How common is diarrhoea in food poisoning?

Food poisoning can develop after eating or drinking something contaminated with a germ or its toxin. The digestive tract reacts with diarrhoea and may also cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, or feeling generally unwell. Onset and severity can differ with the cause and the person. Similar symptoms can be caused by viruses spread between people, medicines, and other digestive illnesses, so the symptom pattern and recent exposures are both relevant.

Prioritise fluids. Sip safe water, clear fluids, or oral rehydration solution regularly; small amounts taken often can be easier after vomiting. Rest, eat light foods when you feel able, and wash hands with soap and water after toilet visits and before food preparation. Avoid preparing meals for other people while you have diarrhoea. Keep note of what you ate, when symptoms began, and whether others who shared the food are unwell.

Seek urgent care for blood in stool, black stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, dehydration, or vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down. Arrange prompt advice if symptoms are severe, do not settle, or occur in a young child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a weakened immune system. A clinician can assess whether testing or treatment is needed.

Tell the clinician about recent meals, travel, drinking water, symptoms in people who ate with you, medicines, and your medical conditions. Ask how to manage hydration, whether you need testing, and when it is safe to return to work, school, or food handling.