Watery Stools, Stomach Cramps. What Could Be The Problem?

Hello, stock.5686,
You say that this problem started about 2 months ago. At that
time, if you also had stomach pains, nasea or vomiting, you
might have had a case gastroenteritis. This can be caused by
eating contaminated food or drinks, like a case of food poisoning.
It can also be caused by other bugs such as salmonella,shigella,
giardia, cryptosporidia,and viruses such as rotavirus or norwalk
virus. Keep a close watch on the color of the stool making sure
it is not mixed with blood. It should be tested for blood at the lab.
At your age group, we have to think about Inflammatory Bowel
Diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. If any of
your family members, siblings, parents,grandparents have had
this condition diagnosed you have to have that ruled out. You need
special blood tests and x-ray studies, may be even colonoscopy and
biopsy by a gastroenterologist. Other thing to think about are
Lactose Intolerance and Celiac disease. There is a breath test for one
and blood tests for celiac.
If all these are ruled out, that leaves Irritable Bowel Syndrome which
is very common at your age range. This can follow an infection.
Usually, diarrhea or constipation predominates, sometimes alternating.
There is no blood loss. Abdominal pain, bloating and gas are very common.
In your case the intestinal contractions are rapid and that causes the pain
and diarrhea. Fiber supplements or bulking agents help to solidify the stool.
Metamucil or other fiber products can help. Start 1-2 tablespoons and
gradually increase till the stool is more solid. Over the counter Loperimide
(Imodium-AD) 1-2 /day will help to stop severe diarrhea.
Peptobismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) also helps to cut the frequency
of diarrhea. But your stool may turn black !
Make sure you avoid alcohol, excess caffiene, milk. Avoid very spicy foods
Keep the liquid intake adequate, apple juice, electrolyte solutions (Oral)
such as sport drinks work well.
Hope this helps you , so that you can talk to your own doctor and get
the proper tests.
I wish you well.