Sometimes we eat something we wish we hadn't. Emergency room physician Troy Madsen, MD, says food poisoning generally takes about six hours to take effect, but most people get through it all right. Learn about the symptoms of food poisoning and things you can do to help yourself get through it.">
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If you have food poisoning, you might be wondering when you’re going to feel better. But there’s not just one answer because there are so many different kinds of food poisoning.
According to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),1 in 6Americans get sick with food poisoning each year. Infants, children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk.
Keep reading to learn more about how long food poisoning lasts, what the symptoms are, and when to seek medical attention.
How long does food poisoning last?
There are more than250 typesof food poisoning. Although the symptoms may be similar, the length of time it takes to get better differs, depending on:
- what substance caused the contamination
- how much of it you ingested
- the severity of your symptoms
In most cases, people recover within a day or two without needing medical care.
What causes food poisoning?
Food poisoning can happen when you eat or drink something contaminated by any of the following:
- bacteria
- viruses
- parasites
- chemicals
- metals
Most of the time, food poisoning is an illness of your stomach and intestines. But it can affect other organs, too.
These are the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States along with the foods associated with them:
Cause of illnessAssociated foodssalmonellaraw and undercooked meat and poultry, eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, raw fruit, and raw vegetablesE. coliraw and undercooked beef, unpasteurized milk or juice, raw vegetables, and contaminated waterlisteriaraw produce, unpasteurized dairy products, processed meat, and poultrynorovirusraw produce and shellfishcampylobacterunpasteurized dairy products, raw and undercooked meat and poultry, and contaminated waterClostridium perfringensbeef, poultry, gravy, precooked food, and dried foodWhat are the symptoms?
The time between when you ingest contaminated food and first experience symptoms can be anywhere from underone hour to three weeks. This depends on the cause of the contamination.
For instance, symptoms of a bacterial infection linked to undercooked pork (yersiniosis), can appear betweenfour to seven daysafter eating the contaminated food.
But on average, food poisoning symptoms begin within two to six hours after consuming contaminated food.
Symptoms of food poisoning vary by the type of contaminate. Most people experience a combination of the following:
- watery diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- headache
- fever
Symptoms that occur less frequently include:
- dehydration
- diarrhea containing blood or mucus
- muscle aches
- itching
- skin rash
- blurry vision
- double vision
Check out: Is it a stomach bug or food poisoning? Tips for identification »
What to do if you have food poisoning
If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, the most pressing concern is dehydration. But you may want to avoid food and fluids for a few hours. As soon as you are able, begin taking small sips of water or sucking on ice chips.
Besides water, you may also want to drink a rehydration solution. These solutions help replace electrolytes, which are the minerals in your body fluid that conduct electricity. They’re necessary for your body to function.
Rehydration solutions are especially helpful for:
- children
- older adults
- people who have a compromised immune system
- people who have a chronic illness
When you can eat solid food, begin with small amounts of bland foods that include:
- crackers
- rice
- toast
- cereal
- bananas
You should avoid:
- carbonated beverages
- caffeine
- dairy products
- fatty food
- overly sweet food
- alcohol
And be sure to take it easy and get plenty of rest until your symptoms subside.
When you should see a doctor
You should contact your doctor when you first experience symptoms if you:
- are older than 60 years of age
- are an infant or toddler
- are pregnant
- have a weakened immune system
- have a chronic health condition like diabetes or kidney disease
If you’re taking diuretics and develop food poisoning, call your doctor and ask if it’s safe to stop using them.