, let your doctor know.

Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of toxic amounts of heavy metals in the body’s soft tissue. Heavy metals include:

• arsenic
• lead
• mercury
• cadmium

Heavy metal poisoning can be caused by:

• industrial exposure
• pollution
• medicines
• contaminated food
• exported good
• other substances

Symptoms vary based on the toxin. They include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• muscles weakness
• abdominal pain
• muscle spasms

Lead poisoning is most common in children between 1 and 3 years old. If you suspect heavy metal poisoning, your doctor will run tests and try to identify the toxin so you can eliminate it from your environment.

Other treatments, such as taking a chelating medication or having your stomach pumped, may also be needed.

Overeating can be taxing on the digestive system. This may be more likely to occur if you eat quickly, or if you eat fatty or spicy food. Symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• indigestion
• nausea
• feeling overly full
• vomiting

Eating too much fiber can also cause these symptoms to occur, especially if you don’t typically eat a high-fiber diet.

Alcoholic beverages cause your stomach to secrete acid. Drinking to excess can cause inflammation in the stomach and digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Drinking less alcohol and watering down alcoholic drinks with mixers can help.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease. Its cause is unknown. There are several kinds of Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include:

• stomach pain
• diarrhea, which may be bloody
• excessive vomiting
• chills
• fever
• feeling faint

These symptoms can be signals that your condition is worsening or requires medical attention.

Crohn’s disease is typically treated with prescription medications. You may also feel relief from taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs. Smoking cigarettes makes Crohn’s symptoms worse and should be avoided.

Colon cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and some other types may cause gastric symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Some forms of cancer may go undiagnosed until gastric symptoms occur.

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Let your doctor know if your symptoms are accompanied by:

• pain
• fever
• dizziness
• weight loss

There are medications and lifestyle changes that can help you alleviate nausea and other symptoms.

IBS is also known as spastic colon. It’s more common in women than in men. Symptoms can vary in intensity. They include:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• vomiting
• bloating
• stomach pain

IBS can be a chronic, long-lasting condition. There is no cure, but dietary changes and medication can help.

A peptic ulcer is an open sore which develops somewhere in the digestive system, such as in the stomach lining or lower esophagus. Drinking too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, and exposure to H. pylori bacteria are some potential causes.

Abdominal pain is the main symptom of a peptic ulcer. Other symptoms include:

• watery diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• indigestion
• blood in the stool

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, antibiotics, and acid blockers.

Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition is more common in adults than it is in children. Lactose malabsorption can cause symptoms such as:

• gas
• bloating
• vomiting
• nausea
• diarrhea

Your doctor can diagnose lactose intolerance with a hydrogen breath test. Avoiding foods containing lactose is the best way to avoid symptoms.

Abdominal migraine is a subtype of migraine which includes diarrhea as a symptom. This condition can be debilitating. With abdominal migraine, the pain is centered in the stomach instead of in the head. Regular migraine attacks can also have diarrhea and vomiting as symptoms.

Migraine is more common in women than it is in men. Some women notice a pattern between their menstrual cycle and migraine. Migraine may also have a genetic link. Some people find relief by identifying and eliminating triggers in their environment.

This rare condition is caused by long-term, heavy use of THC-rich marijuana. Symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea

It causes a compulsion to bathe in hot water. If you suspect that you have this condition, eliminating marijuana use can help. You can also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about lifestyle interventions which can help you to avoid this condition in the future.

A bowel obstruction is a potentially dangerous condition, caused by a blockage in the large or small intestine. Vomiting and diarrhea are early warning signs for this condition. Bloating, constipation, and cramping can also be symptoms.

There are many causes for this condition. They include impacted stool, postsurgical adhesions, and tumors. A bowel obstruction requires medical care. Treatments range from medication to therapeutic enemas or surgery.

