What You Need to Know About the Symptoms of Food Poisoning

 Posted on March 15, 2022 in Food Poisoning

We have all been there. In the hours after a good meal—or maybe the next day—you might start feeling a little off. Maybe your stomach begins to bother you, or you are feeling dizzy and cannot explain why. You might wonder if you are coming down with a gastrointestinal bug, and you might even start trying to figure out if anyone around you seemed sick in the last couple of days. At some point, you might start wondering if you are feeling ill because of something you ate.

The reality is that thousands of people are affected by food poisoning or a foodborne illness in the United States each year. The vast majority of victims suffer at home, as their symptoms are not serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. However, it is important to recognize when you should seek medical attention to ensure that your health and your right to compensation, in certain cases, are fully protected.

The Most Common Food Poisoning Symptoms

Generally, food poisoning is caused by consuming food that is contaminated with pathogens, such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. While the illnesses associated with each pathogen are different, they tend to share many of the same symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms of food poisoning include:

• Nausea or upset stomach

• Stomach cramps or stomach pain

• Diarrhea or loose bowels

• Vomiting

• Fever

If you are experiencing symptoms such as these, it is important to prevent dehydration by increasing your fluid intake and to monitor the severity of your symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Presuming your symptoms are relatively mild, you may be able to treat them at home without professional medical attention. However, if your symptoms are more severe, you should consult a doctor. Severe symptoms of food poisoning include, but are not limited to:

• Bloody stools, including diarrhea

• A fever of over 102°F, with the temperature taken orally

• Frequent vomiting that prevents you from keeping down liquids

• Indicators of dehydration such as dry mouth, dry throat, little or no urination, or feelings of dizziness when you stand up

• Diarrhea lasting more than three days

Symptoms such as these should not be ignored. Contact your doctor and follow his or her instructions to ensure that you do not develop a serious, long-term infection as a result of food poisoning.

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney

If you contracted a foodborne illness with symptoms severe enough to seek medical attention, it is a good idea to speak with a Chicago foodborne illness lawyer regarding your situation. Our team will help you determine if you have a case for compensation against the food producer or retailer responsible for the contamination. Call 312-981-0409 for a free consultation at Newland & Newland LLP today.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html