Minor food poisoning symptoms: what to know and do

Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, can irritate the stomach and intestines after contaminated food or drink. Symptoms may appear together or separately. Nausea and vomiting can make drinking difficult, while diarrhoea can increase fluid loss. Abdominal pain may feel crampy and come in waves. A mild fever can occur as the body responds to infection.

The pattern and severity matter more than one symptom alone. A short-lived illness with small, manageable fluid losses may improve with rest and careful hydration. Symptoms can also have other causes, so a clinician may need to assess you when they are severe, persistent or unusual.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution. Small amounts are often easier to keep down than a full glass. If vomiting settles, gradually return to light meals that you tolerate; avoid forcing food while you feel nauseated. Rest, wash your hands carefully, and avoid preparing food for other people while you are unwell.

Oral rehydration therapy can help replace water and salts lost through vomiting or diarrhoea. Follow the product instructions and avoid mixing sachets more strongly or weakly than directed. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before taking anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medicine, particularly for a child, during pregnancy, or when you have another medical condition.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint or confused, pass very little urine, have blood in vomit or stool, develop severe or worsening abdominal pain, or have trouble breathing. These signs can indicate dehydration or a more serious illness.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are not settling, fever is persistent, or you have a higher risk of dehydration, such as being very young, older, pregnant, or living with a significant long-term condition. A clinician can decide whether you need examination, testing, or treatment such as IV fluid therapy.

Ask what fluid replacement is suitable for you, whether any medicines should be avoided, and which symptoms should prompt urgent review. Tell the clinician when the illness began, how often you have vomited or had diarrhoea, whether you have a fever, and whether anyone else who shared the food is unwell.