While we’ve already discussed treatment for each condition, a few home remedies can also help reduce diarrhea and vomiting symptoms, including:

• Rest. Your body needs a chance to fight off the cause of your symptoms. Letting yourself rest can help alleviate the dizziness caused from motion sickness, too.
• Hydration. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you’re taking in. Dehydration can be dangerous, especially for infants, children, and older adults. Slowly sipping water, broth, or sports drinks that replace electrolytes can all help you to avoid dehydration. If you can’t keep liquids down, try sucking on ice chips or ice pops.
• Eat lightly. Once your appetite returns, eat sparsely and avoid spicy or fatty foods. Some people have trouble tolerating dairy but others can tolerate cottage cheese. Bland foods you may want to try include:
  • soft-boiled eggs
  • toast
  • bananas
  • apple sauce
  • crackers
• Medications. Avoid pain medications, such as ibuprofen, that may irritate the stomach. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can help with diarrhea, and anti-nausea medications can also help reduce queasiness.

Since diarrhea and vomiting can have many causes, it’s important to seek medical help if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen. Those who should always see a doctor for chronic diarrhea and vomiting include:

• infants
• toddlers
• children
• older adults
• those with compromised immune systems

Anyone should check in with their doctor if they have:

• diarrhea that’s bloody or lasts longer than three days
• uncontrollable vomiting or retching, which makes it impossible to keep down fluids for more than one day
• symptoms of dehydration, including:
  • light-headedness
  • sunken eyes
  • crying without tears
  • inability to perspire or urinate
  • very dark urine
  • muscle cramps
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • confusion
  • fever over 102°F (38. 9°C)
  • extreme pain or muscle cramping
  • uncontrollable chills

Nausea and diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of conditions but are most often linked to viral infections or food poisoning.

These symptoms often respond well to at-home treatments. If your symptoms last longer than a few days or are severe, check in with your doctor.

Diarrhea in adults – causes, examination and treatment | Symptoms

Gastroenteritis caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites
Signs: Often vomiting. Rarely, fever or blood in the stool. No pain or minimal abdominal pain (except for vomiting).

Food poisoning
Signs: Diarrhea that starts suddenly, often with vomiting, within 4 to 8 hours of eating contaminated food. Often present in other people. Usually lasts 12-24 hours.

Side effects of drugs
Signs: Recent use of a drug that causes diarrhea.
Often there are no other symptoms.

Nutritional factors

• Cow’s milk intolerance
• Excess consumption of certain fruits or juices (such as pears, apples, or plums)

Symptoms: Diarrhea only after consumption of a substance that can cause diarrhea. Bloating and gas (flatulence). Paroxysmal diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome
Symptoms: Intermittent diarrhea associated with abdominal pain. Often diarrhoea, alternating with constipation. No bleeding, weight loss, or fever. Symptoms are usually present for more than 12 weeks. Changes in frequency of bowel movements or stool consistency.

Inflammatory bowel disease

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Signs: Blood in the stool, crampy abdominal pain, loss of body weight and appetite.
Sometimes arthritis, rash, mouth ulcers, and rectal tears.

Malabsorption

• Celiac disease
• Tropical sprue
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Syndrome of excessive development of microflora

Signs: Light, soft, large, and unusually foul-smelling stools that may be oily in appearance. Bloating and flatulence, weight loss.

Certain tumors

• Colon cancer or villous adenoma
• Endocrine tumors (such as vipoma, gastrinoma, carcinoid, mastocytosis, or medullary thyroid cancer)
• Lymphoma

Signs: Sometimes blood in the stool, reduced stool diameter and weight loss, abdominal pain or cramps, flushing, and profuse watery diarrhea.

Hyperthyroidism
Signs: Often nervousness, difficulty tolerating heat, fatigue, palpitations, weight loss and palpitations.

Stomach or intestinal surgery
Features: Obvious recent surgery.

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

Date last updated: 007 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.

The causes of loose stools from the point of view of physiology 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,
• motor retardation, eg in scleroderma.

Diarrhea and abdominal pain often co-occur due to common causes. 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 ingestion of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins 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 about stomach pain and diarrhea in lactase deficiency? 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, it is necessary to 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 .

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• 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 your stomach hurts and diarrhea develops

Acute diarrhea and pain in the abdominal cavity require qualified medical assistance, 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 medications 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 motility, slow down the movement of its contents, promote the absorption of water and electrolytes ⁵ .