Nausea after food poisoning: recovery advice

Food poisoning irritates the stomach and intestines, so nausea may remain after vomiting or diarrhoea begins to ease. Abdominal pain, fever, loose stools and tiredness can accompany the illness. A continuing inability to eat or drink is more concerning than a mild queasy feeling that is gradually improving. Nausea that returns after recovery, or occurs with severe pain, jaundice or persistent fever, may need assessment for another problem rather than being assumed to be food poisoning.

Take frequent small sips of water or use Oral Rehydration Therapy when fluid loss has been substantial. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly trigger symptoms. As nausea eases, try small portions of bland, low-fat foods and increase variety gradually. Rest, wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while you have active vomiting or diarrhoea. IV Fluid Therapy may be considered by clinicians when dehydration is significant or fluids cannot be kept down.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, very little urine, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty or a high or persistent fever. Contact a clinician if symptoms are worsening instead of improving, diarrhoea continues, or you cannot replace lost fluids. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with long-term conditions may need earlier advice because dehydration can develop more quickly.

Am I becoming dehydrated? Should I use Oral Rehydration Therapy, and which foods or medicines should I avoid while recovering? Do I need testing if symptoms persist?