Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food, which can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever
. The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the cause and may begin within hours or several days of eating the contaminated food
. Some common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
In some cases, food poisoning can cause more severe symptoms or complications, such as:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days
- High fever (temperature over 102°F)
- Vomiting so often that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, which include not urinating (peeing) much, a dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up
Most people experience mild illness and recover without treatment, but some cases can be severe or even life-threatening, leading to complications such as meningitis, kidney damage, and brain or nerve damage
. It is essential to stay hydrated and seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist for an extended period.
