What Causes Stomach Cramps With Diarrhea

When To Make An Appointment To See Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment to see your doctor if:

• Your stomach pain doesnt go away within a couple of days.
• The pain comes back after going away.
• Symptoms like diarrhea dont go away within a couple of days.
• Youre urinating more or less often, and/or its painful.
• You have unintended weight loss.

Know your body, Dr. Kingsley says. If you start having pain that you have not had before and does not go away, you should contact your doctor to be evaluated further.

Bottom line: Trust your gut! Contact your doctor if youre concerned about lingering or unusual stomach pain.

Editor’s Note: This infographic was originally published on June 24, 2014.

List Of Natural And Home Remedies For Adults And Children For Diarrhea

Treatments for Adults

• Adults should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Replenishing water loss is important. Avoid milk as it can make diarrhea worse. Sports beverages can be beneficial because they replenish electrolytes in addition to providing hydration.
• If the patient is able to eat, avoid greasy or fatty foods. Adults, infants, toddlers, and children should be encouraged to follow the “BRAT” diet . The BRAT diet is a combination of foods to eat to treat diarrhea. If diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, have the person suck on ice chips until the nausea stops. After the diarrhea subsides, avoid alcoholic beverages and spicy foods for two additional days.
• Individuals may be able to continue their usual activities if they are mildly ill with diarrhea however, strenuous exercise should be avoided because exercise increases the risk of dehydration.
• If you are pregnant women and have diarrhea make sure to rehydrate to avoid dehydration, and consult your doctor.

Treatments for Toddlers and Children

Dehydration in children and toddlers can be a great concern. Loose stools are more common in breastfed newborns than in formula-fed babies, so check with your doctor about to expect for your child.

Are herbs safe to take for diarrhea?

Causes Of Lower Abdominal Cramping

Lower Left Side Pain

The abdominal organs found in the lower left abdomen include a portion of the descending colon , part of the small intestine, the spleen, the lower portion of the left kidney, the left ureter, ovary and fallopian tube, the urinary bladder and all the nerves, blood vessels muscles and skin in the left lower quadrant.

An abnormal condition in any of these organs may result in abdominal cramping in the left lower side, including:

• Constipation
• Uterine disorders, such as myoma or endometriosis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ruptured spleen

Lower Right Side Pain

The organs found in the right lower side of the abdomen include the appendix, the ascending colon, part of the large intestine, the right ovary and fallopian tube, parts of the small intestine, the lower portion of the right kidney and the ureter. Pain in the right lower quadrant may be caused by:

• Appendicitis
• Mesenteric lymphadenitis
• Colon cancer
• Uterine disorders, such as myoma or endometriosis
• Intestinal obstruction

Other Causes of Lower Abdominal Cramps

• Trapped wind in the gut
• Diarrhea
• Strenuous exercise causing muscle pain
• Prostatitis
• Cystitis
• Psoas abscess
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Read Also: When Your Left Side Of Your Stomach Hurts

Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcers

Although the most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the abdomen . Not all stomach ulcers are painful.

Some people experience:

Speak to your GP immediately if:

• your symptoms persist
• you’re vomiting blood the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance like coffee grounds
• you’re passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
• you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse

These could be a sign of a serious complication.

Why Do I Have Stomach Pain And Diarrhea

Abdominal pain and diarrhea can be all-too familiar, and nearly everybody will suffer from this combination at some point during their lifetime. But how do I know if my stomach pain is serious?

Having diarrhea with stomach pain is a common symptom of stomach flu. The good news is, the discomfort and pain usually disappear within a few days. However, there are other reasons you may have stomach cramps or diarrhea, and its important to know when to see a doctor and when to ride the symptoms out.

Read on to learn about the different possible causes of stomach pain and diarrhea, how to prevent some instances of it, and when to give your physician a call.

Read Also: What Causes Lower Stomach Cramps

How Common Are Stomachaches

Just about everybody will experience abdominal pain at one point or another. Most causes of abdominal pain are not serious and resolve spontaneously. A healthcare provider can usually readily diagnose and treat these conditions. However, abdominal pain can also be a sign of a serious illness, or even an emergency. Abdominal pain is responsible for some 5% of emergency room visits.

When Should I Go To The Hospital For Lower Abdominal Pain

If your stomach pain is severe, chronic, or accompanied by additional symptoms, visit your nearest ER as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Some signs and symptoms that may mean your stomach pain is serious enough to go to the ER include: New onset of pain. Chronic abdominal pain.

Read Also: What To Take For Burning Stomach

Sudden Severe Stomach Pain And Diarrhea Can Be Quite Scary

Acute severe abdominal pain and diarrhea implies severe intestinal inflammation, says Larry Good, MD, a practicing gastroenterologist for 40+ years. He has a private practice based in Lynbrook, NY and is affiliated with Concierge Choice Physicians, a leading provider of personalized care in the U.S.

It is important to understand the difference between the stomach and the abdomen, continues Dr. Good.

