Food Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Food Poisoning?
A primary care doctor can diagnose and treat most cases of food poisoning. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats the digestive system, may help with severe or lasting cases. An emergency room doctor treats serious cases, such as severe dehydration. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is food poisoning?
Infections with microbes cause most food poisoning. Microbes are tiny germs. Harmful chemicals also cause some cases. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may last from a few hours to several days. In most cases, people get better on their own without medical treatment.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Pain in your belly.
- Fever.
- Headache.
Dehydration, which means not having enough water in your body, is the most common complication of food poisoning. Signs of dehydration in adults include:
- Extreme thirst and dry mouth.
- Urinating less than usual.
- Dizziness when you stand up.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Sunken eyes or cheeks.
Less commonly, botulism and fish and shellfish poisoning can affect your nervous system. Symptoms may include blurred vision, paralysis, tingling or numbness of your skin, and weakness.
Causes and who gets it
Microbes can spread to food at any time while the food is grown, processed, stored, shipped, or prepared. Foods that may contain microbes include raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs, and fish and shellfish. Microbes can also spread from raw foods to your hands, kitchen tools, and kitchen surfaces. Bacteria grow quickly when food is between 40 and 140 degrees.
Common viruses that cause food poisoning include norovirus and hepatitis A. Bacteria that cause it include Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Harmful chemicals may be in certain wild mushrooms. Food safety is especially important for infants and children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors often diagnose food poisoning based on your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild and last only a short time, you typically will not need tests. In some cases, a medical history, a physical exam, stool tests, and blood tests can help. Your doctor will ask what you recently ate and drank. Stool tests can show viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Blood tests can show signs of certain infections or of dehydration.
Treatment
Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the most important treatment for food poisoning. Electrolytes are salts your body needs. If vomiting is a problem, try sipping small amounts of clear liquids. Older adults, adults with a weak immune system, and adults with severe diarrhea or signs of dehydration should use oral rehydration solutions. These are liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes.
When your appetite returns, you can most often go back to your normal diet, even if you still have diarrhea. For food poisoning from bacteria or parasites, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or medicines that target parasites. Severe cases may need treatment in a hospital.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, are very confused or hard to wake, or have trouble breathing. Do the same if you have blurred vision, paralysis, tingling or numbness, or weakness, which can be signs of botulism.
Food poisoning can become dangerous if it leads to severe dehydration or other complications. Adults should see a doctor right away for any of these signs:
- High fever.
- Vomiting often.
- Six or more loose stools in a single day.
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.
- Severe pain in the belly or rectum.
- Stools that are black and tarry or contain blood or pus.
- Signs of dehydration.
Older adults, pregnant women, and adults with a weak immune system should see a doctor right away for any symptoms of food poisoning. If an infant or child has symptoms of food poisoning, call a doctor for advice. Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants. Seek help right away for any fever in an infant or diarrhea lasting more than a day in a child.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can ask about your symptoms and what you ate, check for dehydration, and order tests.
Common questions
How long does food poisoning last?
Symptoms may last from a few hours to several days.
What should I drink with food poisoning?
You should drink plenty of liquids. Most adults can use water, diluted fruit juice, sports drinks, or broths.
Can I take medicine for the diarrhea?
In some cases, adults can take over-the-counter medicines to treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning. If you have bloody diarrhea or fever, do not use them. See a doctor instead. These medicines can be dangerous for infants and children.
Is food poisoning dangerous?
Food poisoning can become dangerous if it leads to severe dehydration or other complications. Most people get better on their own.
How can I prevent food poisoning?
You can prevent some food poisoning by properly storing, cooking, cleaning, and handling foods. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms & Causes of Food Poisoning
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Food Poisoning
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Diagnosis of Food Poisoning
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
