How is Food Poisoning treated?
Food poisoning occurs when you eat food that is contaminated or spoiled. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea, vomitting and nausea. Food poisoning can usually be treated at home and will resolve within five days.
Staying properly hydrated is imperative when you have food poisoning because you lose fluids as a result of diarrhea and vomitting. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and replenish fluids lost from vomitting and diarrhea. Drinks high in electrolytes like sports drinks will also ensure you don't develop an electrolyte imbalance. Fruit juice and coconut water are also helpful to restore carbohydrates when you do not have an appetite. Small, frequent sips are often easier to tolerate than drinking large amounts at once.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Fever, in some cases
- Feeling weak or tired
Viral gastroenteritis, often called stomach flu, can cause similar symptoms. A doctor can help to tell the two apart if you are not sure.
How Food Poisoning Is Treated
For most people, treatment is simple and can be done at home.
- Replace lost fluids: Diarrhoea and vomiting cause your body to lose fluids and important salts. Replacing them is the most important part of treatment.
- Rest: Resting helps your body to recover more effectively.
- Ease discomfort: Over-the-counter medicines may sometimes be used, as described in the table below. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Seek medical care when needed: See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Staying Hydrated
Staying properly hydrated is very important when you have food poisoning, because diarrhoea and vomiting cause you to lose fluids.
- Water: Drink plenty of water to replace the fluids you have lost.
- Electrolyte drinks: Oral rehydration solutions and other drinks that contain electrolytes help to replace lost salts and prevent an electrolyte imbalance.
- Coconut water and diluted fruit juice: These can help to provide energy when you do not have an appetite.
- Small, frequent sips: Sipping small amounts often is easier to tolerate than drinking a large amount at once.
Medicines for Food Poisoning
- Oral Rehydration Solutions: Help to replace the fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea and vomiting.
- Antidiarrhoeal Medicines (such as Loperamide): May help in certain situations. They are not recommended if the infection is caused by bacteria that produce toxins, as slowing the gut can make the illness worse. Check with your doctor before using them, especially if you have a fever or blood in your stool.
- Antibiotics: Rarely needed. They are prescribed only for specific types of foodborne infections confirmed by a doctor.
Eating Again After Recovery
- Start with small portions of bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as plain rice, porridge, bananas or toast, as your appetite returns.
- Avoid oily, spicy or very sweet foods, alcohol and caffeine until you have recovered.
- Return to your usual diet gradually.
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration is the main risk with food poisoning. Please watch for:
- Passing little urine, or dark-coloured urine
- A dry mouth and extreme thirst
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- In infants, fewer wet nappies, no tears when crying or a sunken soft spot on the head
Preventing Food Poisoning
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food, and after using the toilet.
- Cook food thoroughly: Cook meat, poultry, seafood and eggs until they are cooked through.
- Store food safely: Refrigerate cooked and perishable food promptly, and do not leave it out for long in warm weather.
- Keep raw and cooked foods apart: Use separate chopping boards and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
- Be careful with raw or undercooked food: Raw seafood, undercooked eggs and unpasteurised products carry a higher risk.
- Check food that looks or smells off: If you are unsure whether food is still safe, throw it away.
Should you feel unwell or experience pain or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately or call our 24-HR Medical Urgency Clinic at (65) 6705 2999.
