Understanding Diarrhea, Cramping, and Digestive Upset

Your stomach starts making noises. Then comes the cramping.

Before long, you're making another trip to the bathroom—and wondering what you ate, whether you caught a stomach bug, and how long this is going to last.

Diarrhea generally means having loose or watery stools, often more frequently than what's normal for you.

It can happen for many reasons, including:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Food-related illness
• Changes in diet
• Certain medications
• Food intolerances
• Stress
• Travel
• Other digestive conditions

Stomach cramping can occur along with diarrhea because the intestines may contract more actively while irritated.

Many short-term episodes improve with time and appropriate hydration. But diarrhea can also cause significant fluid loss, and certain symptoms may point to a problem that needs testing or in-person care.

VirtualCare2Go specifically includes diarrhea among the conditions it treats. For appropriate non-emergency symptoms, a licensed provider can review your symptoms and help determine what treatment or next steps may be appropriate.

Severe or worsening abdominal pain, significant dehydration, blood or black stool, persistent vomiting, fainting, or severe illness requires more urgent medical evaluation.

Why Does Diarrhea Cause Stomach Cramps?

Your digestive system normally moves food and waste through the intestines using coordinated muscle contractions.

When the digestive tract becomes irritated, those contractions may become more noticeable or frequent.

That can cause:

• Cramping
• Gurgling
• Urgency
• Bloating
• Gas
• Frequent bowel movements

Cramping that comes and goes around bowel movements can occur with diarrhea.

Severe, constant, localized, or progressively worsening abdominal pain is different and deserves medical evaluation.

Could I Have a Stomach Bug?

Yes.

Viral gastroenteritis is one possible cause of sudden diarrhea.

You may also experience:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Reduced appetite
• Mild fever
• Fatigue

These illnesses can spread between people, particularly through contaminated hands, surfaces, food, or other exposures.

Good handwashing becomes especially important when someone in the household has vomiting or diarrhea.

Could Something I Ate Be Causing It?

Possibly.

Food-related illness can develop after consuming contaminated food or drinks.

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

Timing varies depending on the cause, so the last thing you ate isn't necessarily responsible.

Think about meals and exposures from the previous several hours or days rather than automatically blaming your most recent meal.

What Should I Tell My Provider About Food?

If food-related illness is possible, try to remember:

• What you recently ate
• Where you ate it
• Whether food was undercooked
• Whether anything was left unrefrigerated
• Whether anyone who ate the same meal is also sick
• When symptoms started

If several people become ill after eating the same food, tell your healthcare provider.

That information may be important.

Can Dairy Cause Diarrhea?

For people who have difficulty digesting lactose, dairy products may cause:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal cramping

Symptoms may occur after consuming:

• Milk
• Ice cream
• Certain cheeses
• Other dairy products

But don't assume a sudden severe episode is lactose intolerance simply because dairy was part of a meal.

Look at whether you've experienced the same pattern before.

Can Artificial Sweeteners Cause Diarrhea?

Certain sugar alcohols and sweeteners may contribute to diarrhea or digestive discomfort when consumed in larger amounts.

These may appear in some:

• Sugar-free candies
• Gum
• Protein products
• Low-sugar snacks
• Drinks

Check ingredient labels if symptoms repeatedly occur after particular products.

Can Spicy Food Cause Diarrhea?

Spicy or rich foods can trigger digestive symptoms in some people.

Others tolerate them without difficulty.

If you repeatedly develop diarrhea after the same type of food, tracking that pattern may be useful.

However, new or severe diarrhea shouldn't automatically be blamed on spicy food if other concerning symptoms are present.

Could My Medication Be Causing Diarrhea?

Yes.

Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of certain medications.

Examples can include some:

• Antibiotics
• Magnesium-containing products
• Diabetes medications
• Laxatives
• Other prescription or over-the-counter medicines

Don't stop an important prescription medication without medical guidance.

Instead, tell your provider:

• What you're taking
• When you started it
• Whether the dose recently changed
• When diarrhea began

What If Diarrhea Started After Antibiotics?

This is particularly important to mention.

Antibiotics can alter the normal bacteria in the digestive tract.

