Signs of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness that occurs when someone consumes food or drink contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. Bacteria cause most cases of food poisoning, though more severe cases may be caused by ingesting toxins or parasites that affect the body.

Over 48 million Americans experience a foodborne illness each year, and at-home remedies can treat most cases. However, food poisoning exhibits symptoms of many other conditions, so it is vital to know the signs of food poisoning and when to see a doctor.

Food Poisoning Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of food poisoning typically appear between 24 to 48 hours after eating or drinking the contaminated item. Signs and symptoms include:

• Upset Stomach
• Diarrhea
• Stomach Cramps
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Fever

The consumption of raw meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables causes many cases of food poisoning. When cooking meat, ensure that it is cooked to the correct temperature to kill any bacteria, like Salmonella, living on the food. Ensure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw meat and use multiple cooking utensils to avoid cross-contamination.

While consuming uncooked fruit and vegetables usually is okay, certain kinds of produce have been linked to severe food poisoning outbreaks from high contamination of E. Coli and Listeria. Before eating produce like lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes, check the news to determine if the food is from a contaminated region and wash all vegetables and fruit thoroughly with clean water.

When To Visit Urgent Care for Food Poisoning

For most cases of food poisoning, you can treat it at home by increasing your fluid intake levels and avoiding irritating foods for the first few days. It is recommended to visit urgent care if the illness does not go away within a few days or more severe symptoms begin.

• Severe dehydration
• Blood in vomit or diarrhea
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Weakness of arms and muscles

Food poisoning also affects different ages and immune systems differently. Call or visit a doctor if you or someone else experiencing food poisoning are over 60 years old, a child, pregnant, or have a weak immune system. Urgent care doctors and nurses will determine the severity level and prescribe antibiotics for severe foodborne illnesses caused by certain bacteria. Urgent care may refer you to the hospital if the problem persists or signs of a more significant medical issue.

How to Treat Food Poisoning at Home

For less severe cases of food poisoning, doctors recommend at-home remedies and letting your body take charge in ridding itself of the illness. Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea deplete fluids in the body, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and drinks that increase electrolyte levels. Tips and treatments for food poisoning include:

• Drink non-caffeinated drinks
• Eat bland foods
• Get plenty of rest
• Avoid over-the-counter medication for diarrhea
• Avoid foods that are harsh on the stomach

If you feel your condition is a true emergency and have extreme food poisoning symptoms, call 911 or Legacy ER & Urgent Care. The combined ER and urgent care system are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Legacy ER & Urgent Care is part of Intuitive Health’s health care model that prioritizes the patient experiences through transparency and quality care. Providing exceptional service from highly trained medical staff, Legacy ER & Urgent Care offers emergent and non-emergent care and only bills based on the level of care you need. Find out more about Legacy ER & Urgent Care by visiting LegacyER.com.

Legacy ER & Urgent Care has convenient locations:

• Allen – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 1310 W. Exchange Pkwy Allen, TX 75013, and may be reached at 972-526-5819.
• Coppell – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 330 S Denton Tap Rd Coppell, TX 75019 and may be reached at 469-702-9917.
• Frisco East – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 16151 Eldorado Pkwy Frisco, TX 75035 and may be reached at 972-526-7009.
• Frisco West – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 9205 Legacy Dr. Frisco, TX 75033 and may be reached at 972-526-7020.
• McKinney – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 2810 Hardin Blvd McKinney, TX 75072, and may be reached at 972-573-6688.
• North Richland Hills – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 8950 N. Tarrant Pkwy North Richland Hills, TX 76182 and may be reached at 817-663-1247.