Stomach Infection vs Food Poisoning: How to Know the Difference?

Dr Anitha Adluri, Consultant General Physician

Stomach pain, loose motions, vomiting, weakness — these symptoms are extremely common, especially during weather changes, eating outside food, or after travel.

Many patients wonder:

  • Is this a stomach infection?
  • Or is it food poisoning?
  • Do I need antibiotics?
  • When should I see a doctor?

As a General Physician in Manikonda, this is one of the most frequent problems we treat. Understanding the difference helps you get the right treatment at the right time.


 What is a Stomach Infection?

Stomach infection (gastroenteritis) is usually caused by: Viruses (most common), Bacteria, Parasites

These infections spread through:

Common Symptoms of Stomach Infection

  • Fever
  • Loose motions (3–10 times/day)
  • Vomiting
  • Mild to moderate stomach cramps
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dehydration
  • Body pains
  • Contaminated water
  • Unclean hands
  • Poor hygiene
  • Close contact with infected people
  • Spoiled or uncovered food

✨ Key point: Fever + body pains is more common in stomach infections than food poisoning.


What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning happens when you eat contaminated or spoiled food containing toxins, bacteria, or harmful chemicals.

Most common causes:

  • Street food
  • Old food kept outside for many hours
  • Undercooked meat or eggs
  • Non-veg stored at wrong temperature
  • Expired food items
  • Contaminated sauces or chutneys

Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning

  • Sudden vomiting (within 2–6 hours of eating)
  • Sudden watery diarrhoea
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • No fever or very mild fever
  • Weakness
  • Nausea

✨ Key point: Symptoms start very suddenly, usually within a few hours of eating outside.



Do You Need Antibiotics? (Important)

Most stomach infections are viral → antibiotics do NOT work.
Food poisoning also often settles without antibiotics.

You need antibiotics ONLY IF:

High fever

Blood in stools

Severe stomach pain

Continuous vomiting

Symptoms > 48–72 hours

Very frequent loose motions

Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urine)

At Ayra Health Care, we check hydration, infection markers, BP, sugar and tailor treatment to avoid unnecessary antibiotics.


When Should You Visit a Doctor?

See a doctor immediately if you have

Loose motions more than 5–6 times/day

Vomiting everything you eat

Dizziness or weakness

High fever

Stomach pain not settling

Dehydration

Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours in children

Diarrhea in elderly or diabetics (risk of complications)


Home Treatment – What You Can Do Now

ORS sip-by-sip

Coconut water

Buttermilk

Curd rice

Avoid outside food

Avoid milk & coffee for 24 hours

Eat light meals

Paracetamol for fever

Probiotics for gut recovery


How We Treat This at Ayra Health Care (Manikonda)

At our clinic we provide:

On-the-spot BP, Sugar, CRP, CBC
Rapid evaluation by a General Physician
Hydration assessment
Correct medication (without unnecessary antibiotics)
IV fluids if needed (to avoid admission)
Quick recovery plan

Our goal is to reduce your symptoms within 24 hours.


Final Word

Stomach infection and food poisoning often look similar, but the cause and treatment are different. If symptoms are severe, sudden, or persistent, get medical care early — it prevents dehydration and complications.

Meet Our Doctors – Ayra Health Care, Hyderabad

At Ayra Health Care, Manikonda, Hyderabad, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality medical care to individuals and their families. Our team of doctors brings years of expertise, advanced training, and a patient-first approach to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Dr Anitha Adluri – MD, General Physician & Diabetologist

Dr Anitha Adluri is one of the best general physicians in Hyderabad, with over 22 years of experience in Internal Medicine and Diabetology. She is highly regarded as a family-friendly physician and is recognised among the top physicians in Hyderabad. Her areas of expertise include fevers, infections, urinary tract infections, diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, cholesterol problems, obesity, HIV, typhoid, dengue, pneumonia, asthma, allergies, vitamin deficiencies, immune system disorders, rheumatology conditions, and women’s health issues such as PCOD. Known as a top-rated doctor in Hyderabad, she focuses on accurate diagnosis, preventive care, and holistic treatment, ensuring long-term wellness for her patients. Fluent in English, Telugu, and Hindi, she is approachable and caring, making her a trusted physician for families across the city.

 

Why Choose Ayra Health Care?

  • Experienced and top-rated doctors in Hyderabad
  • Family-friendly environment with personalised attention
  • Comprehensive care in General Medicine, Diabetes, and Orthopaedics
  • Focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and holistic management
  • Patient education and guidance for long-term wellness

At Ayra Health Care, our mission is to provide advanced medical care with compassion, trust, and excellence. Whether you are seeking a general physician in Hyderabad for overall health, diabetes, or infections, or a top orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad for bone and joint problems, our doctors are here to support you at every step.

📍 Location: Ayra Health Care, Manikonda, Hyderabad

📞 Contact: 8500785430

🌐 Website: www.ayrahealthcare.com

 

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