Symptoms and Remedies: Exploring 7 Possible Causes Behind Persistent Body Aches and Diarrhea
Body aches and diarrhea in adults can be a cause for concern, but understanding the common causes can help alleviate worries. This article explores some of the key factors that may contribute to these symptoms.
One of the most common causes of body aches and diarrhea is an infectious disease. Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are frequent culprits. Viral gastroenteritis, or the "stomach flu," is a common infectious cause, often due to norovirus, which inflames the intestinal lining and results in diarrhea and body aches [3]. Bacterial infections like bacillary dysentery involve harmful bacteria that cause inflammation in the intestines, leading to diarrhea (sometimes bloody) along with fever and body discomfort [1]. Parasitic infections such as giardiasis or ascariasis can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and vague abdominal discomfort or body aches [5].
Another source of body aches and diarrhea is food poisoning, which can occur when harmful pathogens or parasites contaminate food or water [2]. This results in acute diarrhea and systemic symptoms including body aches due to toxins from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or other chronic intestinal conditions, can cause ongoing diarrhea and systemic symptoms including fatigue and muscle aches due to chronic inflammation [2].
Medications or toxins may induce diarrhea as a side effect, sometimes alongside systemic symptoms depending on the agent and individual. Stress and other triggers may worsen diarrhea and may be linked with muscular aches or tension, though usually less pronounced body aches compared to infections or systemic illness [4].
If symptoms become severe, persistent, or start to interfere with daily activities, or if a person experiences any of the following symptoms: frequent watery diarrhea lasting for more than 2 days, especially if vomiting occurs alongside it, black and tarry stools or stools that contain blood, severe pain in the abdomen or rectum, frequent vomiting, a fever of 102°F (38.89°C) or higher, lightheadedness, diarrhea lasting more than a week, medical evaluation is necessary to identify the precise cause and institute appropriate treatment [6].
Treatment for various conditions causing body aches and diarrhea may vary. Treatment for lactose intolerance involves limiting or avoiding foods and drinks that contain lactose, or taking lactase tablets or drops immediately before consumption [7]. Gluten sensitivity requires a diet free of gluten, and treatment for celiac disease also involves a gluten-free diet [8]. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be managed through changes to the diet, such as including more fiber, avoiding or minimizing gluten, and consuming fewer gas-producing foods [9].
In conclusion, the co-occurrence of body aches and diarrhea in adults most commonly points to an infectious cause—viral (norovirus), bacterial (e.g., Shigella in bacillary dysentery), or parasitic—with systemic inflammation causing muscle aches [1][3][5]. Food poisoning and chronic inflammatory diseases are other important considerations depending on symptom duration and context [2][4]. It is essential to seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
- The predictive indicators of health-and-wellness issues, like body aches and diarrhea, can be significant.
- Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease might lead to body aches and diarrhea, necessitating a gluten-free diet for treatment.
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), can cause ongoing diarrhea and body aches due to chronic inflammation.
- Food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, can provoke diarrhea and body aches in response to consuming specific foods.
- Colitis, an inflammatory condition of the colon, can cause diarrhea and aggravate the body aches.
- The safety of food consumption should be considered in cases where food poisoning is suspected, as it may cause severe body aches and diarrhea.
- In addition to diarrhea, food poisoning may lead to other systemic symptoms, such as nausea and fever.
- Asthma patients may experience pain in their bodies, sometimes worsening during diarrheal episodes due to dehydration.
- In cases of persistent or severe body aches and diarrhea, AQ (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) scores may be a useful tool in creating a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plan.
- Consulting with a science-based health-and-wellness professional can help determine the underlying cause of recurring body aches and diarrhea, and offer targeted solutions for better nutrition.
- Obesity and digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance may contribute to poor nutritional absorption, which can subsequently lead to diarrhea and body aches.
- Education on food safety, proper diet management, and the importance of seeking medical intervention when necessary are crucial steps to ensure overall health and reduced occurrence of body aches and diarrhea.
