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Get fast relief from food poisoning with food poisoning treatment online. Connect with a qualified doctor from the comfort of your home and receive expert advice, tailored treatment plans, and guidance to recover quickly and safely.

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Experience hassle-free care with food poisoning treatment online. Our doctors will assess your symptoms, recommend effective remedies, and guide you on hydration, dietary changes, and medications for a smooth recovery process.

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With food poisoning treatment online, you’re never alone in managing your symptoms. Access expert support, quick consultations, and reliable medical advice anytime, ensuring you get the care you need when you need it most.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning happens when you eat or drink something contaminated with harmful germs, like bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It can also be caused by toxins found in certain foods. This contamination usually happens when food isn’t cooked, stored, or handled properly.

 

Food poisoning can occur anywhere—from the farm where food is grown to the factory where it’s packaged or even in your kitchen. Common causes include eating undercooked meat, raw seafood, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or dairy products that have gone bad. Sometimes, germs can spread from one food to another, like using the same cutting board for raw chicken and fresh vegetables without washing it in between.

 

Most cases of food poisoning are mild and go away independently, but sometimes it can become severe. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems are more at risk for complications. The best way to prevent food poisoning is to carefully handle, cook, and store your food.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Food poisoning can make you feel sick, and the symptoms can appear a few hours or even days after eating contaminated food. The signs can be mild or severe, depending on what caused the food poisoning. Here are the most common symptoms:

  • Nausea: Feeling like you’re going to throw up.

  • Vomiting: Throwing up food or liquids.

  • Diarrhoea: Loose or watery stools that happen often.

  • Stomach Cramps: Pain or tightness in your belly.

  • Fever: Feeling hot and having a higher-than-normal temperature.

  • Weakness And Tiredness: Feeling very low on energy.

  • Headache: Pain or pressure in your head, sometimes from dehydration.

  • Loss Of Appetite: Not wanting to eat because your stomach feels upset.

In some severe cases, food poisoning can cause bloody stools, a very high fever, or signs of dehydration like a dry mouth, feeling dizzy, or having very dark pee. You should see a doctor immediately if the symptoms are very bad, last long, or can’t keep fluids down. Getting help early can stop things from worsening and help you recover faster.

Food Poisoning Causes

Food poisoning happens when you eat or drink something with harmful germs or toxins. These germs can get into your food anywhere—from the farm to your kitchen. Here are the most common causes:

  • Bacteria: Germs like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are often found in undercooked meat, raw eggs, and unpasteurised milk.

  • Viruses: Viruses such as Norovirus and Hepatitis A can spread through food, especially if someone handling the food didn't wash their hands properly.

  • Parasites: Tiny parasites, like Giardia and Toxoplasma, can live in dirty water or undercooked meat and make you sick.

  • Toxins: Some foods, like certain mushrooms or spoiled seafood, naturally produce toxins that can cause poisoning even if the food is cooked.

  • Cross-Contamination: Germs can spread when the same cutting board or knife is used for raw meat and vegetables without being washed in between.

  • Inadequate Food Storage: Leaving food out at room temperature for too long or not refrigerating it properly can let bacteria grow quickly.

  • Dirty Water: Drinking or cooking with unclean water can also cause food poisoning.

The best way to prevent food poisoning is to wash your hands often, cook food thoroughly, and store it at the right temperature. These simple habits can keep your meals safe and healthy!

Food Poisoning Treatment

Most cases of food poisoning can be treated at home with rest, fluids, and time. The treatment you need depends on how sick you are and what caused the illness, like bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

1. Stay Hydrated

  • Vomiting and diarrhoea can make you lose water and essential minerals called electrolytes.

  • Drink water, electrolyte drinks (like Pedialyte™), or fruit juice to stay hydrated.

  • If you can’t keep liquids down or start feeling dizzy or weak, you might need IV fluids at a hospital.

2. Get Plenty Of Rest

  • Rest is vital because your body needs energy to fight the illness.

  • Take it easy and avoid physical activity until you start feeling better.

3. Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medicines

  • For Diarrhoea: Medicines like loperamide (Imodium) can help, but check with a doctor before using them.

  • For Nausea: Pepto-Bismol can help calm an upset stomach.

4. Prescription Medicines

  • Antibiotics: If bacteria cause food poisoning, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics like azithromycin or ciprofloxacin.

  • Antiparasitic Medications: If a parasite causes your illness, medicines like albendazole or nitazoxanide might be needed.

  • Antitoxins: Doctors will use a special antitoxin in rare cases, like C. botulinum infections.

5. Eat Simple Foods

  • Stick to bland foods like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce when ready.

  • Avoid dairy, spicy food, fatty food, and caffeine until your stomach feels better.

6. See A Doctor For Severe Cases

  • If you have bloody diarrhoea, a high fever, or signs of dehydration like dark pee or feeling dizzy, see a doctor right away.

  • Severe cases might need hospital treatment with IV fluids and special care.

Will Food Poisoning Go Away On Its Own?

Most people get better on their own with rest and lots of fluids. But if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days, you should see a doctor.

With proper care, most people recover from food poisoning quickly. If you’re unsure what to do, don’t wait—talk to a doctor for help.

Food Poisoning Prevention

Food poisoning can often be avoided by handling, cooking, and storing food safely. Follow these simple tips to keep your food safe and prevent getting sick:

  • Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before cooking, eating, and using the bathroom.

  • Clean Cooking Tools: Wash cutting boards, knives, and utensils with hot, soapy water after using them, especially if they touch raw meat, poultry, or seafood.

  • Cook Food Properly: Ensure fully cooked meat, chicken, and seafood. Use a food thermometer if you’re not sure.

  • Store Food Correctly: Put perishable foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products in the fridge immediately. Don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours.

  • Keep Foods Separate: Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and fresh fruits or vegetables.

  • Wash Fruits And Vegetables: Rinse all fresh produce under clean running water before eating or cooking.

  • Check Expiration Dates: Don’t eat food past its expiration date; throw away anything that smells or looks bad.

  • Drink Safe Water: Only drink clean water. Avoid untreated water from lakes, rivers, or taps in unsafe areas.

  • Reheat Leftovers Well: Warm up leftovers until they’re steaming hot, and eat them within a few days.

  • Avoid Raw Foods: Avoid raw eggs, undercooked meat, or raw seafood, as they can carry harmful germs.

Following these easy steps can keep your meals safe and reduce your chances of getting food poisoning. If you ever feel sick after eating, stop eating the food and talk to a doctor if your symptoms don’t go away. Mobi Doctor can help you manage food poisoning quickly and safely from home. Our online doctors provide expert advice, personalised treatment plans, and support to ease your symptoms and speed up your recovery. Book your consultation today!

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