Each year, millions of people in the United States develop food poisoning symptoms after consuming contaminated food products, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Bacterial or viral pathogens that cause food poisoning symptoms can contaminate any type of food, including fish, meat or vegetables. Severe food poisoning symptoms can be life-threatening and should be discussed with a doctor immediately if they occur.
Nausea or Vomiting
Ingesting contaminated food products can cause symptoms of nausea or vomiting in patients with food poisoning. These first symptoms of food poisoning typically arise within two to six hours following exposure to a food-borne pathogen, explains MedlinePlus, a health information website supported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Certain patients with food poisoning can also experience abdominal cramping or discomfort in conjunction with nausea or vomiting. These symptoms generally resolve within one to two days but should be discussed with a doctor if they persist or become worse.
Diarrhea
Bacterial or viral pathogens that enter the digestive tract can inflame and irritate the intestines. As a result, patients who experience food poisoning can develop diarrhea as one of the first symptoms of infection, warns MayoClinic.com. Affected patients can experience frequent bowel movement urges that yield watery or loose stools. Severe intestinal inflammation can cause the affected tissue to bleed, which may cause blood to appear within the stools. Additional first symptoms of food poisoning can include stomach cramping or bloating and decreased appetite. Persistent diarrhea can increase a patient's risk of developing dehydration symptoms, such as dizziness, increased thirst or fatigue. Patients who develop long-lasting diarrhea symptoms or notice blood within the stools should contact a medical professional immediately.
Fever or Flu-like Symptoms
Fever or flu-like symptoms can emerge as first symptoms of food poisoning in certain patients. A fever is part of the body's natural immune response and helps limit the spread of infection. In addition to fever, affected patients can also experience muscle aches, excessive fatigue or weakness, explain medical professionals at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Fever symptoms may also contribute to chills or headache pain in certain patients. These first symptoms of food poisoning can also be signs of alternate medical problems and should be discussed with a physician if they occur.
