Which specialist treats food poisoning?

Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, and sometimes fever. A clinician asks when symptoms began, what foods or water may have been involved, whether other people are ill, and how much fluid you can keep down. Most care is supportive, while selected cases need further testing or treatment. A GP Consultation is a useful starting point; Traveller's Diarrhoea can be relevant after travel.

Take frequent small sips of suitable fluid and follow advice on Oral Rehydration Therapy, which replaces water and salts lost through vomiting or diarrhoea. Eat light foods as tolerated and rest. A clinician may recommend IV Fluid Therapy when you cannot drink enough or dehydration is significant. Avoid preparing food for others while you have active vomiting or diarrhoea, and ask before taking medicines that stop diarrhoea.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting that prevents drinking, blood in vomit or stool, confusion, fainting, very little urine, or marked weakness. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and those with significant medical conditions can become unwell quickly and should seek advice early. Emergency help is needed for collapse or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Food Poisoning, how to replace fluids, whether you need testing, which foods to avoid temporarily, and what change should bring you back for review.