Diarrhea and food poisoning: what should you know?

Food poisoning occurs when contaminated food or drink irritates the digestive tract or carries an infection. The gut may respond by moving contents quickly, producing watery stools and cramps. Vomiting and fever can occur as well. Symptoms may start after a meal or later, so the last food eaten is not always the source. Similar symptoms can come from a stomach virus, medicine, or another bowel condition; diarrhea alone cannot identify food poisoning.

Take small, frequent sips of water or use oral rehydration therapy, especially after vomiting or a loose stool. When appetite returns, choose light foods and avoid alcohol. Wash hands with soap and water, clean shared bathroom surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine if you have blood in the stool or a high fever unless a clinician advises it.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, severe abdominal pain, blood or black stool, breathing difficulty, or vomiting that prevents drinking. Contact a clinician if fever is persistent, diarrhea is worsening or prolonged, or symptoms affect an infant, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a weakened immune system. IV fluid therapy may be considered when oral fluids cannot replace losses.

Ask whether you need testing, how to choose an oral rehydration product, and which medicines are safe for your symptoms. Mention recent travel, shared illness, suspicious food, blood in stool, fever, and reduced urination.