If you have ever experienced a meal laced with a high amount of poison, you know the unpleasant symptoms of food poisoning. Thankfully, these symptoms will go away on their own within a few hours or days. However, if you do become sick after eating contaminated food, it is important to seek medical attention. If you suspect you may have food poisoning, sign up for our free newsletter to stay on top of the latest health news and tips.
Diarrhoea is a common symptom, and you should consult your doctor or call healthdirect for advice. If your child has diarrhea or bloody stools, you can give them water and soft food until they feel better. If they don’t feel better within 24 hours, you should try giving them a bland diet and gradual introduction of more foods. If you suspect a bacterial cause of the symptoms, antibiotics may be prescribed, though this is rare for mild cases.
Foodborne illnesses are often caused by bacteria or viruses, and the time it takes for symptoms to appear varies. For example, if you ate undercooked chicken, you’ll probably start feeling sick between ten and sixteen hours. For E. coli, symptoms usually appear three to four days after exposure and can last for up to one week. Symptoms vary by bacteria and can be life-threatening, particularly for newborns and pregnant women.
Some people may also experience a headache, stiff neck, or loss of balance, or even convulsions. If you think you have food poisoning, contact your health department immediately. If the symptoms persist, it’s important to contact a doctor for further evaluation. Often, food poisoning symptoms will pass on their own. If you eat food that you suspect is tainted, it’s important to report your symptoms to the health department so that they can determine if an outbreak has occurred.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, but may also include stomach cramps, fever, and numbness. More serious cases may also include blood in the vomit or diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration. When this happens, you might also experience confusion and blurred vision. This is important because food poisoning is often highly preventable. Just remember to avoid contaminated food and drink plenty of water.
In addition to these symptoms, there are many different types of food poisoning and their causes. While the most common cause is improper cooking or handling, there is a chance that you could be suffering from a different bacterial infection. It’s also worth talking to your doctor to make sure you haven’t been infected with the specific organism causing the food poisoning symptoms. Your doctor will also be able to cross-check the information you provide with the health department in your area.
For the symptoms of mild to moderate food poisoning, home treatments will focus on keeping you hydrated. If you have dehydration, you’ll want to replace the fluids you lost through diarrhea. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need to visit a doctor or specialist. However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, treatment should be more focused on treating the underlying cause. So, if you suspect food poisoning, visit your physician as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.