Sunday, June 22, 2014

Stomach Cramps and Diarrhea

Stomach Cramps and Diarrhea









The unpleasant symptoms of diarrhea, stomach pain and cramps are a nearly inescapable part of life. The sudden onset of these symptoms often signals the presence of an infection. The common causes include bacteria, viruses and parasites. When stomach pain and diarrhea occur frequently and last for a long time it often indicates underlying chronic digestive disorder which requires further evaluation. Simple home remedies can help relieve mild symptoms.










Causes of Stomach Cramps and Diarrhea
1. Food Poisoning
This condition results from the improper preparation, storage and handling of food. Contamination from viruses, bacteria, parasites or even just a toxins these organisms release causes diarrhea and stomach cramps.


Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low-grade fever, decreased appetite and fatigue. Severe cases can cause bloody diarrhea and must be quickly evaluated by a physician. Fortunately food poisoning is often self-limited, but young children and elderly persons may need medical care such as IV fluids and anti-nausea medicine.


2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The intestines are lined with muscles that contract to propel the food contents through the digestive tract. When the muscles contract to slowly, the food and digestive products become stagnant and constipation is often the result. On the other hand, too rapid transit through the intestinal tract results in improper absorption and diarrhea. Both conditions can produce gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps and pain and even produce mucus in stool.


3. Lactose Intolerance
Dairy products, including milk and yogurt, contain a sugar called lactose. Certain persons are intolerant of lactose and the symptoms include bloating, excess gas and flatulence and stomach cramps. There are some over-the-counter products that help aid lactose digestion, but for those with severe intolerance avoidance is the best solution.


4. Crohn’s Disease
This is a serious disease causing inflammation of the digestive tract. The small intestine is most often affected. The ileum is often involved and symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, joint pains, malabsorption, weight loss and fever.


5. Gastroenteritis
This generic term implies inflammation in the intestinal track. It is caused by viruses, bacteria or the toxins generated from the bacteria themselves. Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, vomiting and also muscle aches. Sometimes a low-grade fever can accompany gastroenteritis. Most the time symptoms resolve their own with proper care such a hydration and eating a bland diet.


6. Other Causes
A variety of other causes can result in abdominal pain and cramps. Common causes include: traveler’s diarrhea, diverticulosis, diverticulosis, antibiotic use, drug toxicity, hypothyroidism and a variety of other infections caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella or cholera.






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