Some diarrhea during or after antibiotics may be mild, but certain infections associated with antibiotic use can become more serious.

Tell your provider if diarrhea began:

• While taking antibiotics
• Shortly after finishing them
• Within the weeks following treatment

Seek prompt care if the diarrhea is severe or occurs with significant abdominal pain, fever, dehydration, or blood in the stool.

Can Stress Cause Diarrhea?

Stress can affect the digestive system.

Some people notice:

• Urgency
• Loose stools
• Cramping
• Nausea

during stressful situations.

Maybe symptoms happen before:

• An important presentation
• Travel
• Exams
• A major event
• A stressful workday

But don't automatically label new diarrhea as “just stress.”

Infection, medication effects, food-related illness, and other causes may still need to be considered.

Can Travel Cause Diarrhea?

Yes.

Travel can expose you to unfamiliar foods, water sources, organisms, and changes in routine.

Tell your healthcare provider if symptoms began:

• During a trip
• Shortly after returning
• After international travel
• After camping
• After drinking untreated water

Where you traveled can be medically relevant.

Why Is Hydration So Important?

Diarrhea causes the body to lose water.

You may also lose electrolytes.

If vomiting is occurring at the same time, replacing those losses can become even more difficult.

Possible signs of dehydration include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Darker urine
• Urinating less often
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Pay attention to your urine output.

Going much longer than usual without urinating can be an important clue that you're becoming dehydrated.

Should I Drink Water?

For many people with mild diarrhea, replacing lost fluids is important.

Small, frequent amounts may be easier to tolerate than drinking a large amount all at once, especially if you're nauseated.

Depending on the amount of fluid loss, an appropriate oral rehydration solution may also be useful because it contains water and electrolytes in specific proportions.

People with conditions that require fluid or electrolyte restrictions should follow their healthcare provider's guidance.

What About Sports Drinks?

Sports drinks contain fluid and electrolytes, but they're not identical to medical oral rehydration solutions.

Some also contain substantial amounts of sugar.

For mild illness, your provider may recommend different hydration strategies depending on:

• Age
• Severity
• Vomiting
• Other medical conditions

The goal isn't simply to drink the sweetest or largest beverage available.

It's to safely replace what your body is losing.

Should I Stop Eating?

Not necessarily.

If you can tolerate food, you may be able to continue eating small amounts.

Choose foods that feel manageable rather than forcing a large meal.

Appetite often decreases temporarily during a gastrointestinal illness.

The priority is avoiding significant dehydration and gradually returning to your usual diet as symptoms improve.

Do I Have to Follow the BRAT Diet?

You may have heard of the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

These foods can be easy to tolerate for some people, but you don't necessarily need to restrict yourself to only four foods.

A healthcare provider can offer dietary guidance based on:

• Age
• Symptoms
• Duration
• Medical history

As you improve, returning to an appropriate balanced diet is important.

Should I Avoid Greasy Foods?

Heavy or greasy meals may worsen nausea, cramping, or diarrhea for some people while their digestive system is irritated.

If a food clearly makes symptoms worse, temporarily avoiding it may make you more comfortable.

You can gradually return to your usual diet as tolerated.

What About Coffee?

Caffeine can stimulate the digestive system in some people.

If you're already experiencing frequent diarrhea, coffee or other caffeinated drinks may worsen urgency or discomfort.

Caffeine also isn't a substitute for appropriate hydration.

Can I Take Anti-Diarrhea Medicine?

Some over-the-counter medications may be appropriate for certain adults with uncomplicated diarrhea.

However, they aren't appropriate in every situation.

For example, medication that slows bowel movements may not be recommended when certain infections or other concerning symptoms are suspected.

Before taking an anti-diarrheal medicine, seek medical or pharmacist guidance if you have:

• Fever
• Blood in the stool
• Significant abdominal pain
• Recent antibiotic use
• Significant medical conditions
• Uncertain cause

Children also require age-appropriate medical guidance.

Don't Automatically Take Antibiotics

Most episodes of diarrhea do not automatically require antibiotics.

Some are viral.

Some are food-related but self-limited.

Some have noninfectious causes.

