What Is Food Poisoning?
It is a food-borne stomach sickness due to consuming food or water that has been contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Unfortunately, you cannot always know if food is contaminated, especially if you are not careful to check.
The distinction between food poisoning and other stomach conditions like the stomach flu is the speed of symptoms. Usually, it takes between two to six hours after eating contaminated food to start experiencing symptoms of food poisoning.
Types of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can be classified based on the types of germs that can cause the illness. The common ones are:
- Salmonella – is commonly associated with animal products like eggs and milk. However, it can also be present in raw vegetables.
- E. coli – is present in undercooked beef and fresh produce.
- Campylobacter – is associated with poultry or poultry products.
- Listeria – is linked to undercooked poultry and seafood or unpasteurized milk and cheese.
- Botulism – is common in improperly canned vegetables and pork products.
How Do You Know You Have Food Poisoning?
The symptoms you experience after eating certain foods can be signs of food poisoning. Depending on the cause and the duration of your sickness, some symptoms can be more severe than others. The number one indicator of Food poisoning is an upset stomach. Other mild symptoms of food poisoning are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the abdomen or rectum and stomach cramps
- Bloating, gagging, indigestion, and flatulence
How to Treat Food Poisoning
- If you come to Gemini Urgent Care, we can place an IV and give you fluids and electrolytes to replenish your system
- IV nausea medication if you cannot keep things down
- Suck on ice chips or take sips of water – you must keep your body hydrated, especially for severe dehydration symptoms, vomiting, or diarrhea. You will know you are getting enough fluids if your urine is clear and urinating often.
- Avoid dairy products
- Avoid other foods like highly seasoned foods or caffeinated drinks. Bland food choices will be gentle on your digestive system and help with fast recovery.
- Take over-the-counter medicine, like antidiarrheal medication.