What Causes Sudden Diarrhea and Sweating?

Key takeaways:

• Sweating and diarrhea are both associated with a variety of conditions.
• Many causes are not serious and can be successfully treated at home.
• Sweating and diarrhea that persists or is accompanied by other symptoms should be reported to your doctor.

Diarrhea accompanied by sweating is an unpleasant experience. It can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition, but it’s usually not cause for concern. Viral or bacterial infections are common causes of diarrhea and sweating. You can usually begin at-home treatments for diarrhea and sweating unless your doctor wants you to try something else.

The presence of other symptoms might also help you determine the underlying cause of diarrhea and sweating. We’ve compiled a list of some common causes of simultaneous diarrhea and sweating. While it may help you to review some of the most likely causes, be sure to mention your symptoms to your doctor.

Are sweating and diarrhea related?

Sweating and diarrhea certainly can be related. There are several conditions leading to both symptoms. However, it’s also possible that sweating and diarrhea could occur simultaneously but be caused by separate issues.

Causes of sweating and diarrhea

It may help you to know the signs and symptoms of some of the more common causes of sweating and diarrhea. The following are conditions or illnesses that frequently lead to both diarrhea and sweating.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, sometimes called the stomach flu, is an infection of the stomach or small intestines. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Fever is a common symptom, as is diarrhea. The body tries to rid itself of excess heat in various ways during fevers. One way to do this is by sweating.

Vasovagal episode

If you’ve ever suddenly felt faint and heard ringing in your ears, you may have experienced a vasovagal episode. This happens when part of the nervous system is overstimulated. It causes blood flow to the brain to temporarily decrease, leading to fainting. Other symptoms include sweating, nausea, or tunnel vision.

There can be many triggers for these episodes; one possible trigger is having a bowel movement.

Dumping syndrome

If you’ve had stomach surgery, your doctor may have warned you about dumping syndrome. However, it’s possible for patients who haven’t had surgery to develop dumping syndrome.

In this condition, the stomach rapidly empties itself of food. Patients typically suffer abdominal pain and diarrhea within 30 minutes of eating. This is often accompanied by sweating or feeling flushed.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that controls metabolism. An overactive thyroid gland causes hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the metabolism is overstimulated. Symptoms include weight loss, sweating, palpitations, and diarrhea. There can be other symptoms, like hair loss and high blood pressure.

Carcinoid syndrome

Carcinoid syndrome is caused by a cancerous tumor that secretes multiple substances. These substances usually cause wheezing, diarrhea, and flushing. While flushing and sweating are different, they cause similar sensations. Carcinoid tumors are uncommon, and this syndrome is rare.

Causes of diarrhea and sweating based on another symptom, condition, or situation

Experiencing other symptoms (in addition to diarrhea and sweating) can help pinpoint the cause.

Cold sweating and diarrhea

Cold sweats, or feeling clammy and sweaty, may point toward a non-infectious cause of sweating and diarrhea. It's normal to feel clammy during cold sweats, and diarrhea is a common trigger. Hyperthyroidism is also known to cause cold sweats.

Severe stomach pain, sweating, and diarrhea

Gastroenteritis can cause severe stomach pain accompanied by diarrhea. Severe stomach pain may also be a sign of dumping syndrome—especially if you’ve had stomach surgery.

Stomach cramps, dizziness, and diarrhea

The sensation of dizziness accompanying stomach cramps and diarrhea may signal a vasovagal episode. Stomach cramping and diarrhea can trigger a vasovagal episode, which causes dizziness. Another possibility is dizziness due to dehydration from a stomach infection (gastroenteritis). Dumping syndrome can also cause this collection of symptoms.

Sweating and diarrhea with a fever

Fever usually indicates an infection. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also cause fevers, sweating, and diarrhea.

Sweating and diarrhea with no fever

Dumping syndrome and hyperthyroidism are both known for causing sweating and diarrhea. They don’t normally cause fever. Carcinoid syndrome can also lead to flushing and diarrhea. While flushing and sweating are different, they can feel similar.