And in certain gastrointestinal infections, antibiotic decisions require careful consideration.

Don't use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness.

A healthcare provider can determine whether testing or prescription treatment is appropriate.

What Does Blood in Stool Look Like?

Blood may appear as:

• Bright red blood
• Maroon-colored stool
• Blood mixed with diarrhea

Black, tarry stool can sometimes indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract, although some medications and foods can also darken stool.

Significant blood or black, tarry stool requires medical evaluation.

Don't assume it's simply irritation from frequent bowel movements.

Why Is My Skin Sore From Diarrhea?

Frequent bowel movements and wiping can irritate the skin around the rectal area.

You may develop:

• Burning
• Redness
• Tenderness

Gentle cleaning may be more comfortable than aggressive wiping.

Avoid heavily fragranced products if they worsen irritation.

Persistent bleeding or significant pain deserves medical evaluation.

Is Mucus in Stool Normal?

Small amounts of mucus can occur, but noticeable or persistent mucus—particularly with blood, fever, abdominal pain, or prolonged diarrhea—should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Take note of changes rather than trying to diagnose the cause based on stool appearance alone.

How Long Is Too Long?

Many mild gastrointestinal illnesses improve within several days.

However, duration matters.

Contact a healthcare provider if diarrhea:

• Is persistent
• Continues worsening
• Repeatedly returns
• Is causing dehydration
• Is accompanied by other concerning symptoms

Long-lasting diarrhea may have different causes than a brief stomach bug and may require testing.

What If I've Had Diarrhea for Weeks?

Diarrhea lasting for weeks is not something to repeatedly self-treat without evaluation.

Possible causes can differ substantially from those of short-term diarrhea.

A healthcare provider may need to review:

• Diet
• Medications
• Travel
• Infection history
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Medical history

Testing or referral may be appropriate.

Can Children Become Dehydrated Faster?

Yes.

Children—particularly younger children—can be more vulnerable to fluid loss.

Watch for signs such as:

• Reduced urination or fewer wet diapers
• Dry mouth
• Lack of tears when crying
• Unusual sleepiness
• Significant weakness
• Difficulty drinking fluids

Seek medical guidance promptly when a child has significant diarrhea, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration.

What About Older Adults?

Older adults may also be more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte problems.

Certain medications and chronic conditions can further increase the risk.

If an older adult develops persistent diarrhea, weakness, confusion, dizziness, or reduced urination, seek medical evaluation.

Should I Stay Home?

If an infectious gastrointestinal illness is possible, staying away from others while actively ill can help reduce spread.

This is particularly important for people who work with:

• Food
• Children
• Older adults
• Patients
• Other vulnerable populations

Return-to-work or school recommendations may depend on symptoms, occupation, and the suspected cause.

Wash Your Hands With Soap and Water

Hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to reduce the spread of gastrointestinal illness.

Wash after:

• Using the bathroom
• Changing diapers
• Cleaning vomit or stool

And before:

• Preparing food
• Eating
• Caring for others

Soap and water can be particularly important for certain gastrointestinal organisms.

Don't Prepare Food for Others While Sick

If you're actively experiencing vomiting or diarrhea from a potentially infectious illness, avoid preparing meals for other people when possible.

Germs can spread through contaminated hands and surfaces.

Clean commonly touched bathroom and kitchen surfaces appropriately.

When Can VirtualCare2Go Help?

Because diarrhea is specifically included in VirtualCare2Go's treatment scope, telehealth can be a convenient starting point for many non-emergency digestive concerns.

Consider scheduling a virtual visit if:

• You've developed diarrhea and aren't sure why.
• Stomach cramping accompanies loose stools.
• You think you may have a stomach bug.
• Symptoms started after a particular food or meal.
• You're concerned about hydration.
• Diarrhea began after medication.
• Symptoms occurred during or after travel.
• You aren't sure whether medication is appropriate.
• Diarrhea isn't improving as expected.

During your appointment, your provider may ask about:

• When symptoms started
• Number of bowel movements
• Stool appearance
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Blood in the stool
• Fluid intake
• Urination
• Recent foods
• Sick contacts
• Travel
• Antibiotic use
• Other medications
• Medical history

Based on your symptoms, a provider can recommend an appropriate treatment plan or determine whether testing or in-person care is necessary.

