Food poisoning, categorised as a foodborne illness, refers to an ailment that occurs when individuals consume contaminated food or beverages. The causes of food poisoning typically involve the presence of harmful germs or substances in the consumed items.
Certain germs and bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, can lead to food poisoning upon ingestion. Symptoms of food poisoning may vary depending on the specific cause involved, ranging from mild to severe manifestations that can persist for hours or even days. In this post, we will go through the symptoms of food poisoning or the signs of food poisoning.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning gets characterised by various symptoms that can occur after consuming contaminated beverages or food. The often-seen signs of food poisoning include the following:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
It is important to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids in cases of diarrhoea or vomiting. Seeking medical attention is advisable if severe symptoms of food poisoning manifest, such as:
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea lasting more than three days
- A high fever (over 102°F)
- Inability to retain liquids due to frequent vomiting
- Signs of dehydration
Severe cases of food poisoning can give rise to complications like meningitis, kidney damage, and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), resulting in kidney failure, arthritis, and brain or nerve damage.
The onset of signs or symptoms varies based on the specific cause involved, ranging from a few hours to several days after ingestion. Different germs and bacteria have distinct symptoms, sources, and incubation periods, and seeking medical advice is essential in case of suspected food poisoning.