Food Poisoning Treatment

Treatment for food poisoning typically depends on the source of the illness, if known, and the severity of your symptoms. For most people, the illness resolves without treatment within a few days, though some types of food poisoning may last longer.

1. Control Nausea and Vomiting

• Avoid solid foods until vomiting ends. Then eat light, bland foods, such as saltine crackers, bananas, rice, or bread.
• Sipping liquids may help avoid vomiting.
• Don’t eat fried, greasy, spicy, or sweet foods.
• Don’t take anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medication without asking your doctor. They may make some kinds of diarrhea worse. Your doctor may give you anti-nausea medication if you are at risk of being dehydrated.

2. Prevent Dehydration

• Drink clear fluids, starting with small sips and gradually drinking more.
• If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, drink an oral rehydration solution.

3. When to Call a Doctor

• Call a doctor immediately if symptoms include:
• Lasting more than 3 days
• Severe belly pain
• Fever
• Bloody diarrhea or dark stools
• Vomiting that is prolonged or bloody
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate or breathing rate

web md
mayoclinic.org