Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a disease caused by eating contaminated food. Usually not serious and most people recover without treatment within days

Symptoms of food poisoning usually begin within one to two days after eating contaminated food, but can begin anywhere between a few hours and several weeks later.

The main symptoms include:

feeling sick (nausea)
vomiting
diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus
stomach cramps and abdominal pain (tummy)

a lack of energy and weakness
loss of appetite
a high temperature (fever)
Muscle pain
cold
In most cases, these symptoms will in a few days and can make a full recovery.
What to do
Most people with food poisoning recover at home and need no specific treatment, although there are some situations in which you should consult your doctor (see below).
Until you feel better, you should rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Try to drink plenty of water, even if you can only enjoy it.
Eat when you feel up to it, but are small and light meals at first and stick to bland foods - such as toast, crackers, bananas and rice - until you start to feel better.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which are available in pharmacies, are recommended for the most vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with other health conditions.
Read more about the treatment of food poisoning.
When to see your GP
You should consult your doctor if:
your symptoms are severe - for example, if you are unable to keep fluids down, because he is throwing up several times
your symptoms do not improve after a few days
It has symptoms of severe dehydration, such as confusion a rapid heartbeat, sunken eyes and passing little or no urine
you are pregnant
you are older than 60
your baby or toddler is suspected food poisoning
you have an underlying long-term condition such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), heart valve disease, diabetes or kidney disease
you have a weak immune system - for example, because of the medication, the treatment of cancer or HIV

Posted in: Health&Beauty