Abdominal pain and diarrhea
introduction
Abdominal pain and diarrhea often go hand in hand. Abdominal pain usually sets in first, followed by diarrhea later. In most cases, these symptoms indicate a gastrointestinal infection, in which case vomiting is often an additional symptom. However, abdominal pain and diarrhea can also have other causes. If the symptoms persist for more than a few days or if they are very pronounced, a doctor should be consulted to be on the safe side.
Also read: abdominal cramps and diarrhea
Symptoms
Abdominal pain can manifest itself in different ways. You can convulsive (colicky), permanent or always getting stronger (progressive) occur. People often try to get pain relief by changing their posture. Abdominal pain that can come from the bowels usually can no exact place of origin be assigned, they are diffuse distributed and radiate into large parts of the abdomen.
According to the medical definition, one speaks of diarrhea in one Chair weight from more than 250g a day more than three bowel movements per day. In addition, the Water content of the chair over 75% lying, so the stool will be very fluid. In many cases, abdominal pain and diarrhea are accompanied by other symptoms, for example with nausea, Vomit, general malaise, sweat or fever. Depending on the cause, different symptoms appear one after the other or together.
In general, abdominal pain can occur in any body position. For example, some patients complain about Abdominal pain while sitting.
root cause
The causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea can vary widely, but in most cases it is one Infection of the gastrointestinal tract. This can be done by Viruses, as well as through bacteria be conditional. These get through, for example contaminated food or beverages into the body and can then multiply in the digestive tract. Especially if Vomit added to the symptoms mentioned, this speaks for a Gastrointestinal infection.
stomach pain and diarrhea can also through a Food intolerance be evoked. This is particularly common Milk protein allergy (Lactose intolerance). The sufferer's body possesses not enough of the enzymethat the Lactose splits up in the intestine. This remains increases lactose in the intestines, which leads to that too increased fluid gets into the intestines. This causes diarrhea and rumbling in the stomach.
Other possible causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea are inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis). These diseases are im Autoimmune diseasesthat attack the intestines. It's coming in bursts to Abdominal cramps, diarrhea and many other symptoms.
Also diseases of the pancreas, for example a Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis) must be taken into account.
Another common trigger for the discomfort are psychological factors. People who are very stressed at work or in private life can also develop these symptoms; hence the saying “It hits my stomach”. (
If the symptoms persist for a long time, keep recurring and cannot be explained by an organic cause, then one speaks of one Irritable bowel syndrome.
Ultimately, abdominal pain and diarrhea can also go through malignant diseases evoked, such as Colon cancer. At the beginning, however, this usually manifests itself with few symptoms and often leads to changing bowel habits, i.e. a change from diarrhea and constipation.
diagnosis
In order to find out the exact cause of the discomfort, it makes sense to consult a doctor. This is especially true if the stomach ache for several days stop, are very strong and there is no improvement in sight.
Special Attention is advisable in the case of persistent diarrhea, as it affects the body a lot liquid and Loses electrolytesthat must be returned to him. However, if the person concerned does not keep anything with them, it may be necessary Infusions to give. A visit to the doctor is therefore advisable if the symptoms do not improve on their own after a short time.
The doctor is initially in the conversation ask how long the symptoms have existed, what triggered them - if known - how severe they are and whether the patient has already taken something for the pain or diarrhea.
In the physical exam the doctor will feel the abdomen to see if he can feel any indurations or something similar.
If necessary, a Ultrasound examination be performed. A Stool sample can provide information on whether it is an infectious disease. Also, the stool sample can be up Blood to be examined.
Depending on what cause the doctor suspects, he can use other diagnostic tools to investigate the symptoms. For example, a Blood test belong.
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas
Flatulence associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea are common Indigestion on. The gas comes from bacteriathat produce this when breaking down food components. Unfamiliar diet, as well Diet changes can severe flatulence provoke.
In connection with the symptoms mentioned, however, they can also occur in inflammatory bowel disease or Infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Flatulence is also common in one Food intolerance, again Lactose intolerance. Due to a lack of Lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in the intestine, it increasingly remains in the intestine and draws water with it. The result is severe diarrhea. However, the resulting lactose also leads to increased Gas evolution, which manifests itself in abdominal tumors and flatulence.
Abdominal pain and diarrhea in pregnancy
Abdominal pain can occur more frequently during pregnancy, which is caused by an unfavorable position of the child. Especially when the child begins to move, it can become uncomfortable for the mother.
However, regular abdominal cramps are atypical and indicate a different cause. In the worst case scenario, an incomplete pregnancy could mean early labor.
However, abdominal pain associated with diarrhea in a pregnant woman is more likely to suggest another cause, such as a gastrointestinal infection. Pregnant women who observe such symptoms should definitely consult a doctor in order to rule out any risk to the child. During pregnancy, in the event of illness, it is necessary to react early so that the health of mother and child is not endangered.
Read more on this topic at: Abdominal pain in pregnancy and diarrhea in pregnancy
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
The Triad of symptoms consisting of stomach pain, diarrhea and Vomit is typical of a Gastrointestinal infection. There is usually also nauseathat eventually leads to vomiting. Under certain circumstances, the symptoms can also have another cause, for example one Food intolerance or one specific disease of the stomach (for example Inflammation of the stomach lining/gastritis). With a normal gastrointestinal infection, the symptoms subside within a few days, even without specific therapy. Long-term complaints should always be clarified by a doctor so that a therapeutic response can be made in good time.
Abdominal pain and diarrhea in the child
Children suffer more often from stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting as adults. That's because the child's immune system first has to establish and goes through many infections in this way. The gastrointestinal infection with various pathogens, as a rule Viruses, therefore, is the leading cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea in children.
