There can be several reasons why a person experiences abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea. Medical care may be needed to determine the cause of the symptoms. If a person experiences severe abdominal cramping and/or has bloody diarrhea he should seek medical care immediately.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when a person consumes food that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites. According to the MayoClinic.com, signs and symptoms can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea that may contain blood, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and fever. Those with bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, fever greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit and those who cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours should seek medical care. People can take steps to prevent food poisoning by washing their hands after preparing foods, disinfecting surfaces before and after preparing food, and cooking food thoroughly using a food thermometer.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, causes a chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract, reports the American College of Gastroenterology. IBD refers to two chronic diseases: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. IBD generally develops in people from the age of 10 to 30. The cause is unknown, but relates to the immune system constantly fighting bacteria in the intestinal tract. Signs and symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea with possible blood. Treatment includes long-term use of medications to keep the inflammation down in the intestinal tract.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body does not properly absorb foods containing gluten. When a person with celiac disease consumes food products that contain gluten, it creates a reaction that damages the small intestine, reports the Celiac Disease Foundation. Gluten is the protein in wheat and persons with celiac disease have to eliminate wheat from their diets. Signs and symptoms of celiac disease can include abdominal cramping, chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation, anemia and unexplained weight loss. Infants and toddlers may have behavioral problems, bloated abdomen and growth failure. Treatment includes eliminating gluten from the diet to allow the small intestines to heal.
