What condition is characterized by the presence of severe abdominal cramps and vomiting lasting 48 hours?

Staphylococcal food poisoning is characterized by abrupt onset of severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and nausea, typically occurring within a few hours after consuming contaminated food. The symptoms can last for around 24 to 48 hours. This condition is caused by the ingestion of preformed toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that can grow in improperly stored foods, such as cream-filled pastries and certain dairy products.

In addition, staphylococcal food poisoning often presents with a short incubation period and can lead to rapid and intense gastrointestinal distress, distinguishing it from other conditions that may cause nausea and vomiting but typically do not present as acutely or with as severe cramps. For instance, gastroenteritis, while also causing vomiting and diarrhea, usually lasts longer than 48 hours and is often associated with infectious causes rather than preformed toxins. Conditions like cholecystitis or peptic ulcer disease present with different symptom profiles and may involve abdominal pain that is more localized or chronic rather than the sudden onset of severe cramps and vomiting.