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Is Stomach Cramp Symptom Of Food Poisoning?

Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014

Question: I have had a bowl of fresh watermelon for the last 2 nights an hour or two before bed. The past 2 mornings I wake up and have a couple miniature powered donuts and take my morning meds with a full glass of water as usual. But the past 2 mornings about a half hour after taking my meds I start having severe cramping pain(along with belching) in my entire abd especially the stomach and my abd becomes very bloated. This has never happened before. I'm 58, I do have reflux but it's controlled by Nexium B.I.D. Could I have a mild case of food poisoning from the watermelon?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely,further investigations advised...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully, From what you are describing, feeling cramping pain in your stomach and bloated abdomen half an hour after taking your meds, might be related to stomach problems (aggravation of GERD/gastritis if present) which are associated with hyper acidity

With regards to food poisoning from the watermelon, may I know if you have other symptoms apart pain:
- diarrhea?
- nausa?
- fever?

From what you are describing, it's unlikely to be food poisoning, as you should have the symptoms appeared at least within the first hour of eating watermelon and not the next morning.

At the end, I advise to consult with your GI specialist in order to re-evaluate your upper GI tract including GERD.

I advise to:
- take Nexium and antacids
- eat often and small portions
- avoid foods that can trigger the pain
- take simethicone for bloating

Looking forward to have the requested data in!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

I had diarrhea the 1st day but not the second day. I've had nausea both days. I'm not having watermelon tonight just to see what happens tomorrow. I will try that OTC med that you recommended. Hope it works. Thank you..

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ok,let me know then...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If you have eaten watermelon before, and nothing happened, then, it's unlikely to be related to watermelon. Unless, it was bad.

Ok, stop taking it for a couple of days, and see what happens and let me know.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (12 hours later)

I didn't eat the watermelon last night and I had no problems this morning. Don't think I'll eat watermelon for along time. Something was defiantly wrong with the watermelon!!!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue for more days and let me know...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

I am glad to hear that you did not have any problem. Perhaps that watermelon was bad or there was too much "chemicals" in it.

Continue not eating it for more days and let me know how it goes.

Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Ok I will do so and let you know... Thanks Doc

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Looking forward to have your news...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Just wondering what is going on with your health problems? Do you still have diarrhea?

Looking forward to have your news soon.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (8 hours later)

No diarrhea. Just a little bloating. But I'm still having problem with a lot of belching, which is something I wasn't having a problem with till recently. I don't know what's going on. I've had no watermelon and will not have any more until next year.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for following up.

I am happy that you are not having diarrhea. Bloating you are feeling makes me think over a bowel problem unrelated to watermelon. However, you can continue non taking watermelon, but at the same time, I advise to:
- increase water intake
- take OTC probiotics
- implement good hygienic measures especially when preparing food
- eat often, small portions and chew up slowly

and let me know how it goes.
All the best!
Dr.Albana

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar