When to worry about abdominal pain with food poisoning

Contaminated food or drink can irritate the stomach and bowel, leading to cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Cramping may come and go as the bowel moves. Pain that becomes localised, constant, or much stronger than the other symptoms deserves assessment because food poisoning can overlap with other abdominal problems.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Rest, and eat light foods when you feel able. Avoid alcohol and foods that worsen nausea. Keep track of urine, vomiting, diarrhoea, temperature, and pain. Do not use antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicines without advice, especially if there is blood or fever.

Get urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a rigid or swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down, blood or black stool, or a high fever. Seek medical advice if symptoms are not improving, or sooner for a young child, older adult, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system.

Ask how to replace fluids, whether a stool test is needed, which medicines are suitable, and what change should trigger review. Mention recent meals, travel, sick contacts, fever, blood, and the number of vomiting or diarrhoea episodes.