Foodborne illness: First aid

Date Updated: 08/06/2024

Overview

Foodborne illness, often called food poisoning, is caused by the improper handling, cooking or storage of food. All foods naturally contain small amounts of bacteria. But in certain conditions, bacteria can multiply in large enough numbers to cause illness. Parasites, viruses, toxins and chemicals also can contaminate food and cause illness.

When to seek emergency help:

Seek medical help right away if:

Symptoms are severe, including severe belly pain or watery diarrhea that turns very bloody within 24 hours.
You or the affected person is considered part of a high-risk group. These groups include:
- Older adults.
- Infants and young children.
- Pregnant people.
- People with an ongoing condition, such as diabetes or AIDS.
- People receiving treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Botulism poisoning is suspected. Botulism is a potentially fatal food poisoning that results from the ingestion of a toxin formed by certain spores in food. Botulism toxin is most often found in home-canned foods, especially green beans or tomatoes.

Symptoms of botulism usually begin 12 to 36 hours after eating the contaminated food and may include headache, blurred vision, muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. Some people also have nausea and vomiting, constipation, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, or are not able to urinate. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

Symptoms of food poisoning vary with the source of contamination. They may include:

Diarrhea, which may be bloody.
Nausea.
Belly pain.
Vomiting.
Dehydration.
Low-grade fever (sometimes).

If you are very dehydrated, you might notice:

Feeling lightheaded or faint, especially when you stand up.
Fatigue.
Dark-colored urine.
Less frequent urination.
Extreme thirst.

Whether you become ill after eating contaminated food depends on the organism, the amount of exposure, your age and your health.

Treatment

Sip liquids, such as a sports drink or water, to prevent dehydration. Drinking fluids too quickly can worsen nausea and vomiting, so try to take small frequent sips over a couple of hours instead of drinking a large amount at once.
Take note of urination. You should be urinating at regular intervals, and your urine should be light and clear. Occasional passage of dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Dizziness and lightheadedness also are symptoms of dehydration. If you notice any of these symptoms and you can't drink enough fluids, seek medical attention.
Avoid anti-diarrheal medicines. They may slow your body's removal of organisms or toxins from your system. If in doubt, check with a healthcare professional about your situation.

Do not give infants or young children anti-diarrheal medicines because of possible serious side effects.

Foodborne illness often improves on its own within a few days.

When to call your doctor:

Call a healthcare professional if:

Vomiting lasts more than two days.
Diarrhea lasts for more than several days.
Diarrhea turns bloody, black or tarry.
Fever is 101 F (38.3 C) or higher.
Lightheadedness or fainting happens with standing.
Confusion develops.
Worrisome belly pain develops.