Severe stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea that occur a few hours after eating or drinking may be a sign of food poisoning. Food poisoning affects more than 76 million people in the United States each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Food poising is a type of gastritis, the general term used to describe inflammation that occurs in the lining of the stomach.
Gastritis
The entire digestive system is lined with a protective coating that separates the harsh digestive chemicals created during digestion from the sensitive soft tissue beneath. When the protective lining becomes weakened, inflammation and swelling can occur, leading to various digestive symptoms. The lining of the stomach produces acid and enzymes that help break down food before it enters the small intestines. If the lining becomes inflamed, enzymes, acid and mucus are restricted, causing loss of appetite and difficulty digesting certain foods. Gastritis caused by food poisoning is considered acute gastritis, an isolated instance of stomach inflammation.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a type of gastritis that occurs when you consume foods or beverages that are contaminated. The food product may contain bacteria, toxins, viruses or parasites that weaken the lining or the stomach. Most symptoms develop within a few hours and last one to 10 days. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping, fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weakness and blood in the stools. Symptoms may cause your body to expel excessive amounts of liquid through vomiting and diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. Dehydration is serious medical condition that needs to be evaluated by your doctor.
Prevention
Gastritis from food poisoning may be prevented by implementing a few lifestyle changes. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends washing your hands and dishes and utensils before and after using them, keeping raw meat separated from other food products, cooking food at the proper temperature and cooking it thoroughly. Avoid eating wild mushrooms, don’t give honey to children under one year of age, always refrigerate leftovers immediately and avoid drinking water from the tap if you’re in a foreign country. If food looks or smells odd, avoid consuming it.
Concerns
PubMed Health recommends calling your health care provider if you develop black stools, diarrhea with a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness, blood in your stools of if you’ve recently traveled abroad. Pale skin, dry skin, dry mouth and fatigue may be signs of dehydration. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids.
