[28M] Experiencing stomach pain and bloating after eating cheese pizza

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Lactose Intolerance: This is a common condition where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms often include bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps and usually occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose.

  • The primary treatment for lactose intolerance is to limit or avoid foods that contain lactose, such as milk and cheese.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.

  • Treatment of IBS typically involves long-term management of diet, lifestyle changes, and stress.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and highly infectious. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and antibiotics if the cause is bacterial.

What you can do

1. Try avoiding dairy products for a few days to see if your symptoms improve. This can help determine if lactose intolerance is the cause.
2. Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you're experiencing diarrhea.
3. Over-the-counter medications like antacids or gas-reducing drugs might help alleviate some of your symptoms.
4. Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how you feel afterwards. This can help identify any potential triggers for your symptoms.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your pain is severe or is getting worse
• You have blood in your stool
• You have a high fever
• You're unable to keep liquids down or your symptoms persist for more than a few days

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.