Food poisoning is any illness resulting from consumption of food or drink contaminated with an infectious agent or toxin. Symptoms usually include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some cases may be severe and require hospitalization for intravenous fluids. Food poisoning can be avoided by proper processing and cooking of foods. One of the most common causes of the poisoning results from bacteria contaminating a food and releasing toxins. Further cooking of the food may not prevent illness since the toxin may not be destroyed by heat.  In most cases the treatment for food poisoning is aggressive hydration (i.e., drinking fluids or intravenous fluids) and time.  Food poisoning typically resolves within one to several days. Some bacterial causes of food poisoning may benefit from antibiotic therapy.

What is food poisoning? 

Food poisoning is an illness caused by a bacteria or toxin that has contaminated food. 

What are the causes of food poisoning? 

Bacteria (and their associated toxins)

• Salmonella (non-typhoid type)
• Clostridium perfringens 
• E. coli
• Staph aureus
• Camplylobacter
• Others

Viruses

• Calciviruses
• Others

Parasites

Other contaminants (from food processing)

• Lead
• Sand
• Dirt
• Metal shavings
• Glass 

How common is food poisoning?

• There are an estimated 76 million cases in the United States each year!
• Up to 5000 deaths from food poisoning in the United States each year. 

How is food poisoning diagnosed?

• History & physical exam
• Stool studies

How do I know the difference between food poisoning and gastroenteritis (i.e., a stomach bug)?

There are many similarities and the treatment is often the same (i.e., hydration and rest).  Some helpful question include:

• Were several people affected? 
• Did they all eat the same thing? 
• Did everyone's symptoms began at the same time? 
• Was there a likely food source (i.e., buffet foods, picnic foods, leftovers)?

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain and cramping 
• Fever (mostly for invasive bacteria like Salmonella)
• A general sick feeling  

How is food poisoning treated?

• Fluids, fluids, and more fluids! 
• An oral rehydration solution for children 
• Intravenous fluids for severe cases 
• A bland diet (the BRATT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and tea) 
• Antibiotics for some bacteria types (but not all!) 
• In some cases antibiotics may make the illness worse!  

What is the prognosis?

• Most children with food poisoning recover completely within 2 to 5 days. 
• Severe cases and cases in young children may require more complex therapy. 

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