Stomach aches and diarrhoea: How can we tell if it’s food poisoning, IBS or irritable bowel disease

"Many patients consult gastroenterologists thinking they might have an IBD or IBS, and are eventually diagnosed to have the other condition, or some other illness such as a gastroenteritis (infection) instead," said Dr Wee.

"Much of the confusion stems from the fact that both conditions may present with abdominal pain, diarrhoea or a change in the bowel habit. The more serious condition is IBD and fortunately, it occurs infrequently."

HOW DO WE TELL IF IT'S JUST FOOD POISONING OR SOMETHING ELSE?

It can be difficult to tell because diarrhoea, stomach pain and bloating are signs of many digestive diseases, including IBS, IBD, celiac disease, gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance, according to Dr Wee, who said the most common cause is usually food poisoning or gastroenteritis.

IBS refers to a functional condition where the digestive system is over-sensitive to different triggers that cause it to move too fast or too slowly, resulting in diarrhoea or constipation, and often in association with abdominal pain, said Dr Melvin Look, the director of PanAsia Surgery in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and Parkway East Hospital.

The reasons for the excessive muscle contractions are often not completely understood, according to Singhealth, although they can include "diet intolerance, stress, depression, abnormality in intestinal bacteria content or abnormal intestinal tract movement".