Q. What is the relationship between abdominal pain and diarrhea?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Diarrhea can cause abdominal pain for several reasons:

1. Increased Gut Motility: Diarrhea often results from increased motility (movement) of the intestines. When your intestines contract more frequently and forcefully than usual to expel stool quickly, it can lead to cramping and abdominal discomfort.

2. Inflammation: Infections, food poisoning, or other triggers of diarrhea can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Inflamed tissues can be more sensitive and prone to discomfort or pain.

3. Chemical Irritation: The contents of the digestive tract during diarrhea may be more acidic and contain irritants, such as undigested food particles or toxins from infectious agents. These can irritate the lining of the intestines, leading to pain.

4. Stretching of the Bowel: As liquid stool accumulates in the intestines, it can lead to distention or stretching of the bowel walls. This stretching can be perceived as pain or discomfort.

5. Gas and Bloating: Diarrhea can be accompanied by increased gas production, leading to bloating and abdominal cramps.

6. Underlying Condition: Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or celiac disease. In these conditions, the gut may be more sensitive to normal digestive processes, leading to pain with diarrhea.

7. Dehydration: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which may lead to muscle cramps, including abdominal muscle cramps, contributing to the perception of pain.

It's important to note that while occasional diarrhea is often a normal response to dietary indiscretions or infections, persistent or severe diarrhea should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so it's crucial to seek medical attention if it lasts for an extended period, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or if you have a known underlying condition. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate both the diarrhea and associated abdominal pain.