diarrhoea and stomach cramps
Acute diarrhoea and stomach cramps are common gastrointestinal symptoms, most frequently caused by self-limiting viral or bacterial infections, dietary triggers, or underlying bowel sensitivity.
Possible causes
- 01
Gastroenteritis
commonAn infection of the gut caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, leading to inflammation, watery stools, and cramping.
- 02
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
possibleA common functional gut disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits like diarrhoea.
- 03
Food Intolerance or Allergy
possibleAdverse reactions to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten, which can trigger acute cramping and loose stools.
- 04
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
less commonChronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, causing persistent diarrhoea and pain.
Recommended tests
GP consultation
→30–60 minute consultation with a British-trained GP — clinic, home or video.
Why: A GP can evaluate your symptoms, assess hydration status, and determine if further stool testing or medical treatment is required.
Inflammation markers (CRP, ESR)
→hs-CRP + ESR — flags active infection or chronic inflammation.
Why: Helps differentiate between functional bowel issues like IBS and inflammatory conditions like IBD or active infections.
Coeliac screen
→Anti-tTG IgA — first-line test for gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease.
Why: Screens for gluten-sensitive enteropathy, which commonly presents with chronic diarrhoea and abdominal cramping.
When to worry
- Blood or mucus in your stool
- Signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, or little to no urination
- A high fever that does not come down
- Severe, constant abdominal pain that localizes to one area
- Unexplained weight loss or symptoms waking you up at night
Related
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This page is educational triage information only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a licensed doctor. Aafiyah Care Clinic — Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. DHA-licensed.
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"Called at 8am with a fever, had a British-trained doctor at my door by 11. He sat with me for 45 minutes — not the 5 minutes I'm used to. Prescription delivered same day. Felt like having a proper GP again."
"We finally have one doctor who knows all of us. The kids actually like going. Follow-up calls happen without us chasing. Worth every dirham."
"The 40+ marker report came back with a real conversation, not a PDF dumped in my inbox. Caught a vitamin deficiency I'd been ignoring for years."
"After surgery I dreaded going back to a hospital for dressings. Their nurse came every other day, the doctor checked in by WhatsApp. Healed faster than I expected."
"Fell ill on day two of our trip. Doctor in the suite within 90 minutes, full assessment, prescription to the hotel pharmacy. Genuinely NHS-standard care in Dubai."
"My father refuses to leave the house. Aafiyah's team comes monthly, manages his medication, and treats him with such dignity. It changed everything for our family."
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