From the Guidelines
For gastric discomfort lasting 5 days after eating tuna, you should seek medical attention as this duration of symptoms suggests a potential food poisoning, allergic reaction, or other digestive issue requiring professional evaluation. Given the symptoms have persisted for 5 days, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a foodborne illness or an allergic reaction to the tuna. In the meantime, symptomatic relief can be attempted with over-the-counter medications such as antacids (like Tums or Maalox) for immediate relief, H2 blockers (like famotidine/Pepcid) taken as directed on the package, or proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole/Prilosec) for acid reduction 1. Staying hydrated with clear fluids is essential, and temporarily switching to a bland diet that includes foods like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce, while avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and fatty meals, may help alleviate symptoms. It's also important to note that the consumption of tuna could potentially lead to scombroid poisoning if the fish was not stored properly, or it could indicate a fish allergy or another gastrointestinal condition. The Low FODMAP Diet (LFD), as discussed in recent clinical practice updates 1, may offer benefits for some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but given the acute presentation and potential for a more serious condition, medical evaluation is necessary to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Considering the potential for serious underlying conditions, medical attention is paramount to rule out more serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Gastric Discomfort Treatment
The treatment for gastric discomfort lasting 5 days after eating tuna can be approached in several ways, considering the potential causes and symptoms.
- If the discomfort is due to scombrotoxic fish poisoning, as described in 2, the symptoms are typically mild and of short duration, and most patients do not seek medical help.
- For acute diarrhea with gas-related abdominal discomfort, a study 3 found that a loperamide-simethicone combination product provides faster and more complete relief than either of its components or placebo.
- In the case of irritable bowel syndrome, smooth-muscle relaxants have been shown to be effective for patients with abdominal pain as the predominant symptom, while loperamide reduces diarrhea but does not relieve abdominal pain 4.
- Gastric acid plays a role in preventing foodborne disease, and its neutralization or inhibition may increase the risk of illness 5.
- Loperamide-N-oxide has been found to be effective in treating diarrhea associated with chronic radiation enteritis, slowing small intestinal transit and increasing bile acid absorption 6.
Potential Treatment Options
Based on the studies, potential treatment options for gastric discomfort after eating tuna include: