If you develop stomach cramps with bloody diarrhea a few hours after eating, you are likely suffering from food poisoning. This conditions results from eating or ingesting food contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Although there are other causes of bloody diarrhea, if it starts within hours after eating, food poisoning is the likely culprit.
Causes
Food can become contaminated at any time. According to the National Library of Medicine, meats can become contaminated if they come into contact with the intestines of the processed animal; if the food comes into contact with water contaminated with human or animal waste; or if the food is handled, stored, processed or cooked incorrectly. The most common microbes that cause food poisoning are bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, and shigella; viruses like the Norwalk virus; and parasites.
Symptoms
The symptoms of food poisoning start within hours of consuming contaminated food. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include bloody diarrhea, particularly with bacterial causes like E. coli and salmonella; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain and cramps; fever and loss of appetite. If the symptoms persist, they can lead to dehydration. The signs of dehydration include dry lips and mouth, rapid heart rate, decreased urine output and listlessness.
Treatment
The treatment for food poisoning involves alleviating the symptoms of the infection until it goes away. Drinking plenty of fluid is important to avoid dehydration. If this is not possible due to the nausea and vomiting, then you may need intravenous fluids. Antinausea medication, either taken by mouth, through an IV or a suppository, can decrease nausea enough to allow oral rehydration. You should avoid caffeinated liquids, alcoholic beverages and milk, and drink instead plenty of water or electrolyte solutions. Antibiotics are not necessary for these conditions and may actually worsen the symptoms. The same goes for antidiarrheal medications in cases of bloody diarrhea.
Complications
Untreated, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, lethargy and confusion, and may even cause death. Bacterial food poisoning can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition in which the toxins produced by E. coli and other bacteria destroy your red blood cells and cause kidney damage. According to the National Library of Medicine, other, less common complications of food poisoning include arthritis, bleeding disorders and respiratory distress.
