Why do I get stomachache, cramps and diarrhoea after every meal, and how do I know whether it is due to food poisoning?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Food poisoning is an acute event which occur shortly after the ingestion of contaminated food or beverage. This can present with vomiting, fever, cramps or diarrhoea. What you have experienced sounded like a sensitive digestive system since your symptoms occur frequently with no specific relation with any type of food.

A common condition with such presentation is irritable bowel syndrome. People with this condition have symptoms ranging from bad constipation to frequent diarrhoea. If your symptoms happened only recently, you should 1st consult your doctor to exclude infection from parasites. Try going through in greater detail the food you have consumed right before those symptoms to see if there is any common ingredient in your food which triggers the symptoms.

Occasionally, special blood, radiological or endoscopical investigations may be required to help clinching the diagnosis. Do hydrate yourself adequately and try taking more fiber which may help with the loose stools.

- Dr Quan

Similar Questions

Should I get checked for C. Difficile if I have a stomachache, cramps and hard stools after an antibiotics course?

Based on your story alone, it's very unlikely that you have C. Diff, nor do you need to worry about getting tested for it, especially because (I presume) that you are fairly young. C. Diff causes really smelly diarrhoea, and usually happens in the hospitalised elderly after a prolonged cause of strong antibiotics. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t worry at all about getting tested for C. Diff. However if the cramps and hard stools continue bothering you, do see your GP who can perform a proper examination, and prescribe some symptomatic oral medication.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

What could be the cause of black stools and dull ache at my pelvic area?

Black tarry and unformed stool may represent the passage of altered blood - also known as melena. The most common cause of melena is internal bleeding from peptic ulcers, usually originating from a point higher up in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract like the stomach or duodenum. Risk factors for peptic ulcer disease include presence of Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria found in the stomach) and consumption of certain medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox