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Food Poisoning
Moderate
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, or other harmful substances. Symptoms commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and weakness. Most cases are short-lived, but severe illness can cause dehydration and other complications.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Food poisoning usually improves within a short period, but seek prompt medical care for bloody or pus-containing stools, persistent vomiting that prevents fluid intake, high fever, significant dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or diarrhea that is persistent or worsening. Emergency care is needed for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, or significant bleeding.
Symptoms
4
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, or other harmful substances. Symptoms commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and weakness. Most cases are short-lived, but severe illness can cause dehydration and other complications.
Symptoms 4
Blood In Vomit
Diarrhea
Fever
Vomiting
Causes 1
Food poisoning occurs when contaminated food or water contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, or harmful chemicals. Contamination may occur during farming, processing, handling, preparation, cooking, storage, or serving. Common sources include undercooked meat or eggs, contaminated produce, unsafe water, raw seafood, and foods kept at unsafe temperatures.
Infection
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop food poisoning, but the risk of serious illness is higher in young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems or certain chronic medical conditions. Eating raw or undercooked foods, drinking unsafe water, poor food hygiene, and improper refrigeration or cooking can increase exposure to harmful organisms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Food poisoning is usually assessed from the symptoms, medical history, possible food or water exposures, and physical examination, particularly for signs of dehydration. Stool testing may be performed when symptoms are severe, persistent, bloody, or when identifying the causative organism is important. In some outbreaks, testing of suspected food may also help identify the source.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Food poisoning can often be reduced by washing hands before preparing or eating food, keeping raw and cooked foods separate, cooking foods thoroughly, and refrigerating perishable foods promptly
Use safe drinking water and wash produce appropriately
Avoid unpasteurized products and foods that may be contaminated, and take extra precautions when preparing food for young children, older adults, pregnant people, or people with weakened immunity
Prevention Guidance
Food poisoning can often be reduced by washing hands before preparing or eating food, keeping raw and cooked foods separate, cooking foods thoroughly, and refrigerating perishable foods promptly. Use safe drinking water and wash produce appropriately. Avoid unpasteurized products and foods that may be contaminated, and take extra precautions when preparing food for young children, older adults, pregnant people, or people with weakened immunity.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
ORS
Replaces lost fluids and electrolytes.
Rice
Easy to digest.
Banana
Provides energy and nutrients.
Toast
Gentle on the stomach.
Foods to Avoid
Dairy Products
May worsen symptoms temporarily.
Spicy Foods
May irritate the digestive tract.
Alcohol
Can worsen dehydration.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Food poisoning occurs after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever may occur.
Most cases improve within a few days.
Hydration and supportive care are important.
Proper food handling and hygiene reduce risk.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.