However, it should be noted that physical complaints of children are very often indicated in the abdominal area, but are often not justified there. So give children with one Otitis media (Otitis media) often experience abdominal pain, although the cause of their discomfort is in the ear.
Other causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea in children can include one Food intolerance or one Celiac disease be.
Because diarrhea becomes significant dehydration can lead, the smaller the child, the more dangerous it is. Hence should early see a doctor if symptoms do not improve. If necessary, the child must then Electrolyte infusions administered to the Loss of fluids and minerals balance.
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever
Abdominal pain associated with diarrhea and fever in most cases suggest an infectious gastrointestinal disease. This is particularly supported by the fever, as this is generated by the body to kill pathogens. A gastrointestinal infection is usually over after a few days. If the symptoms are very pronounced and do not improve, a doctor should be consulted. There is a risk of dehydration if the fluid losses due to diarrhea are too great. At home, you should therefore ensure that you drink enough fluids. Black tea is particularly recommended as it has a calming effect on the intestines due to the tannins it contains. Fennel or chamomile tea can also help. In order to compensate for the loss of minerals, a pinch of salt and one to two teaspoons of glucose should be added to the tea in the case of severe diarrhea.
Read more on the subject at: Fever and diarrhea
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in your stool
In addition to abdominal pain and diarrhea also occurs Blood in the stool on, this can have different causes.
The colour deliver the blood. Light deposits of blood on the stool suggest bleeding from the lower sections the gastrointestinal tract, for example through hemorrhoids or Tears the well supplied with blood Anal mucosa. This can happen with severe diarrhea, as the mucous membrane is attacked by the frequent, liquid and often burning stool and then tears more easily. Is the stool by the blood very much discolored dark, one speaks of Melena (Tarry stool). The cause is usually one Bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, excessive vomiting can tear the mucous membrane there and thereby lead to bleeding.
However, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool can also have other causes. So can inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis) express through these symptoms. Colon cancer, on the other hand, is less often the cause of visible blood in the stool. It is much more common Colon cancer only causes blood deposits in the stool that are not visible to the naked eye (occult blood in the chair). For this reason, a stool sample is taken during colon cancer screening in order to examine it specifically for blood deposits.
Generally it should be used for blood in the stool consulted a doctor to rule out more serious causes. The same applies to abdominal pain and diarrhea, which do not improve on their own after a few days.
therapy
Therapy for abdominal pain and diarrhea depends on the underlying cause.
If the cause is a gastrointestinal infection, treatment is usually only given symptomatically. This means that it is not the infection itself but rather the symptoms that are treated. It is particularly important that the fluid losses caused by the diarrhea are compensated for. If the patient does not keep herbal teas or noodle soups with them, electrolyte infusions can be given. In addition, the diet should only be built up carefully and slowly. In the beginning, dry rolls or rusks are suitable. Grated apples can also help relieve diarrhea. In severe cases of bacterial diarrhea, the use of antibiotics may be indicated.
If the symptoms are more serious, such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease or even colon cancer, the underlying disease must be treated. For this purpose, the patient is referred to a specialist and treated there according to the current guidelines.
Patients with stress-related abdominal pain and diarrhea can try to get their symptoms under control by restructuring their daily routine. Stress has to be reduced, for example through targeted rest breaks, sport or relaxation techniques. Psychological counseling can also help these patients to permanently alleviate their symptoms.
Read more on the topic: Abdominal pain - what to do
forecast
The prognosis of abdominal pain and diarrhea also depends on the underlying cause. Most of the time infectious causes behind it is the prognosis usually very good. Gastrointestinal infections usually pass within a few days, even without treatment. For other diseases that can cause the symptoms, the prognosis depends on how successful the therapy is. With today's modern therapeutics, most diseases can be controlled well, so that a good prognosis can be expected here as well.
prophylaxis
There is no direct prophylaxis to avoid abdominal pain and diarrhea. In order not to get sick from a gastrointestinal infection, however, it is advisable to take a good look at the Washing handswhen you have been to places where there are many people (train station, shopping center, etc.). This is especially true after contact with recently ill people. The pathogens can get through Contact with contaminated surfaces get to the hands of the next person, who then grabs their face and enables the pathogens to enter the body. Wash hands and disinfect therefore prevents infection.
When on vacation, care should be taken to only consume food and drinks that you can be sure of germ-free are. Especially Salads and drinks with Ice cubes are at high risk of contracting an infection, especially in countries with very hot climate. Cooked or well-fried meat and hot dishes should be preferred, as the heat kills possible pathogens.
Summary
Abdominal pain can occur in combination with diarrhea. Since there are very many different causes for such symptoms, the following section serves only as a brief overview of the most important causes and does not claim to be exhaustive.
Abdominal pain in combination with diarrhea can indicate an infectious disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Germs from contaminated food typically lead to such symptoms. Another example of a condition associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea is infection with Salmonella.
Various bacteria and viruses can cause such infectious gastroenteritis. Drinking contaminated drinking water while traveling poses a high risk for such a person Gastrointestinal infection. But other diseases, such as inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or food poisoning, can lead to abdominal pain with diarrhea.
Chronic diseases of the intestine like the Crohn's disease and the Ulcerative colitis are also associated with abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea. Also for indigestion like that Celiac disease or the Lactose intolerance abdominal pain with diarrhea after consuming the incompatible food are typical. Furthermore, drugs, tumors of the gastrointestinal tract or a Irritable bowel syndrome lead to abdominal pain with diarrhea.
If you want to find out more about this topic, you can find out more on the following page: stomach pain
