Food poisoning is one of the leading public health issues facing people today. Food poisoning from food at local restaurants, national chains, and even from the supermarket are major public health concerns. Food poisoning is mostly an inconveniencing disease but in extreme cases, it can lead to death or permanent disability. Many food poisoning cases are caused by bacteria and can be treated early without complication. This is why it is so important to recognize food poisoning symptoms.
Key Points
- There are many types of food poisoning, each with their own distinct symptoms.
- There are some common symptoms across all types of food poisoning, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
- If your case of food poisoning lasts for longer than a day, go to the doctor.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Because there are many different types of food poisoning, food poisoning symptoms do vary from case to case. There are general symptoms of food poisoning. One of the most prevalent symptoms of food poisoning is watery diarrhea. It's your body's natural way of ridding yourself of harmful substances. You may also experience vomiting accompanying your diarrhea.
Other food poisoning symptoms are a loss of appetite and nausea. You may experience severe stomach cramps and abdominal pain. You may also have a fever and severe fatigue.
Food poisoning symptoms do not occur right after eating infected foods. Depending on the type of food poisoning case, the first symptoms may begin as soon as several hours after exposure to the pathogens. Other times it may take up to several days for the food poisoning symptoms to appear. In these cases, it becomes more difficult to trace back to the offending food.
Typically food poisoning symptoms will last from several hours to up to two weeks. It's important to seek medical treatment if you suffer from food poisoning for more than a day. Food poisoning cases can unexpectedly turn dangerous and even life threatening, especially for young children or the elderly.
Treatment & Prognosis for Food Posoining
Most cases of food poisoning will go away on their own, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If they do not, it's important that you head to the emergency room. Severe food poisoning can be dangerous, and even life-threatening. The hospital will be able to offer you treatment, with the type of treatment you receive depending on what type of food poisoning you have.
It's important to remember that diarrhea and vomiting from food poisoning can quickly lead to dehydration. Drink as much water as you can. If you start experiencing the symptoms of dehydration, go to the hospital. Symptoms of dehydration can include a headache, weakness, trouble concentrating, a lack of urination, and loss of consciousness in severe cases.
If you experience vomiting due to food poisoning, slowly transition back to a normal diet over the course of a day or two. Start with a BRAT diet, and introduce additional food as your stomach proves able to handle BRAT foods. Avoid anything particularly fatty or greasy for a few days after food poisoning. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of water during this time.
If you experience recurring diarrhea or vomiting linked to food consumption, it may be time to consult your doctor. Recurring diarrhea or vomiting that is linked to food consumption may not be food poisoning. It could be caused by an allergy or by a gastrointestinal issue, such as Celiac disease, instead.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.