Of course, when a person feels intense pain in this area, the term stomach and abdominal become interchangeable to that person, because the way they see it, stomach refers to the section of their body between their bellybutton and sternum.

Severe abdominal pain with urgency to defecate is usually caused by an intestinal infection or by a chronic inflammatory disorder like ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease.

Gurgling Stomach And Diarrhea For A Week: 7 Causes & Treatments

Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. Use for informational purposes only.

Possible causes of gurgling stomach and diarrhea include:

• Stomach flu and other types of acute gastroenteritis.
• Stress or anxiety attack.
• Food intolerance or allergy attack.
• Recent use of a drug such as antibiotics, metformin, and laxatives.
• Premenstrual syndrome.
• An IBS attack.

Recommended Reading: What Can Cause Stomach Pain And Bloating

Certain Types Of Cancer

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

• nausea
• diarrhea

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

Why Does Your Stomach Hurt

Stomach cramps can range from mild achiness to severe, stabbing pain.

Common causes of stomach cramps include eating foods that can irritate your stomach, constipation, food poisoning, or a stomach infection. People who have anxiety may also develop stomach cramps.

Pregnant people may experience stomach cramps as the fetus grows. Menstrual cramps are also very common, though they actually take place in the uterus.

Sometimes stomach cramps are constant. In this case, a chronic digestive illness, such as irritable bowel disease, may be the cause.

Most stomach cramps go away on their own within a few hours or a couple of days. Changing what you eat and taking over-the-counter medication can help with symptoms while you recover.

Some stomach cramps may require medical attention. You should be concerned about stomach cramps if they last for a week or longer or are so severe that you cant function, or you also have symptoms like fever or blood in your vomit or stool.

You May Like: What Helps Stomach Pain Go Away

When To Seek Immediate Medical Help

Severe abdominal pain is a greater cause for concern. If it starts suddenly and unexpectedly, and persists, it should be regarded as a medical emergency, especially if the pain is concentrated in a particular area.

or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if this is the case.

If you feel pain in the area around your ribs, see the section on chest pain.

What Is Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is discomfort anywhere in your belly from ribs to pelvis. Its often called stomach pain or a stomach ache, although the pain can be coming from any number of internal organs besides your stomach.

A brief episode of pain is called acute, which means ‘of recent onset.’ When you have abdominal pain for three months or longer, its considered a chronic or ongoing problem, although this time period is not exact. For example, acute appendicitis is nearly always an acute condition, in contrast to irritable bowel syndrome, which may result in chronic cramping that can span years or longer.

Abdominal pain comes in many forms, and may range from cramps that come and go to sudden, stabbing pains to constant, dull abdominal aching. Even mild pain can be an early sign of a serious condition, which is why healthcare providers often monitor these patients for changes in their conditions.

Keep in mind that abdominal pain is a subjective symptom that cannot be reliably measured by healthcare professionals. The intensity of the pain is what you say that it is.

Don’t Miss: How To Naturally Shrink Stomach

Causes Of Diarrhea After Eating

Having diarrhea right after you eat is called postprandial diarrhea. You might experience this for a few days, in which case it is acute, or you may have had it for a long time and it is a chronic condition.

Diarrhea after you eat can be caused by many things, ranging from the stomach flu to a more serious disease. So it’s important to bring any new or ongoing digestive symptom to your doctor’s attention so that you can get the treatment you need.

This article discusses several reasons why you may be having diarrhea after you eat. It also provides some steps you can try when you have diarrhea to help you feel better and possibly prevent more bouts of diarrhea in the future.

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

Figuring Out The Cause

When youre suffering from stomach pain, diarrhea, or both, one of the most important things is to try to determine the root cause. Quite often, this type of abdominal pain is due to stomach flu or another virus, spoiled food, or food that one has developed a sensitivity to. Unless diarrhea and pain are accompanied by other severe symptoms, such as a high fever, the best course of action is to wait it out.

If you feel that it is a reaction to food, most times symptoms will subside in a day or two. However, there are some instances of food poisoning that definitely warrant a doctor visit but again, you will see other severe symptoms along with general GI upset.

If you think you may be having a reaction to food, such as those with celiac disease who have a sensitivity to gluten, its worthwhile to try an elimination diet to confine the source of the upset. It is possible to suddenly develop a food sensitivity later in life its also estimated that up to 20 percent of Americans have food sensitivity. Please note that celiac is a serious condition and ongoing exposure to gluten can cause increasing damage. Celiac should not be self-diagnosed.

You May Like: Why Does My Stomach Get Bloated Every Time I Eat

Upper Abdominal Pain Between The Ribcage

If you develop an aching or stabbing pain or pressure in the upper abdominal area just under the ribs, this may indicate a heart-related problem. Physicians say this pain is often accompanied by shortness of breath and is concerning if the pain persists. People often assume this type of pain is indigestion, and while that may be the case, anyone with risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension should see a doctor as soon as possible.

