Nobody likes to feel sick. Sometimes, however, upset stomach symptoms become debilitating. You may have food poisoning if your upset stomach quickly turns into nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Food poisoning is a disease caused by eating contaminated foods. Food poisoning is most often caused by infectious organisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Many people do not realize that the food they eat has been contaminated. You may not realize that something is wrong until you start experiencing unpleasant symptoms. Food poisoning is difficult to prevent, so many people have to deal with its symptoms.
Foodborne illness symptoms
Food poisoning is not the same as an upset stomach. Food poisoning symptoms are usually more severe and persistent than those associated with an upset stomach.
Within 12 hours after eating a contaminated food, symptoms of food poisoning can begin. Foodborne illnesses include:
- Vomiting and nausea are often accompanied by frequent vomiting.
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Pain and cramping in the abdomen.
- Fever.
Food poisoning symptoms can last from a few minutes to several days. Food poisoning is usually treatable at home, by treating symptoms and getting enough rest. In rare instances, hospitalization is necessary.
How to Manage Foodborne Illnesses at Home
The majority of people with food poisoning do not require hospitalization. It doesn’t, however, mean that their symptoms will not be extremely uncomfortable. It is important to take steps to heal yourself during a food poisoning episode.
You can manage your symptoms at:
- Refrain from drinking or eating for a couple of hours. It is best to refrain from drinking or eating for a couple of hours. This allows your stomach to recover and rest.
- It is important to drink enough fluids. It’s important to replace the water that leaves your body, even if it is difficult. It’s fine to drink plain water. After your stomach settles down, a drink with electrolytes such as Pedialyte can be an excellent option.
- Avoid certain foods. Avoid foods that are acidic or spicy, caffeine-containing beverages, alcohol and nicotine, as well as dishes that have a lot of seasoning.
- BRAT is a diet that consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. BRAT is an acronym for bananas and rice with applesauce on toast. The blandest foods are the best to eat when you have food poisoning.
- Sleep a lot.
Conclusion
Foodborne illness can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, and leave you feeling terrible! Food poisoning usually lasts less than 72 hours.
You may need to consult a physician if your symptoms persist for more than three days or if you show signs of dehydration. Self-care can help most people recover at home.