When Might You Need Testing?

Testing isn't necessary for every brief episode of diarrhea.

It may be considered when symptoms are:

• Severe
• Persistent
• Bloody
• Associated with significant fever
• Related to certain travel exposures
• Occurring after antibiotics
• Part of a suspected outbreak
• Affecting someone with certain medical risks

A provider can determine whether stool, blood, or other testing may be appropriate.

When Might You Need In-Person Care?

An in-person evaluation may be recommended for:

• Significant dehydration
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Black, tarry stool
• High or persistent fever
• Prolonged diarrhea
• Significant symptoms after antibiotics
• Concerning symptoms after travel
• Symptoms that continue worsening

Telehealth can help determine the appropriate next step when symptoms aren't emergent.

When Should You Seek Prompt Medical Care?

Seek prompt medical evaluation if you develop:

• Blood in the stool
• Black, tarry stool
• Significant or worsening abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Fever with significant gastrointestinal symptoms
• Signs of dehydration
• Very little urine
• Significant weakness or dizziness
• Diarrhea after recent antibiotics with concerning symptoms
• Symptoms that aren't improving

Infants, older adults, pregnant patients, and people with certain medical conditions may need earlier evaluation.

When Is Diarrhea an Emergency?

Seek emergency medical care for:

• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Severe confusion
• Signs of shock
• Severe dehydration with inability to maintain fluids
• Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
• Large amounts of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Vomiting blood
• Severe weakness or collapse
• Other potentially life-threatening symptoms

Routine telehealth should never delay emergency care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does diarrhea make my stomach cramp?

Intestinal irritation and increased contractions can cause cramping, urgency, and frequent bowel movements.

Can food poisoning cause diarrhea and cramps?

Yes. Food-related illnesses can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.

Can stress give me diarrhea?

Stress can affect digestion and contribute to loose stools or urgency in some people, but new symptoms shouldn't automatically be blamed on stress.

How do I know if I'm dehydrated?

Possible signs include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, reduced urination, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.

Should I drink water if I have diarrhea?

Replacing lost fluids is important for many patients. Small, frequent amounts may be easier to tolerate when nausea is present.

Should I take an anti-diarrhea medication?

It depends. These medicines aren't appropriate in every situation, particularly when certain infections or warning signs are present.

Do I need antibiotics for diarrhea?

Not necessarily. Many cases don't require antibiotics. A healthcare provider can determine whether testing or prescription treatment is appropriate.

When should diarrhea worry me?

Blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, significant dehydration, persistent vomiting, high or persistent fever, or worsening illness deserve medical evaluation.

Does VirtualCare2Go treat diarrhea?

Yes. Diarrhea is specifically included among the conditions VirtualCare2Go treats.

Can VirtualCare2Go help with stomach cramping?

A licensed provider can evaluate abdominal cramping occurring with diarrhea and determine whether virtual treatment is appropriate or whether the symptoms require additional evaluation.

Convenient Virtual Care Throughout Texas

When diarrhea strikes, it's easy to focus on one question:

“What did I eat?”

But there may be more to consider.

Did someone around you recently have a stomach bug?

Did you start a new medication?

Have you taken antibiotics?

Did you recently travel?

Are you able to drink fluids?

Are you still urinating normally?

And is the discomfort ordinary cramping—or severe abdominal pain?

Those details help determine whether you're dealing with a short-term digestive illness or something that deserves additional evaluation.

VirtualCare2Go provides virtual care for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and other common non-emergency conditions throughout Texas.

A licensed healthcare provider can review your symptoms, help you manage hydration and other appropriate care, and determine whether testing or an in-person evaluation is necessary.

Patients must be physically located in Texas during their appointment.

Schedule Your Virtual Visit

If you're experiencing diarrhea, stomach cramping, or digestive upset and you're not experiencing serious warning signs, consider scheduling a virtual evaluation with VirtualCare2Go.

Book your virtual visit today: https://www.virtualcare2go.com/