Chilli API food poisoning: what to know

Foodborne illness can irritate the stomach and intestines after contaminated food or drink. Symptoms may begin soon after a meal or later, and the timing alone cannot identify the germ or ingredient responsible. Chilli can also irritate the gut without causing infection, so burning discomfort does not prove food poisoning. Vomiting and diarrhoea can remove water and salts from the body, while abdominal pain may come from intestinal cramping. Fever, blood in stool, or symptoms affecting several people who ate the same food make medical assessment more important.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution, especially after each episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. Rest and return to simple foods when you can tolerate them. Avoid alcohol and very greasy meals while the stomach is unsettled. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for other people while symptoms continue. Do not take antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicine without advice, particularly if there is fever or blood in the stool. If you cannot keep fluids down, a clinic can assess dehydration and consider IV fluid therapy.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, blood or black stool, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, or signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine and a dry mouth. Get prompt advice for a young child, an older adult, pregnancy, or a condition that affects immunity. Medical review is also sensible when diarrhoea or vomiting does not settle, fever is significant, or several people become ill after the same meal.

Ask whether your symptoms fit food poisoning or chilli irritation, how much fluid to take, whether testing is needed, and which medicines are safe with your health conditions. Mention when the meal occurred and whether anyone else is ill.