Understanding Food Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms & When To Visit The Emergency Center

Food is meant to nourish us, but sometimes the meals we enjoy can lead to serious health complications. Food poisoning is a common but potentially dangerous condition that can affect anyone, and understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key to staying safe. At The Emergency Center, we see a range of food-related illnesses every year, and we’re here to provide prompt, expert care when food poisoning strikes.

What Is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, occurs when contaminated food or beverages introduce harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins into the body. The severity can range from mild stomach discomfort to life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can appear within hours of eating contaminated food or may take days to manifest.

There are several forms of food poisoning, each caused by different pathogens or toxins:

• Salmonella: Often found in raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
• E. coli: Usually linked to undercooked beef, contaminated produce, or unpasteurized juices. