Causes of Cramps and Diarrhea

Causes of Cramping and Diarrhea

The experience of cramping or abdominal pain often coincides with diarrhea, which can manifest as either acute diarrhea that arises suddenly and resolves within a few days, or chronic diarrhea that develops gradually and persists for a longer duration. The underlying causes can vary widely, and below is a presentation of some of the most common reasons:

Infections

Below is a list of common types of infections that can lead to abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea:

Gastroenteritis: Typically, gastroenteritis does not require medical intervention, as symptoms generally resolve after a few days. However, it is advisable to adhere to some home care measures, such as ensuring adequate rest, maintaining proper hydration, and considering over-the-counter medications for pain relief, following a consultation with a healthcare provider. The infections that may cause gastroenteritis include:
- Viral Infections: These are often transmitted from an infected person to a healthy individual and are commonly referred to as “stomach flu.”
- Bacterial Infections: Symptoms usually arise within hours or days following exposure to the bacteria responsible for gastroenteritis, often due to consuming contaminated food or water.
Parasitic Infections: Such infections often resolve within a few weeks, but if they persist or spread, medical attention may be necessary.

Food Reactions

Consuming certain types of foods may result in abdominal pain alongside diarrhea and other gastrointestinal discomforts. Fortunately, these symptoms usually subside within a few hours after eating. The following dietary factors may contribute:

Consumption of fatty foods.
Allergies to specific food items.
Sudden changes in dietary habits.
The body’s inability to break down gluten, which is a protein found in wheat and barley, especially in those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivity.

Indigestion and Overeating

Overindulging in food can result in side effects and symptoms that impact the digestive system for both children and adults. However, children may be more susceptible to these disturbances due to their struggle to differentiate between hunger and fullness. Consequently, indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain may occur when excessive food intake overwhelms the digestive system.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and chronic health issue that affects the digestive tract. It can significantly impact an individual’s lifestyle and presents a range of symptoms, including cramping or abdominal pain, bloating, and fluctuations in bowel habits between diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms may last for several days, weeks, or months intermittently and tend to reappear over time. Although the exact cause remains unidentified, several contributing factors have been noted, including:

Fast or slow transit time of food through the intestines.
Increased sensitivity of the nerves in the intestines.
A family history of IBS.
Stress.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompasses a range of gastrointestinal disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Associated symptoms include cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, the presence of blood in the stool, and weight loss.

Stress

Research has demonstrated a strong correlation between stress and negative effects on the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms or physical manifestations of stress may vary from person to person; some individuals may experience stomach disturbances or abdominal cramps, while others may encounter different signs. This is attributed to the fight-or-flight response triggered by signals sent from the brain to the body via the sympathetic nervous system during stressful situations, leading to increased heart rate, enhanced alertness, and muscle tension in readiness for emergencies. However, this biological response does not apply to everyday stressors such as family commitments or financial issues, but rather to acute threats.

Medications and Alcohol

Diarrhea can be a common side effect of many medications, though it often subsides a few days after beginning treatment, as the body adjusts. If diarrhea persists, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for possible medication alternatives. Some medications that may cause diarrhea include:

Antacids containing magnesium.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Certain antibiotics.
Chemotherapy agents.
Metformin.
Laxatives, particularly when used excessively.

It is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption, as it can have detrimental effects on the digestive process and lead to various symptoms including cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting, along with other harmful effects on the body.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to experiencing diarrhea and abdominal pain, often due to dietary changes during pregnancy that can disrupt the gastrointestinal system. Hormonal fluctuations occurring during this period can also contribute to these issues, along with food sensitivities that affect some pregnant individuals.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by a set of physical and psychological symptoms that women often experience approximately one to two weeks prior to the onset of their menstrual cycle. Symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe and often follow a predictable pattern. These symptoms typically resolve a few days after menstruation commences, owing to fluctuations in hormone levels. Some notable symptoms include:

Abdominal bloating and cramping.
Joint or muscle pain.
Headaches.
Fatigue.
Breast tenderness.
Weight gain, attributed to fluid retention.
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Acne flare-ups.

Rare Causes of Cramping and Diarrhea

Progressive worsening of bloody diarrhea may indicate a more serious health issue, such as:

Diverticulitis—an infection or inflammation of the pouches that can form in the intestines.
Appendicitis.
Fecal impaction.
Bowel obstruction.
Colitis—a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the colon’s inner lining.
Cystic fibrosis—a genetic disorder that can damage various body organs due to thick, sticky mucus buildup.
Certain types of cancer.
Diseases or infections affecting the abdominal organs, such as the intestines, kidneys, appendix, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas, can also cause pain alongside diarrhea, including pancreatitis, which involves inflammation of the pancreas and can progress to a chronic state if symptoms do not improve over time, leading to lasting damage.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare professional if abdominal pain and diarrhea persist for three days or longer, or if severe abdominal pain increases over 24 hours, or if any of the following symptoms occur:

Nausea or repeated vomiting.
Confusion or loss of consciousness.
A persistent fever, reaching 38.3°C in adults and 38°C in children.
Stools containing blood.
External bleeding.
Inability to retain stomach contents.
Excessive thirst or dry mouth.
Seizures.
Inability to speak or see.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Swelling in the genital area.

Video on Causes of Cramping and Diarrhea

Cramping and diarrhea often occur together, and while they typically do not pose a severe threat to the individual’s life, it is important to understand their causes.