Some common causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea include food sensitivities, bacterial or viral infections, and medication or alcohol use. Treatment can depend on the cause.

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

It is best to contact a doctor if a person frequently or persistently experiences abdominal pain and diarrhea. The doctor can diagnose the underlying cause, and help create a suitable treatment plan.

Read on to learn more about the possible causes of stomach ache and diarrhea, when to contact a doctor, and more.

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Diarrhea may result from a bacterial or viral infection of the stomach and bowel, which is called gastroenteritis or “stomach flu.”

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 contractTrusted Source viral gastroenteritis, which some people call stomach flu, from someone who has the infection.

Parasitic gastroenteritis can also cause acute diarrhea and stomach aches.

Home remedies may help. These includeTrusted Source drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking over-the-counter medications to ease discomfort.

Medical treatment may be necessary if symptoms do not resolve on their own.

Food intolerance can potentially cause diarrhea, stomach aches, and other types of stomach problems. Up to 20% of people experience some type of food intolerance.

Examples of possible causes of food intolerances include:

  • gluten, which is typically in pasta and bread
  • caffeine, which is in tea, coffee, and some fizzy drinks
  • alcohol, which may also be present in some foods or sauces
  • histamine, which is in cheese and wine
  • salicylates, which are present in some fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs
  • sulfites, which are in beer, cider, and wine
  • monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is in some savory foods, cured meats, and ripe fruit

Keeping a food diary can help track which foods may be responsible for a person’s symptoms

Remedies may include:

  • limiting or avoiding trigger foods
  • introducing new foods and dietary changes slowly
  • eating fewer rich meals

Dumping syndrome can cause diarrhea and stomach aches. It happens when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the duodenum.

Early dumping syndrome happens within around 30 minutesTrusted Source after eating, while late symptoms of dumping syndrome occur around 1 to 3 hours after eating.

Dumping syndrome most commonly happens following stomach or esophageal surgery, such as weight loss surgery and esophagectomy.

Remedies that may help include:

  • changing eating habits
  • medications such as octreotide
  • surgery if other treatments do not help

Learn more about diarrhea after eating.

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

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • irregular bowel movements
  • stomach cramps
  • bloating
  • gas

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) about 12%Trusted Source of people in the United States have IBS.

A person can manage symptomsTrusted Source of IBS by:

  • reducing stress
  • making dietary changes
  • getting enough good quality sleep
  • drinking plenty of liquids
  • getting enough regular exercise or physical activity
  • taking supplements at a doctor’s advice
  • using medications

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), around 2.4 to 3.1 millionTrusted Source people in the United States have IBD.

Symptoms can include:

  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • bloody stool
  • weight loss

IBD may result in damage to the digestive tract. It is therefore essential that people with the condition manage their symptoms to help avoid further damage.

Treatment aims to reduce the inflammation that causes bowel damage and digestive symptoms. Options include:

  • medication
  • dietary changes
  • surgery

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

Stress can also trigger the symptoms of IBS, which can include diarrhea.

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

People can reduce stress by tryingTrusted Source:

  • meditation and mindfulness
  • getting enough regular physical activity or exercise
  • deep breathing techniques
  • art or music therapy
  • spending time outdoors

A doctor or mental health professional can recommend medications, therapy, or a combination of both for persistent or severe stress.

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 International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests that beer and wine, in particular, may cause diarrhea.

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

In most cases, drug-induced diarrhea will resolve a few daysTrusted Source after a person either stops taking the medication or reduces the dosage. However, it is important to continue to take any prescription medication until a doctor advises otherwise.

It is best to contact a doctor if a person experiences any ongoing or severe side effects after taking medication.

Diarrhea and other bowel changes can occur during pregnancy, potentially due to hormonal and structural changes in the body.

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

Diarrhea may also happen close to labor.

Contact a doctor for a check-up and advice if diarrhea persists during pregnancy.

Learn more about diarrhea during pregnancy.

Other potential causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea include:

People with diarrhea and abdominal pain should contact a doctor if symptoms:

  • are severe
  • get increasingly worse
  • last more than a few days
  • occur in infants, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems
  • reoccur regularly

Seek immediate medical help if diarrhea occurs with:

  • black, tarry, or bloody stool
  • confusion
  • difficulty speaking
  • fever
  • nausea or vomiting
  • irritability
  • jaundice
  • rapid heart rate
  • seizures
  • symptoms of dehydration, such as dark urine, thirst, dry mouth, and fatigue
  • vision problems

It may not be possible to completely prevent diarrhea and stomach aches.

However, a person may be able to reduce the likelihoodTrusted Source or manage symptoms by:

  • maintain proper hydration
  • properly storing foods
  • regularly washing hands
  • reducing caffeine intake
  • avoiding artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol
  • avoiding any known foods or drinks that may trigger symptoms

A person’s doctor can provide more information about ways to reduce the likelihood of diarrhea and stomach aches depending on the cause.

When should I be concerned about stomach pain and diarrhea?

If abdominal pain and diarrhea do not improve after a few days, interfere with normal activities, or recur frequently, contact a doctor. Talk with a doctor sooner if abdominal pain and diarrhea affect infants, older adults, or those with suppressed immune systems.

Should I go to the ER for abdominal pain and diarrhea?

Visit the ER in the following circumstances:

  • Abdominal pain starts suddenly and is so severe that it is difficult to function or move.
  • A person has abdominal pain and diarrhea with a high fever or blood in the stool or vomit.
  • Abdominal pain follows injury to the abdomen.
  • A person cannot keep up with fluid loss and is showing signs of dehydration, such as lightheadedness and weakness.

What virus causes stomach pain and diarrhea?

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by viruses such asTrusted Source rotavirus and norovirus and can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Possible causes of diarrhea and stomach aches include gastroenteritis, food intolerances, alcohol or caffeine intake, stress, and as a side effect of some medications.

Conditions such as IBS, IBD, and dumping syndrome can also cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Symptoms may also occur during pregnancy, particularly near labor.

In cases of acute diarrhea, symptoms usually subside after a few days. Chronic conditions require long-term management to control symptoms.

People should contact a doctor if they continue to have diarrhea after a few days. They should seek immediate medical attention if fever and other symptoms accompany the loose stools, or if diarrhea occurs in infants or older adults.