How to Recognize Food Poisoning Symptoms

Food poisoning affects millions of people every year, with individual cases ranging from very mild to fatal. Food poisoning can be caused by food that has been contaminated with bacteria, viruses or harmful chemicals. By being able to quickly and accurately recognize the symptoms of food poisoning, you will be able to seek medical assistance and work for a full recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn to recognize the specific symptoms of food poisoning, which are all related to the inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to viruses, bacteria or chemicals. These symptoms include severe cramping in the abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. One of the most definitive symptoms of food poisoning is when diarrhea and vomiting occur at the same time.

• 2

  Take note of the symptoms of dehydration, which is the most dangerous side effect of food poisoning and is the result of excessive fluid evacuation through diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms of dehydration include lack of energy, dark-colored urine, nausea, cramping in the arms and legs, dry mouth and nose, dizziness and nausea.

• 3

  Note that some types of food poisoning may cause difficulty in breathing, since the virus can partially paralyze the lungs. In this instance, immediate medical assistance is required, so that a breathing tube can be inserted into the airway while intravenous fluids are administered.

• 4

  Familiarize yourself with the differences between the symptoms of food poisoning and other gastrointestinal disturbances. With food poisoning, the symptoms do not lessen after the food has been digested, and they may increase in intensity as the poisoning progresses through the blood stream. A simple upset stomach is also rarely accompanied by a fever while cases of food poisoning are prone to elevated temperatures.

• 5

  Seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of either food poisoning or dehydration. While milder cases of food poisoning may pass without medical treatment, more serious forms require intravenous fluids and antibiotics in order to stem the effects of the bacteria, viruses or chemicals. Recognize the symptoms and seek help before you are incapacitated by the effects of dehydration.

• 6

  Be aware of symptoms that may linger for several weeks after the treatment of some types of food poisoning, such as salmonella. In many cases, these symptoms may resemble arthritis, with stiff joints and pain in the extremities.