When Is Belly Pain More Than Just Food Poisoning? Know The Danger Signs

Have you ever had those nights where you order takeout or leftovers that leave you feeling queasy? Food poisoning is a common cause of sudden stomach pain, but it’s not always the whole story.

“If you have persistent or severe abdominal pain, it might be more than just food poisoning,” says Dr. Karen Patel, MD, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Don’t ignore the signs, because it could delay treatment for conditions that can get worse quickly.”

The challenge? Gastrointestinal conditions can be tricky to diagnose because they often mimic the symptoms of food poisoning—nausea, cramping, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Red Flag Symptoms to Watch Out For

If your belly pain lingers, intensifies, or is paired with certain other symptoms, it may be more than just spoiled food.

Call your doctor ASAP if you notice:

• Pain localized to one side (especially the lower right side)
• Fever over 100.4°F
• Bloody or black stools
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, low urine output)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling or hardening of the abdomen
• Sharp, stabbing pain instead of cramping

These could be signs of conditions like:

• Appendicitis
• Gallstones or gallbladder infection
• Peptic ulcers
• Pancreatitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Kidney stones
• Ectopic pregnancy (in women of childbearing age)

“It’s always better to be safe than sorry,” says Dr. Lisa Han, DO, an emergency medicine physician. “If your pain is getting worse or coming in waves with other symptoms, go get checked out.”

What the Science Says

Did you know that foodborne illnesses are a major concern in the U.S.? They cause around 48 million cases each year, but thankfully, not all of them end up in the hospital. On the other hand, appendicitis is a different story. It affects about 250,000 Americans every year, and almost always needs surgery.

A study from 2023, published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, highlights the dangers of delayed diagnosis of non-food poisoning-related abdominal pain. It can lead to serious complications, longer hospital stays, and even the need for emergency surgery.

When to Go to the ER

Head to the emergency room if:

• The pain comes on suddenly and severely
• You’re pregnant and experiencing abdominal discomfort
• You can’t pass gas or have no bowel movements
• You experience chest pain alongside belly pain

These could signal serious, time-sensitive conditions like:

• Bowel obstruction
• Perforated ulcer
• Heart attack (sometimes mistaken for indigestion)

You can also consult Mayo Clinic’s abdominal pain symptom checker for more specific guidance.

What You Can Do at Home (If It Is Food Poisoning)

If you’re fairly sure the cause is a simple stomach bug or mild food poisoning, follow this gentle recovery plan:

• Hydrate constantly — use oral rehydration salts or electrolyte drinks
• Rest your gut — stick to bland foods like toast, bananas, and rice (the BRAT diet)
• Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and greasy foods
• Use a heating pad to ease mild cramps
• Track your symptoms—if they last more than 2–3 days, seek medical care

Trust Your Gut

Stomach pain is a common issue, but it’s important to pay attention if it feels different, is severe, or comes with unusual symptoms. Your body is your best friend, so listen to it and seek medical attention if needed.

“Pay attention to your tummy when it’s telling you something,” advises Dr. Patel. “Don’t ignore it with antacids. Get checked out if something feels off.”