What Is The Treatment For Ibs

There is no cure for IBS, but there are things you can do to feel better. Treatment may include:

• Changing your diet

Your doctor may give you medicine to help with symptoms:

• Fiber supplements such as psyllium to help control constipation.
• Anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide , to help control diarrhea.
• Antispasmodic agents such as peppermint oil or dicyclomine to slow contractions in the bowel, which may help with diarrhea and pain.
• Antidepressant medications such as a tricylcic antidepressant or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor if symptoms include pain or depression.
• IBS medication. A medication known as Lubiprostone is approved by the FDA for women with severe IBS-C .

Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. All drugs have side effects and may affect people differently. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines you take.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Stomach Skin

Stomach Cramps With Bloating

Stomach cramps with bloating are often caused by trapped wind, or constipation. This is a very common problem that can be embarrassing, but is easily dealt with. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend a product, which can be bought over the counter to treat the problem. If problems persist, you should see your GP.

What Causes Severe Abdominal Cramping

The sensation of the cramp-like pain is due to painful spasms in the intestine and needs a proper cure. Constipation, viral infections, diarrhea, and food poisoning can cause severe stomach cramps. Common Causes. The causes of severe muscle spasms in the stomach may vary from minor reasons to serious problems.

Don’t Miss: What’s Good For Burning Stomach

Stomach Cramps And Diarrhea After Eating Signs Causes Treatment Prevention

Many factors can cause stomach discomfort or diarrhea after eating. Diarrhoea simply means having a loose or watery stool. According to research, most people experience diarrhoea or stomach discomfort once or twice every year. Typically, it lasts for less than three days, and its often treated with over-the-counter medicines. This condition is however very common and in most cases not serious. If you experience stomach cramps and diarrhea after eating and then it goes away, it means that it is caused by food.

You May Experience The Following Symptoms

• Cramps
• A Sudden need to have a bowel movement
• Belly bloating
• Nausea and vomiting

If you experience watery stool for a more extended period, you should drink more water. Diarrhea causes you to lose fluids, and if they are not replaced, you may become dehydrated thereby causing severe complications.

Of The Many Potential Causes Of Abdominal Pain In Children The Most Common Include:

Indigestion

This is a general term that describes discomfort in children’s upper abdomen. Common symptoms include pain or burning in the area between the breastbone and navel or bloating in the upper abdomen. Most of the time, indigestion will go away on its own and is not considered serious. Prepare smaller meals and try a bland diet. Talk with their health care provider if the discomfort persists.

Viral gastroenteritis

This is an infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and nausea or vomiting. Seek medical attention if your child has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, bloody diarrhea, or has significant pain or discomfort. Most important is to stay well-hydrated.

Constipation

Constipated children have infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools. They may frequently complain of a stomachache, bloating or discomfort. Talk with their primary care provider if they don’t want to eat, are losing weight, have bloody stools or are having repeated episodes of constipation.

Stress or anxiety

When children are stressed or anxious, their bodies release the hormone cortisol into the blood. This can trigger abdominal cramps and discomfort.

Appendicitis

Intestinal obstruction

With any abdominal pain, seek urgent medical attention if children have:

• Pain so severe that they can’t move without causing more pain
• Difficulty sitting sit or finding a comfortable position
• Fever
• Severe tenderness when the abdomen is touched
• Swelling of the abdomen

Topics in this Post

Read Also: How To Lose Your Baby Fat Stomach

Crampy Pain With Diarrhea Or Constipation

Lower “crampy” abdominal pain accompanied by bloating and diarrhea or constipation can be signs of irritable bowel syndrome , says Singh. “It’s exceptionally common and affects 15% of the U.S. population, particularly younger women, although it can happen at any age.” Symptoms of IBS can usually be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. Medication and counseling may be needed in some cases.

What Other Symptoms Relate To Abdominal Pain

Pain in the abdomen may be experienced as aching, stabbing, burning, twisting, cramping, dull, or a gnawing pain.

The pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen, bloating, constipation, wind , belching , fever, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, fever, dehydration or loss of appetite

The pain might be steady or it might get stronger. It can be made worse or it can be improved by changes in posture or by coughing.

Describing the pattern and location of your symptoms to a doctor may help them in identifying the cause of your abdominal pain. These causes include:

• Peptic ulcer The pain is often felt in the upper abdomen, as a knife-like pain which goes through to the back.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease The pain usually causes a central burning pain that develops just under the breastbone, and may rise upwards. It may be accompanied by belching.
• Appendicitis The pain usually starts near the navel before moving down to the lower right abdomen when it becomes more constant.
• Gallstones or gallbladder irritation The pain is felt in the upper right abdomen, back or right shoulder.
• Lower abdominal pain: Also referred to as lower stomach pain, it is probably coming from your bowel.
• Period pain This is usually a dull, cramping pain, felt low down, which may radiate through to the back.

Recommended Reading: What Causes Constant Stomach Bloating