What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness that happens after eating or drinking something contaminated with harmful germs or toxins. These germs can affect your digestive system and cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
It’s a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to more serious illness, depending on the cause and your overall health.
Food poisoning is usually caused by eating contaminated food or drinks. This can happen when food is not cooked, handled, or stored properly.
Common causes include:
- Bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli
- Viruses like norovirus
- Toxins produced by bacteria in food
You may be at higher risk if you are:
- A young child
- An older adult
- Pregnant
- Living with a weakened immune system or chronic illness
Symptoms
Food poisoning symptoms can come on quickly or take a few days to appear. They often feel similar to a stomach virus.
Common symptoms include:
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Headache or fatigue
- Bloating or gas
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and what you’ve eaten recently. In many cases, this is enough to identify food poisoning.
If symptoms are severe or last longer than expected, your provider may order stool tests to find the exact cause. A physical exam may also be done to check for dehydration or other concerns.
How is it treated?
Most cases of food poisoning improve on their own with simple care at home.
Early treatment focuses on:
- Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Resting to allow your body to recover
- Taking medications to ease nausea or discomfort if needed
In some cases, additional treatment may be required:
- Antibiotics for certain bacterial infections
- IV fluids if dehydration becomes severe
- Hospital care for serious symptoms or complications
Most people start to feel better within a few days. It’s important to seek medical care if you cannot keep fluids down or if symptoms worsen.
