Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Medical Help

You may have food poisoning. Food poisoning is a common illness that occurs when you eat or drink contaminated food or water. Symptoms of food poisoning can include:

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Abdominal pain

* Headaches

* Fever

* Muscle aches

* Fatigue

In some cases, food poisoning can be serious and even life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

* Vomiting for more than two hours

* Diarrhea for more than three days

* A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

* Severe abdominal pain

* Blood in your stool

* Dehydration

Other possible causes of stomach pain and vomiting include:

* Gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines

* Norovirus, a highly contagious virus that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms

* Appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix

* Gallstones, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder

* Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas

* Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease

* Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease

* Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum

If you experience stomach pain and vomiting that is severe or does not go away, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions.