What does abdominal pain feel like with gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis can make the bowel contract more actively, producing gripping cramps that come and go. The discomfort may be felt across the abdomen and may ease temporarily after passing stool or gas. Vomiting, loose stools, nausea, fever, and tiredness often appear around the same time.

Pain by itself cannot distinguish gastroenteritis from other causes. Note whether symptoms began suddenly, whether other people are ill, and whether you are passing urine normally; these clues help a clinician assess the situation.

Replace fluids with frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Rest, and try plain foods when you can eat. Avoid alcohol and sharing towels. Wash hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, because some causes spread easily.

If vomiting makes drinking difficult, pause briefly and restart with very small sips. Ask a pharmacist before taking medicines for diarrhoea, especially for a child or if there is fever or blood in the stool.

Get urgent help for severe or localised worsening pain, a swollen or rigid abdomen, blood in vomit or stool, fainting, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek medical advice for signs of dehydration such as very dark urine, passing urine less often, a dry mouth, or unusual drowsiness.

Ask whether you need testing, how to replace fluids, which foods and medicines are suitable, and when it is safe to return to work, school, or food preparation.