What are the common causes of sudden onset diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. How can you identify and treat these conditions. When should you seek medical attention for these symptoms.

Gastroenteritis: The Most Common Culprit

Gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu, is a prevalent intestinal infection that can cause a sudden onset of diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. This condition is typically caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include:

• Stomach pain or cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Fatigue

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States, often resulting from consuming contaminated food or water. The most frequent culprits are norovirus and rotavirus.

Bacterial gastroenteritis can be caused by various pathogens, including:

• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Clostridioides difficile
• Campylobacter

How is gastroenteritis treated?

Treatment for gastroenteritis typically involves rest, hydration, and sometimes over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. In severe cases or those caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Diverticulitis: When Intestinal Pouches Become Inflamed

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall become infected and inflamed. This condition can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain, typically in the lower left part of the abdomen.

Other symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody bowel movements
• Frequent or painful urination
• Fever

The risk of developing diverticulosis, which can lead to diverticulitis, increases with age. Researchers currently believe that a diet low in fiber is a primary contributing factor.

How is diverticulitis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as CT scans. Treatment may include antibiotics, a liquid diet, and in severe cases, surgery.

Celiac Disease: When Gluten Becomes the Enemy

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten. This condition causes the immune system to attack its own cells, potentially leading to permanent damage in the small intestine.

Symptoms of celiac disease can include:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss
• Headaches
• Weakness and fatigue
• Joint pain
• Easy bruising

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), approximately 2 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease, although many may be unaware of their condition.

How is celiac disease managed?

The primary treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This involves avoiding all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. With proper dietary management, most people with celiac disease can lead healthy lives and prevent further intestinal damage.

COVID-19: A New Concern for Gastrointestinal Symptoms

While COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms in some cases.

Potential symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste or smell
• Congestion or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle or body aches

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is typically made through PCR or rapid antigen tests. Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms but may include rest, hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers, and in severe cases, hospitalization and specialized treatments.

Medication Side Effects: An Often Overlooked Cause

Many medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including sudden onset diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. These adverse events are unwanted reactions to a medication.

Common side effects of medications may include:

• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

How can medication side effects be managed?

If you suspect your symptoms are due to medication side effects, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage, switch to a different medication, or provide additional treatments to manage the side effects.

Endometriosis: When Uterine Tissue Grows Outside the Uterus

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. While it primarily affects the reproductive organs, it can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

• Stomach cramps
• Lower back and pelvic pain
• Heavy periods
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in urine or stools
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Pain during intercourse
• Spotting between periods

How is endometriosis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis often involves a combination of symptoms assessment, physical examination, and imaging tests. In some cases, laparoscopy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis. Treatment options include pain medications, hormonal therapies, and in severe cases, surgery.

Bowel Obstruction: A Serious Condition Requiring Prompt Attention

A bowel obstruction occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage in the small or large intestine. This condition can cause a buildup of food, fluids, and gas, leading to various symptoms.

Symptoms of bowel obstruction may include:

• Severe stomach cramping and pain
• Inability to pass gas
• Abdominal swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe constipation or diarrhea

How is bowel obstruction treated?

Treatment for bowel obstruction depends on the cause and severity. It may include nasogastric decompression, intravenous fluids, and in some cases, surgery. Prompt medical attention is crucial for this condition.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the Pancreas

Pancreatitis refers to the acute inflammation of the pancreas. It typically presents with a sudden onset of severe stomach pain that radiates to the back.

Symptoms of pancreatitis may include:

• Severe abdominal pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or movement
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Sweating
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

How is pancreatitis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check for elevated pancreatic enzymes and imaging studies such as CT scans. Treatment often requires hospitalization and may include intravenous fluids, pain management, and nutritional support. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Appendicitis: When the Appendix Becomes Inflamed

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch of tissue located in the lower right section of the abdomen. This condition can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain along with other symptoms.

Symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain, typically starting around the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Fever (in about 40% of cases)

How is appendicitis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan. The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy). In some cases, antibiotics may be used as an initial treatment.

Iron Poisoning: An Uncommon but Serious Condition

Iron poisoning occurs when there’s an excessive buildup of iron in the body, often due to accidental ingestion of iron supplements. This condition can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms and other serious complications.

Symptoms of iron poisoning may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Irritability
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting, sometimes with blood
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

How is iron poisoning treated?

Iron poisoning is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Treatment may include gastric lavage, iron chelation therapy, and supportive care. Prevention through proper storage of iron-containing supplements is crucial.

Anaphylaxis: A Severe Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen. While it’s often associated with respiratory symptoms, it can also cause gastrointestinal distress.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Skin rash or hives
• Diarrhea
• Itchy throat
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

How is anaphylaxis treated?

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline). People with known severe allergies often carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) for emergency use. After using the auto-injector, immediate medical attention is still necessary.

