What does nausea feel like with food poisoning?

Food-poisoning nausea can begin with a turning or unsettled feeling in the stomach and may quickly lead to retching or vomiting. It may occur with abdominal cramps, loose stools, feverishness, chills, or a strong dislike of food. Several people who ate the same food may become unwell, but symptoms can have other causes too. The timing and combination of symptoms help a clinician judge whether testing or treatment is needed.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting settles, try plain foods in small amounts and return gradually to your usual diet. Rest, wash hands carefully, and avoid preparing food for other people while unwell. Avoid anti-diarrhoea medicines for children unless a clinician recommends them, and check before using them if you have fever or blood in the stool.

Seek prompt advice for blood in vomit or stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, high fever, or symptoms after eating a potentially dangerous food. Urgent assessment is needed for confusion, fainting, very little urine, severe weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and those with long-term conditions may need earlier advice.

Ask how to replace fluids, which foods and medicines are suitable, and whether your symptoms need testing. Mention when symptoms began, what you ate, whether others are ill, and any blood, fever, vomiting, or reduced urination. Ask when it is safe to return to work, school, or food preparation.