Gastric Pain, Stomach Flu & Food Poisoning: Treatment and Causes
Last updated: Thursday, July 11, 2019 | 3 min reading time
Gastric pain, stomach flu, and food poisoning are some common causes of an upset stomach. Depending on the cause of your stomach pain, the symptoms and treatment however may vary.
The three most common causes of stomach pain include:
Gastric pain
Gastric pain is pain that comes from the stomach. There are many causes of gastric pain, and it may be difficult to differentiate the causes.
Symptoms of gastric pain
Pain in your upper abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Causes of gastric pain
Bacterial infection (H. pylori)
Some medications (e.g. painkillers, aspirin, steroids)
Treatment of gastric pain
Antacids to neutralise the stomach acid
Antibiotics for the bacterial infection
Medication to reduce acid production
Preventing gastric pain
Avoid unnecessary painkillers
Screen for H. pylori infection
Take gastric medication for prevention if at increased risk
Reduce alcohol consumption
Stomach flu
Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.
Medication to relieve fever and other symptoms, but consult your doctor before taking any or giving them to children. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers with a viral illness as this can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome.
Stay hydrated
Preventing stomach flu
Practise proper hand and food preparation hygiene
Cook raw food thoroughly
Avoid sharing food with anyone infected
Disinfect toilets and hard surfaces
Take extra precautions when travelling to developing countries and rural areas
Food poisoning
Food poisoning is due to eating food contaminated by bacteria, viruses or parasites. This most commonly results in nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea that often resolves without needing any treatment.
Causes of food poisoning
Food poisoning occurs due to infection of bacteria, virus or parasites contracted by eating contaminated food or being in contact with an infected person or surface.
Treatment for food poisoning
Medication to relieve fever and other symptoms
Get plenty of rest and hydration
Gastric medication for severe pain
Antibiotics for severe bacterial food poisoning
Preventing food poisoning
Practise proper hand and food preparation hygiene
Cook raw food thoroughly
Avoid sharing food with anyone infected
Disinfect toilets and hard surfaces
Take extra precautions when travelling to developing countries and rural areas
If your symptoms persist or are so severe that you are unable to perform everyday tasks such as standing up straight or walking, visit the Urgent Care Centre to get a clear diagnosis and effective treatment.
It is prudent to be mindful of what you eat to avoid or to improve an upset stomach.
What to eat and drink:
Fluids. It is important to replenish fluids lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. Water, clear broths, diluted fruit juice, weak tea without milk and coconut water are some suggestions to try.
Broths. If you are unable to keep food down, a vegetable or bone broth might be a good alternative to provide you with essential nutrients.
Ginger. A glass of ginger tea can help with feelings of nausea and help settle an upset stomach.
Bananas. This potassium-loaded fruit is gentle on the stomach and may help prevent further upset stomach.
Rice. Plain white rice is gentle on the stomach and can also help firm up stools and stop diarrhoea.
Toast. Go for plain white-bread toast to help soothe your stomach discomforts when having diarrhoea.
What not to eat:
Dairy products such as, milk, cheese and ice cream
Fried or oily foods
Carbonated and sugary drinks
Spicy food
Raw fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
What Is Gastritis? (2018, November 13) Retrieved 9 July, 2019 from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-gastritis#2
Do I have a stomach virus or food poisoning? (2018, July 21) Retrieved 9 July, 2019from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311508.php
Gastritis. (2020, April 03) Retrieved December 29, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355807
Food poisoning. (2020, June 26) Retrieved December 29, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230
What are the best foods for an upset stomach? (2020, June 03) Retrieved December 29, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/food-for-upset-stomach
What to Eat (or Not) When Your Stomach Hurts. (2020, October 14) Retrieved December 29, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-food-stomach-upset
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