In some cases, adults can take over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate link (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) to treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning.
Over-the-counter medicines may stop the symptoms of food poisoning. Bismuth subsalicylate — you may know this medicine as Pepto-Bismol — can treat nausea and diarrhea. Loperamide — you may know this as Imodium — is an antidiarrheal that stops diarrhea by slowing down the digestive process.
You may be able to treat food poisoning with over-the-counter food poisoning medication from your pharmacy, including: Anti-diarrhea medicines, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium) Pain relievers and fever reducers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil)
You may use acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and fever. Don't use these if you have chronic liver or kidney disease, or ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. Talk with your healthcare provider first.
Most people fully recover from the most common types of food poisoning within 12 to 48 hours. Some types of food poisoning can cause serious complications. Death from food poisoning in people who are otherwise healthy is rare in the United States.
However, the key distinction is time: The symptoms of a stomach bug will take 12 to 48 hours to develop, while the symptoms of food poisoning typically develop much faster, usually within 6 hours of consuming an infected dish. Another common difference between the two is the length of illness.
Avoid spicy or acidic foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol after food poisoning. Foods that are high in fats, protein, and fiber may also be hard to digest.
You should immediately seek food poisoning treatment in the ER if you begin to notice blood in your urine, feces, or vomit, diarrhea lasting more than three days, or signs of severe dehydration including extreme thirst, loss of consciousness, or confusion.
“Most of the time, food poisoning will set in within a few hours of eating contaminated food,” Dr. Lee says. “The severity of your symptoms and how long it will last is mostly dictated by what strain of germs you ingested, how much you were exposed to and how strong your immune system is to fight it off.”
Can you take anti-nausea medication with food poisoning? While you can take anti-nausea medication for certain food poisoning infections, it is vital you consult with your doctor first, as some anti-nausea medications can make symptoms worse.
The CDC recommends bleach to kill the stomach bug-causing norovirus on surfaces. But if that will damage your counter or you'd rather not use it, look for “phenolic solution” on the label of a concentrated disinfectant. To kill the germs, the EPA suggests you use 2 to 4 times the recommended amount.
Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, Dr. Feckoury says, so getting plenty of fluids is key. You can drink water or try Gatorade or Pedialyte.
Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if you experience any of the following: Bloody stool or bloody vomit. Inability to keep any fluids down. Diarrhea lasting more than three days.
Doctors often diagnose food poisoning based on your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild and last only a short time, you typically won't need tests. In some cases, a medical history, a physical exam, stool tests, and blood tests can help diagnose food poisoning.
Take care to avoid caffeinated sodas, since caffeine can make your upset stomach worse. The carbonation from sodas inflates the stomach while increasing its internal pressure.
Although it may seem counterintuitive to drink soda when you are not feeling well, a small glass of Sprite can do wonders for your upset stomach. The sugar and lemon-lime flavoring can nourish your stomach so it can relax. The light carbonation in Sprite can soothe your stomach when you are not feeling well.
Yoghurt is rich in probiotics or good bacteria and yeasts that help maintain good gut health. Having a little yoghurt during a stomach upset may help relieve diarrhoea.
Usually, 3 to 4 days. Possibly, 1 to 10 days. Raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or juice, soft cheeses from unpasteurized milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Contaminated water.
Most of the time, food poisoning runs its course and people get better on their own. Occasionally, though, doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat more severe types of bacterial food poisoning. Someone with severe dehydration may be treated in a hospital with intravenous (IV) fluids.
Millions of friendly bacteria live in your intestines, and they're important for your digestion. But diarrhea can throw the microbes in your gut off balance. Probiotics may help get things back on track. You can find probiotics in certain foods, like yogurt, and they also come in the form of supplements.