+18 What the location of your stomach ache means - plus when to seek ...

If you’ve ever had a sudden, uncontrolled, tight feeling in the muscles of your stomach, then you’ve probably had stomach cramps. They’re uncomfortable and sometimes hurt. Anyone can get them.

Food Poisoning
This happens when you eat food contaminated with certain germs. Stomach cramps can be one of the symptoms. In addition to the cramps, you may have:

Upset stomach
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
It may take minutes, hours, or days for symptoms to appear.

Older adults, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get food poisoning. Most people get better without seeing a doctor.

In the meantime, rest and avoid the food that might have made you sick.

If you’re throwing up or have diarrhea, experts say to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

If you’re throwing up or have diarrhea, experts say to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. See a doctor if your symptoms get more serious, including:
Blood in your poop
A high fever (temperature over 102 F)
Throwing up many times, which can lead to dehydration
Signs of dehydration (peeing less, dizziness, very dry mouth and throat)
Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days

Stomach Virus
You may hear your doctor call this viral gastroenteritis. People also call it stomach flu, but it's not caused by the flu virus.
There are different types of stomach viruses. Norovirus is the most common in the United States.

Since a stomach virus and food poisoning have similar symptoms, like cramps, it’s easy to confuse the two. You get a stomach virus through close contact with someone who has the virus, such as sharing food or kitchen utensils, like a fork or knife. You can also get the virus by eating or drinking unsafe food and water. Unlike food poisoning, the virus can spread easily to other people -- at least for the first few days you have it.

Food Allergy
These happen when your body’s immune system defends itself against a food it has mistaken as harmful.
The most common food allergies are to proteins like:

Shellfish
Nuts
Fish
Eggs
Milk
Peanuts
If you’re allergic to certain foods, it’s best to avoid them. A dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble swallowing, and shortness of breath. If not treated immediately, it can be fatal.