Understanding these various causes of sudden onset diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain can help you identify potential issues and seek appropriate medical care when necessary. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of persistent or severe symptoms.

Causes of stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea

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

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

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

The symptoms can include:

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

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

Bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis include:

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

Learn more about food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

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

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

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

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

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

Symptoms of celiac disease may include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some common side effects include:

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

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

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

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

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

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

Learn about the many causes of bowel obstruction.

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

The pain usually worsens when the person:

• takes deep breaths
• coughs
• moves around

Additional symptoms may include:

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

Appendicitis is infection and inflammation of the appendix.

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

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

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

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

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

Symptoms of iron poisoning may include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• children
• pregnant people
• older adults

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

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

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

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

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

Are diarrhea and stomach cramps symptoms of Covid 19?

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

Why do I have a sudden stomach ache and diarrhea?

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

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

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

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

Causes, treatment, and seeking help

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Nausea and diarrhea can occur together, and can be due to a number of illnesses and health issues. People can treat some of these causes at home, while others require more prompt medical treatment.

In this article, we explore some of the conditions that can cause nausea and diarrhea at the same time. We also examine when a person should seek medical help.

Share on PinterestNausea and diarrhea are symptoms of a range of health issues.

Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines.

Although people may refer to it as stomach flu, this term is not medically correct as flu viruses do not cause this condition.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), several viruses can trigger viral gastroenteritis, but the most common is the norovirus.

Viral gastroenteritis is a contagious condition that generally appears after contact with someone already infected, or through contaminated food or water.

Symptoms

People who have viral gastroenteritis can experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• abdominal pain or cramping
• headaches

Treatment

Viral gastroenteritis lasts less than a week, and most people get better on their own without treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no specific treatment. However, a person can take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to help reduce diarrhea symptoms.

A person with viral gastroenteritis may also become dehydrated. People can help prevent this by:

• drinking lots of fluids
• taking oral electrolyte replacements
• getting plenty of rest

Learn more about home remedies for viral gastroenteritis here.

Food poisoning is an illness that occurs when a person consumes food or drink that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It affects millions of Americans each year.

According to the CDC, after a person consumes contaminated food or drink, symptoms can take some time to appear. In many cases, they develop after a few hours, and at other times it may take days.

Symptoms

Symptoms of food poisoning include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• stomach pain and cramping
• fever
• vomiting

Treatment

A person can treat food poisoning in the following ways:

• drinking plenty of fluids
• consuming oral electrolyte replacements
• getting plenty of rest
• anti-vomiting medication, such as chlorpromazine and metoclopramide
• antidiarrheal medicines, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate

Learn more about treatment for food poisoning here.

Diverticulosis is when pouches form in the colon lining. The NIDDK state this usually causes no symptoms.

However, if these pouches become inflamed or infected, more severe symptoms arise, leading to diverticulitis.

Learn more about diverticulitis here.

Symptoms

Diverticulitis usually causes abdominal pain. However, other symptoms may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• pain during urination
• frequent urination
• fever
• bloody stools
• constipation

Treatment

Treatment for diverticulitis includes:

• eating a high-fiber diet
• fiber supplements, such as methylcellulose (Citrucel) or psyllium (Metamucil)
• antibiotics

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), a person may require surgery in rare cases.

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. When a person eats foods that contain gluten, it can trigger this condition.

According to the NIDDK, celiac disease can be severe and damaging to the small intestine, which may lead to long-term digestive issues. It can also prevent the body from absorbing nutrients from food.

This condition affects around 1 in 141 Americans.

Symptoms

Symptoms of celiac disease include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• gas
• constipation
• fatigue
• mouth ulcers
• sudden weight loss
• abdominal pain and cramps
• foul-smelling, pale, or fatty stools that float
• bloating and a swelling feeling in the abdomen
• anemia

Treatment

People with celiac disease should avoid consuming gluten. Once a person removes gluten from their diet, the intestines may heal, and symptoms will improve.

Learn more about celiac disease and diet here.

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.

According to the NIDDK, around 275,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with acute pancreatitis each year.

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a short-term condition that occurs suddenly, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition.

Symptoms

People with acute and chronic pancreatitis usually experience pain in the upper stomach that spreads to their back.

Both types of pancreatitis can cause nausea and diarrhea. However, their other symptoms can differ.

Learn more about the symptoms of acute pancreatitis here.

Learn more about the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis here.

Treatment

Treatment will usually take place in the hospital and will depend on the severity of pancreatitis.

Treatments include:

• taking painkillers
• managing dehydration
• bowel rest, meaning the person with pancreatitis will not eat or drink orally until their condition improves
• surgery

Appendicitis is the medical term for the swelling of the appendix. The condition causes the organ to enlarge, become inflamed, and fill with pus.

