Why You Could Have Both at Once
Gas and diarrhea are common symptoms ofgastrointestinalillness and conditions.
They tend to be self-limiting, resolving on their own.
This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of gas and diarrhea.
Alihan Usullu / Getty Images
It will also cover when someone should contact a healthcare provider.
There are several causes, some of which are temporary, while others are lifelong.
Below is a list of some of the causes, with explanations of each one.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBSis a common cause of chronic diarrhea and gas.
Symptoms include abdominal cramping, gas, and changes in bowel patterns.
Bowel pattern changes tend to be diarrhea but can also include constipation.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic immune condition that causes damage to the small intestine.
It is triggered by eating a protein called gluten found in wheat flour and other sources.
People with celiac disease canexperience several different symptoms.
Infections
Infections are another common cause of gastrointestinal problems like gas and diarrhea.
Below are lists of different types of gas and diarrhea along with the corresponding symptoms.
Noninfectious Diarrhea Symptoms
Noninfectiousdiarrheasymptoms will vary based on the cause.
The causes can range from medical conditions like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease to food intolerances.
Symptoms may include:
People with noninfectious diarrhea tend to not have a fever or othersigns of an infection.
Infectious Diarrhea Symptoms
Infectious diarrhea is broken up into two categories, inflammatory and noninflammatory.
Inflammatory infectious diarrhea is more invasive with toxin-producing bacteria that produce more severe symptoms.
Noninflammatory infectious diarrhea symptoms are typically from a virus and produce milder symptoms.
In most cases, there does not need to be a formal diagnosis to determine the exact cause.
But when the diarrhea is severe, determining the cause is important.
However, if the symptoms persist or are severe then treatment is needed.
People with underlying conditions should talk to their healthcare provider for a specific treatment plan.
However, when there are signs of dehydration along with diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider.
Many cases resolve on their own without treatment from a healthcare provider.
John Hopkins Medicine.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of gas in the digestive track.
John Hopkins Medicine.How to get rid of gas pain.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of celiac disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diarrhea.
2021;3(1):28-35. doi:10.1007/s42399-020-00662-w
Barr W, Smith A.Acute diarrhea in adults.afp.
2014;89(3):180-189.
UpToDate.Acute diarrhea in adults.
