When to worry about vomiting with food poisoning

Food poisoning can irritate the stomach and intestines, causing vomiting with cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, or fever. The main concern is loss of fluid and salts. Dry mouth, intense thirst, dark urine, passing urine less often, dizziness when standing, unusual weakness, or confusion can signal dehydration.

The timing and severity vary. Vomit containing blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, green vomit, severe abdominal pain, or a swollen abdomen needs assessment because it may indicate a problem beyond uncomplicated food poisoning.

Rest and take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting follows a sip, pause briefly and try again more slowly. When fluids stay down, choose light foods as tolerated. Avoid alcohol and rich meals while your stomach is unsettled. Do not prepare food for other people while you are ill, and wash your hands carefully.

Get urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint or confused, have very little urine, vomit blood, develop severe or localised abdominal pain, or have trouble breathing. Seek advice sooner for a young child, an older adult, pregnancy, or a condition that makes dehydration more dangerous. Emergency assessment is also appropriate when symptoms are rapidly worsening.

How can I tell whether I am dehydrated? Should I use oral rehydration fluid, and how often should I sip it? Could any of my medicines worsen vomiting? Do I need testing or treatment if diarrhoea, fever, or pain continues?