Symptoms

The first sign of appendicitis is stomach pain in the center of the abdomen. The pain then begins to move to the lower right-hand side. Additional symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea or constipation
• high temperature
• difficulty passing gas
• swollen stomach

If a person experiences abdominal pain that becomes progressively worse, they should seek medical help.

Treatment

In most cases, a surgeon will perform keyhole or open surgery to remove the appendix.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes the inflammation of the digestive tract. It belongs to a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Symptoms

Crohn’s disease symptoms vary depending on which part of the gut the condition affects. However, the main symptoms are:

• diarrhea
• stomach aches and cramps
• weight loss

Other symptoms can include:

• blood in the stool
• fatigue
• weight loss
• mouth ulcers
• anemia
• nausea

Treatment

Treatments for Crohn’s disease include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs
• steroids
• antibiotics
• immunosuppressants
• drinking plenty of fluids
• oral electrolyte replacements

Nausea and diarrhea can occur during pregnancy. While these may occur separately or together, they do not always indicate underlying health issues.

Nausea is a common condition during pregnancy, and people generally refer to it as morning sickness.

Diarrhea can also occur during pregnancy. It can occur due to hormonal changes or infections.

Learn more about diarrhea during pregnancy here.

Nausea and diarrhea during pregnancy may occur due to the pregnancy itself, or it could be symptoms of another condition.

Pregnancy-related causes of nausea

• Morning sickness: This is common and tends to begin before week 9 of pregnancy. It typically disappears by week 14. Pregnant people can experience this at any time, while some may feel sick throughout the day.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum: This is a severe type of morning sickness. It can last longer than common forms of nausea in pregnancy.

Treating pregnancy-related nausea

A person can try the following to alleviate the symptoms:

• eating several small meals throughout the day, as opposed to three larger meals to avoid an empty stomach
• avoiding lying down after eating
• getting plenty of rest
• drinking small amounts of water, weak tea, or clear soft drinks regularly
• avoiding foods or smells that make the person nauseous
• eating bland foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and tea
• eating ginger supplements to help settle a person’s stomach

Learn more about ways to relieve morning sickness here.

Nausea and diarrhea have many causes. If symptoms get worse or do not improve, then a person should see a doctor.

People should seek emergency medical help if they experience any symptoms of pancreatitis.

If any of the following people experience chronic nausea and diarrhea, they should seek medical help:

• children
• older adults
• pregnant women

If adults show any of the following symptoms, they should seek immediate medical help:

• signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or a dry mouth
• severe vomiting
• vomiting that lasts longer than 12 hours
• diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days
• becoming irritable
• high fever
• severe abdominal pain
• stools that are black and tarry or contain blood or pus
• heavy or constant rectal bleeding

Nausea and diarrhea are symptoms of a range of health issues. A person can typically treat nausea and diarrhea at home.

However, if a person’s symptoms are severe, or other serious symptoms appear, they should seek medical help.

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Some of the products listed in the article are available to purchase in stores and online:

• loperamide
• bismuth subsalicylate
• electrolyte replacement products

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.

Self-help for vomiting and diarrhea

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Vomiting and diarrhea can make you feel extremely uncomfortable. Your stomach and intestines react to the irritant. It could be food, medicine, or a stomach virus. Vomiting and diarrhea are two ways your body tries to fix an internal problem. Nausea is a symptom that prevents you from eating. This gives the stomach and intestines time to recover. To get back to normal, start with self-care to ease the discomfort.

Drink fluids

Drink to avoid losing too much fluid (dehydration):

• Clear liquids such as water or broth are the best choice.

• Avoid drinks with a lot of sugar, such as juices and sodas. This can aggravate diarrhea.

• If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea, do not drink sports drinks such as electrolyte solutions. They don’t have the right mix of water, sugar, and minerals. They can also make symptoms worse. In this case, look for oral rehydration solutions.

• Suck on ice chips if the thought of drinking makes you feel sick.

When you can eat again

Use the following tips:

• When your appetite returns, you can smoothly return to a normal diet.

• Talk to your doctor about what foods to avoid for now.

Medicines

You need to know the following about medicines:

• Vomiting and diarrhea are ways your body gets rid of harmful substances such as bacteria. Do not take antidiarrheal or antiemetic (antiemetic) medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

• Aspirin, other medicines containing aspirin, and many aspirin substitutes can cause stomach problems. So don’t take them when you have an upset stomach.

• Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking that may be causing these symptoms.

• Some over-the-counter antihistamines help control nausea. Other medicines can help calm the stomach. Ask your doctor what medicines can help you.

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Bloody or black vomit or feces

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain

• Vomiting with severe headache or neck stiffness

• Vomiting after head trauma

• Vomiting and diarrhea together for more than an hour

• Inability to retain even small sips of liquid for more than 12 hours

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours

• Severe diarrhea lasting more than 2 days

• Temperature 38°C (100.