How Do I Know If I
Have Food Poisoning?
Most cases of food poisoning are mild, lasting from one to
three days. Since many people do not seek medical care, their food poisoning is
not diagnosed.
Though your symptoms may sound suspicious, the only way to
know for sure if you have food poisoning is to test the offending food or check
the stool, blood, or vomit.
Chemical or toxin food poisoning can usually be diagnosed by
a description of symptoms and by testing food potentially responsible for the
poisoning.
Call 911 if:
- You think the food poisoning may be from seafood or mushrooms
- If the person is severely dehydrated
- You think the food poisoning may be from seafood or mushrooms
- If the person is severely dehydrated
1. Control Nausea and
Vomiting
- Avoid solid foods until vomiting ends. Then eat light, bland
foods, such as saltine crackers, bananas, rice, or bread.
- Sipping liquids may help avoid vomiting.
- Don’t eat fried, greasy, spicy, or sweet foods.
- Don’t take anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medication without
asking your doctor. They may make some kinds of diarrhea
worse. Your doctor may give you anti-nausea medication if you are at risk of
being dehydrated.
2. Prevent
Dehydration
- Drink clear fluids, starting with small sips and gradually
drinking more.
- If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, drink an
oral rehydration solution.
3. When to Call a
Doctor
Call a doctor immediately if symptoms include:
- Lasting more than 3 days
- Severe belly pain
- Fever
- Bloody diarrhea or dark stools
- Vomiting that is prolonged or bloody
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased
urination, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate or breathing rate.
Source: Web MD