Stomach gurgling and diarrhea: What does it mean?
Causes
Contacting a doctor
Treatment
FAQ
Summary
Stomach gurgling with diarrhea may indicate an underlying condition, such as an infection, a food intolerance or sensitivity, or an underlying bowel issue.
Stomach gurgling typically occurs due to the movement of fluids and gases through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a normal by-product of digestion. However, loud or excessive gurgling sounds may indicate an underlying issue.
Diarrhea refers to loose, watery stools. It is typically a sign that the digestive system is not functioning as normal.
This article outlines the possible causes of stomach gurgling with diarrhea and offers advice on when to see a doctor. We also discuss some potential treatments and remedies, and answer some frequently asked questions about these symptoms.
Possible causes
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Stomach gurgling combined with diarrhea may signal an underlying infection or gastrointestinal (GI) issue, such as:
Gastroenteritis: This condition involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to an infectious organism, such as a bacteria, virus, or parasite.
Food poisoning: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to food poisoning. CommonTrusted Source causes of food poisoning include the bacterial strains Escherichia Coli (E. Coli)and Salmonella. Symptoms may include stomach gurgling, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a chronic disorder affecting the large intestine. Symptoms includeTrusted Source:
bloating
diarrhea or constipation
abdominal pain
increased sensitivity to gas or stool movement
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): The term IBD refers to two conditions; Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both conditions cause chronic inflammation of the GI tract, which can cause symptomsTrusted Source, such as:
persistent diarrhea
rectal bleeding, or blood in stools
abdominal pain and gurgling
weight loss
fatigue
Food intolerances or sensitivities: Stomach gurgling and diarrhea can be symptoms of specific food intolerances or sensitivities., such as:
lactose intolerance
gluten sensitivity
celiac disease
Antibiotics: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the digestive system, leading to stomach gurgling and diarrhea.
Stress and anxiety: During periods of stress or anxiety, the body releases hormones and chemicals into the digestive tract. where they can affect the normal functioning of the digestive system. This can cause symptoms such as:
IBS symptoms
indigestion
nausea
abdominal cramps
