Diagnosis

To find out the exact cause of the symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is especially true if the abdominal pain lasts for several days, is very severe and no improvement is in sight. Particular caution is required in the case of persistent diarrhoea, as the body loses a great deal of fluid and electrolytes, which must be replenished.

However, if the affected person does not keep anything with him or her, it may be necessary to give infusions. A visit to a doctor is therefore advisable if the symptoms do not improve on their own after a short time. The doctor will first ask how long the symptoms have been present, what – if known – caused them, how severe they are and whether the patient has already taken something for the pain or diarrhoea.

During the physical examination, the doctor will palpate the abdomen to see if he can feel any hardenings or similar. If necessary, an ultrasound examination can also be performed. A stool sample can provide information as to whether the disease is infectious.

The stool sample can also be examined for blood admixtures. Depending on the suspected cause, the doctor can use other diagnostic tools to investigate the symptoms. These may include a blood test, for example.

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea and flatulence

Flatulence associated with abdominal pain and diarrhoea often occurs in digestive disorders. The gas comes from bacteria that produce it when breaking down food components. An unfamiliar diet, as well as changes in diet, can provoke severe flatulence.

In connection with the above-mentioned symptoms, however, they can also occur in chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases or infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Flatulence is also frequently associated with food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance. Due to a lack of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in the intestine, the lactose remains in the intestine to a greater extent and draws water with it.

The result is pronounced diarrhoea. However, the lactose produced also leads to increased gas development, which is noticeable by abdominal tumours and flatulence. During pregnancy, abdominal pains may occur more frequently due to an unfavourable position of the child.

Especially when the baby starts moving, it can become uncomfortable for the mother. However, regular abdominal cramps are atypical and indicate a different cause. In the worst case, a pregnancy that has not yet been completed could be due to premature onset of labour.

However, abdominal pains associated with diarrhoea in a pregnant woman are more likely to indicate another cause, such as a gastrointestinal infection. Pregnant women who experience such symptoms should always consult a doctor to ensure that the child is not at risk. During pregnancy, it is important to react early in case of illness so that the health of mother and child is not endangered.