Food poisoning is sudden illness caused by consuming food or drink contaminated with an infectious organism or toxin. Bacteria that can cause food poisoning include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium botulinum (which causes botulism).
Viral causes include norovirus, rotaviruses, and some adenoviruses. Protozoal infections include cryptosporidiosis , amebiasis, and giardiasis.
Food poisoning can be caused by eating poisonous mushrooms or food contaminated with high doses of pesticides. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Some food poisoning may cause more widespread symptoms; for example, botulism may cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
In most cases, symptoms clear up by themselves within a few days. They can be relieved by self-help measures, such as drinking plenty of fluids and eating a bland diet. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, or if other, unusual symptoms develop (muscle weakness or paralysis, for example), medical advice should be sought.

Othere related diseases

PERITONITIS
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane surrounding the abdominal organs and lining the abdominal wall. It is caused by infection, usually o...

POLYP
Also called bowel polyps or colorectal polyps, these are growths that project out from the lining of the colon or rectum. In most cases, the cause is unknown. <...

PROCTITIS
Proctitis is inflammation of the rectum. It commonly occurs as a feature of diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, amebiasis , schistosomiasis ...

RECTAL PROLAPSE
In a rectal prolapse, the lining of the rectum protrudes outside the anus. It is often a result of increased pressure in the abdomen due, for example, to consti...

SALIVARY GLAND PROBLEMS
Parotid tumor Parotitis Parotid stone A stone can form in a salivary gland, such as a parotid gland, causing a visible swelling on the outside of the mouth or...

STOMACH CANCER
Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the stomach wall. The cause of the condition is unknown, but factors that increase the risk o...

STOMACH ULCER
Peptic ulcer Perforated ulcer Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are eroded areas in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Most ulcers result from inf...

TODDLERS DIARRHEA
Toddler’s diarrhea is a common, harmless condition that affects some children for a period after the introduction of an adult diet. As well as frequent bowel ...