If you have been struck with stomach pain and diarrhea, chances are good that you have contracted a virus or bacteria that is causing your misery. Another possibility is that you have developed lactose intolerance. While the symptoms of an intestinal virus and lactose intolerance can be similar, they also have differences.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is commonly called the "stomach flu," but it has nothing to do with the influenza virus. The symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache and a low fever. Usually the stomach flu lasts for a day or two, but sometimes it can last as long as 10 days, according to MayoClinic.com. Once the virus runs its course, your symptoms should not recur. Although most people recover fully and uneventfully, young children and the elderly are at risk of developing dehydration, which is a condition warranting medical attention.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance means that you do not have enough lactase, the enzyme that allows you to digest the sugars in milk. Babies make lactase in their intestines so they can digest breast milk, but as you age, you may begin to make less lactase. American Indians and those of Asian descent are more likely to be lactose intolerant than those from Northern Europe. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal cramping, bloating, excess gas and diarrhea within two hours of ingesting milk or other dairy products.
Treatments
If you have an intestinal flu, the best treatment is rest, hydration and, after the diarrhea slows in frequency, eating small amounts of bland foods as tolerated. The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, is commonly recommended.
If you have lactose intolerance, discontinuing your consumption of dairy products usually brings relief. You may be able to drink small amounts of milk, up to 4 oz., and small amounts of other dairy products. You can also add lactase enzymes to your dairy products.
When to Seek Treatment
If you have symptoms of dehydration, you should see your doctor. These symptoms include dry mouth, excessive thirst, scant urine, dark-colored urine, fatigue and feeling lightheaded. If you have severe pain, a high fever or blood in your diarrhea, seek medical attention promptly. If you think you have lactose intolerance but your symptoms do not get better when you stop eating and drinking dairy products, call your physician for advice.
