Food Poisoning Symptoms

Food poisoning symptoms can range in severity and will depend on what you ate and how much. Symptoms may occur soon after consumption, or may not develop until a few days after eating the bad food and can worsen over time. Food poisoning symptoms are usually not serious and will go away within 24 to 36 hours, in most cases. There are times when an individual with severe symptoms will need immediate medical care, however. Below are the most common symptoms of food poisoning.

1. Vomiting. This is perhaps the most common sign of food poisoning. The bacteria or virus in the food that caused you to become ill will upset the inside of the stomach, and almost always causes nausea and vomiting. It is important for people who are vomiting a considerable amount to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. 
2. Nausea. Food poisoning is often first noticed by a severe case of nausea. Individuals may feel like they need to vomit or be sick after consuming contaminated food, and this feeling is often quite strong. In general, food poisoning will cause you to feel unwell and your body will be feeling the effects of the poisoning soon.
3. Diarrhea. Many cases of food poisoning will cause severe diarrhea, in addition to vomiting. Individuals with a sensitive stomach are more prone to diarrhea, even after consuming food that was not very contaminated. As with vomiting, diarrhea can cause loss of fluids in the body, so it's important to stay hydrated if you are experiencing this as a symptom. 
4. Abdominal cramping and bloating. Many people experiencing food poisoning symptoms will develop painful cramping in the abdomen, as well as uncomfortable bloating and gas. Abdominal cramping can also be a sign of diarrhea that is to come, which is common for cases of food poisoning. 
5. Fever. Some instances of food poisoning can cause an individual to develop a fever in addition to other symptoms. The fever is usually low-grade, but it's important to seek medical attention if you develop a severe fever that does not subside.