Why am I experiencing stomach pain and watery diarrhea?

Abdominal pain refers to stomachache, and passing watery stool indicates watery diarrhea. Abdominal pain accompanied by watery diarrhea may be caused by poor eating habits, excessive stress, acute gastroenteritis, bacterial dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions. When experiencing any physical abnormalities or discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical help promptly for targeted treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Poor Eating Habits

Long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, or raw/cold foods, or sudden changes in diet—such as eating large amounts of food not usually consumed—can irritate the intestines, accelerate intestinal motility, and lead to abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, eat light and easily digestible foods, and avoid irritating foods.

2. Excessive Stress

Prolonged emotional fluctuations or high psychological stress can trigger the release of stress hormones that affect intestinal movement and digestive absorption. This may increase intestinal sensitivity and motility while reducing water absorption, resulting in abdominal pain and watery stools. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, ensure adequate rest, and avoid overexertion.

3. Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is usually caused by infection with pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites. The inflammation can damage the intestinal mucosa, impairing water and electrolyte absorption, leading to abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. Symptoms may also include fever and nausea. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as Changyanning tablets, compound berberine tablets, or montmorillonite powder may be used for treatment.

4. Bacterial Dysentery

Bacterial dysentery is typically caused by Shigella bacteria and spreads through contaminated food, water, or hands. Shigella can damage the intestinal mucosa, accelerate intestinal motility, and cause watery diarrhea. Symptoms often include a sense of urgency with incomplete evacuation (tenesmus), and mucus-pus bloody stools. Patients may take medications such as cefalexin granules, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, or azithromycin dispersible tablets under medical supervision.

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is usually caused by abnormal intestinal motility, nervous system dysregulation, or intestinal microbiota imbalance. The intestines of affected individuals may become abnormally sensitive to certain stimuli, leading to irregular bowel movements, reduced water absorption, and resulting in watery diarrhea and abdominal pain. Additional symptoms may include bloating and increased flatulence. Under a doctor's advice, medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, quadruple probiotic bifidobacteria tablets, or loperamide hydrochloride capsules may be used for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoid raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, get appropriate rest, and avoid strenuous exercise.