Medical News Today: What causes abdominal pain and diarrhea?

Diarrhea affects almost everyone at some point. Abdominal pain or cramping may accompany diarrhea. Some of the most common causes include food sensitivities, bacterial or viral infections, and medication or alcohol use.

It may also result from stress or chronic conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Here we describe some common causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Causes

Diarrhea may be acute and occur suddenly, or chronic and develop slowly and last for a few days.

Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain and acute or chronic diarrhea include:

1. Infection

Diarrhea may result from a bacterial or viral infection of the stomach and bowel, which doctors call gastroenteritis.

People may get bacterial gastroenteritis by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms usually occur within a few hours or days of consuming the contaminated food.

People may also contract viral gastroenteritis, which some people call stomach flu, from someone who has the infection.

Symptoms typically go away without treatment after a few days in both cases. People can try home remedies, such as drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking over-the-counter medications to ease discomfort.

Parasitic infections can also cause acute diarrhea and abdominal pain. This type of infection often clears up within a few weeks. Persistent outbreaks may require medical treatment.

2. Reactions to food

Something a person has eaten or drunk can potentially cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other types of stomach problems. Symptoms typically occur for short periods and will usually go away a few hours after eating.

Diarrhea after eating may have causes including:

• sudden changes in diet
• eating rich, fatty foods
• food sensitivities
• celiac disease, where the body cannot break down gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley

More than 20 percent of people experience food sensitivities, according to some research.

It is not always clear why diarrhea occurs after eating. Keeping a food diary can help. Once people know which foods are causing the problem, they can address it.

Remedies may include introducing new foods and dietary changes slowly, eating fewer rich meals, and limiting or avoiding trigger foods. People with celiac disease will need to remove gluten from their diet permanently.

3. Indigestion and overeating

Overeating can result in indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach ache because the digestive system struggles to deal with large amounts of food.

Both adults and children can experience the side effects of overeating, but children may be more likely to do so. This is because children cannot always differentiate between feeling hungry and feeling full.

To avoid overeating, people can:

• practice portion control and measure out foods
• fill up on high-fiber, low-calorie options, such as vegetables
• take the time to chew food thoroughly

Another helpful technique is mindful eating, which involves paying attention to the taste and texture of each bite of food. This includes avoiding distractions, such as television, during mealtimes.

4. IBS

Persistent diarrhea can suggest a chronic condition, such as IBS. This condition does not damage the digestive tract but may cause symptoms including:

• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• bloating
• gas

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) about 12 percent of people in the United States have IBS. The majority are female.

There is no cure, but people can manage their symptoms by:

• reducing stress
• making dietary changes
• getting enough good quality sleep
• drinking plenty of liquids
• exercising
• taking supplements
• using medications

5. Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the bowel, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 1.3 million people in the United States have IBD.

Symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• fatigue
• abdominal pain
• bloody stool
• weight loss

IBD may result in damage to the digestive tract, unlike IBS. It is therefore essential that people with the condition manage their symptoms.

Treatment aims to reduce the inflammation that causes bowel damage and digestive symptoms. Options include medication, supplements, dietary changes, and surgery.

6. Stress

Stress and anxiety can stimulate bowel movements, which may result in diarrhea.

Stress may also play a role in the development of IBS or make symptoms worse.

There is a link between the brain and the gut, which may explain why stress can lead to digestive problems.

For example, occupational stress may stimulate the gastric response.

People can reduce stress by trying:

• meditation and mindfulness
• regular exercise
• deep breathing techniques
• art or music therapy

People should see a doctor or mental health professional who can recommend medications, therapy, or a combination of both for persistent or severe stress.

6. Medications and alcohol

Too much alcohol can interfere with digestion and lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms. People might consider limiting alcohol intake to avoid these issues.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans lists moderate alcohol consumption as up to 1 drink daily for females and up to 2 drinks daily for males. People should aim to avoid alcohol for several days per week.

Some medications can also cause stomach problems, with many medicines listing diarrhea as a side effect.

Drugs that may cause diarrhea include:

Diarrhea sometimes goes away after a few days of using a new medication as the body adjusts. If diarrhea persists for several days after beginning a new drug, people should contact their doctor who may suggest an alternative.

7. Pregnancy

Pregnant people often experience diarrhea and other bowel changes, potentially due to hormonal and structural changes in the body.

Changes in dietary habits and new food sensitivities can also cause diarrhea during pregnancy.

Contact a doctor for a check-up and advice if diarrhea persists for more than a few days during pregnancy.