Ask a doctor - Why does diarrhea cause abdominal pain?

Q. Why does diarrhea cause abdominal pain?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Diarrhea and tummy troubles – nobody's favorite combo, right? Let's dive into the why behind the bellyache when diarrhea pays a visit.

So, picture this: your intestines are like the traffic controllers of your digestive system. They usually absorb water from the food you eat, making your poop solid and ready for a graceful exit. But when diarrhea crashes the party, it's like a water slide in there!

Diarrhea means your intestines are in hyperdrive, pushing everything through too fast. Now, here's where the abdominal pain waltzes in – the speedier movement can cause cramps and discomfort. Imagine your intestines doing a quickstep when they're used to a slow dance – it's bound to cause a ruckus.

But that's not all! The excess fluid in your intestines can mess with the balance of electrolytes – those are the tiny superheroes in your body that help maintain things like hydration and muscle function. When they go a bit haywire, your stomach might protest with some extra grumbling.

Now, here's a fun fact: your body is pretty smart. When it senses trouble (like an upset stomach), it releases certain chemicals to alert your brain. The brain, being the control center, interprets this as pain. So, abdominal pain during diarrhea is like your body's way of saying, "Hey, we've got a situation down here!"

Dehydration can also join the party, especially if diarrhea sticks around for too long. Losing all that liquid can leave you feeling like a wilted plant. Stay hydrated, my friend!

But fear not – there are ways to soothe the storm in your stomach. First, sip on some clear fluids like water or electrolyte drinks. This helps replenish the fluids your body's losing in the diarrhea dance-off. And hey, give your belly some time to settle by sticking to bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, and toast.

If the tummy troubles persist or become a frequent visitor, it's high time to consult with a healthcare whiz. They can dig deeper into the root of the issue and offer tailored advice to get your digestive system back on track.

So, there you have it – diarrhea and abdominal pain, the dynamic duo we'd all rather live without. But armed with a bit of knowledge and some TLC for your tummy, you'll be back to your happy, bellyache-free self in no time.