Sweating and diarrhea while pregnant

Sweating and diarrhea while pregnant may be related to hormonal changes in pregnancy. They could also be signs of imminent labor. Please call your doctor if you are pregnant and have these symptoms.

Read our guides on different types of diarrhea and common causes of diarrhea for more.

How to treat sweating and diarrhea at home

Treatment of sweating and diarrhea is highly dependent on the cause. If you think you may have a stomach infection (gastroenteritis) or vasovagal episode, there are some at-home treatment options. If you are unsure, please call your doctor.

Treatment for gastroenteritis

If you think you have gastroenteritis, you can initially try treatment at home. Monitor your symptoms carefully. Watch for signs of dehydration. Dizziness, dry skin, cracked lips, dark urine, and muscle cramps are common signs.

Treatment is mostly centered around rehydration. If you can keep water down, try an oral rehydration solution or low-sugar sports drink. These can be purchased at a local pharmacy or made at home. If you don’t feel better after 24 hours of rehydrating and monitoring yourself, call your doctor.

There are over-the-counter options to treat diarrhea, but you should call your doctor before taking them. They can make your illness worse and lead to complications.

Treatment for vasovagal episode

Vasovagal episodes are typically treated by drinking fluids and slowly moving your body. Avoid known triggers whenever possible. If you know the warning signs of an episode, inform those in your household. Try to lay or sit down if you feel an episode coming.

Treatment for dumping syndrome

If you suspect you have dumping syndrome, you can make some simple changes to your diet. Instead of eating three large meals daily, eat 5-6 smaller meals. Eat slowly and sit upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. It may also help to lower your sugar intake.

These changes often help alleviate symptoms of dumping syndrome. You should, however, inform your doctor of what is happening. They may want to evaluate you in person.

When you should see a doctor for sweating and diarrhea

If sweating and diarrhea begin to improve within 48 hours, you probably don’t need to see a doctor. If the symptoms worsen or you don’t improve, it’s best to call your doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

• The diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours.
• The symptoms are so severe you cannot complete normal daily tasks.
• You have a fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
• You notice bloody or dark-black (tarry) stools.
• There are signs of dehydration.
• If you have recently taken antibiotics and now have diarrhea.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are experiencing severe abdominal pain.
• You have not urinated for 6 hours.
• The patient is confused or having difficulty staying awake.
• You are wheezing or have difficulty breathing.
• You feel like your heart is racing.

Questions to ask your doctor about sweating and diarrhea

• What do you think is causing these symptoms?
• Can I take over-the-counter medications for my symptoms?
• How long do you expect my sweating and diarrhea to last?
• When should I call you back if I don’t think I’m improving?

Frequently asked questions: sweating and diarrhea

It is normal to have questions about your symptoms. Please ask your doctor any questions you want answered.

Does a stomach bug cause excessive sweating and diarrhea?

A stomach bug can indeed cause excessive sweating and diarrhea, especially if it is also causing a fever.

What if you experience sweating and chills when you poop?

This may be a normal vasovagal response to having a bowel movement (pooping). You should let your doctor know if this happens to you, especially if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

What should you eat or drink if you’re sweating and having diarrhea?

Unless you suspect a stomach infection (gastroenteritis) or dumping syndrome, a special diet may not make much of a difference. If you suspect gastroenteritis, make sure you stay hydrated. For dumping syndrome, smaller and more frequent meals may help.

Final thoughts

Diarrhea and sweating can come together, and they often do. Their individual and joint causes are usually mild, but they’re sometimes indicative of a serious health condition. Diarrhea that resolves on its own after a few days usually doesn’t require professional treatment. However, if you’re unsure about your symptoms or if they persist and worsen, it’s always best to call your doctor.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

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‌Pandit, Sudha, et al. “Carcinoid Syndrome.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448096/.

‌Fowler, Josephine R., et al. “Pregnancy.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 22 Apr. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448166/.

‌Homemade Oral Rehydration Solutions Base Beverage Recipe. https://med.virginia.edu/ginutrition/wp-content/uploads/sites/199/2023/12/Homemade-Oral-Rehydration-Solutions-11-2023.pdf.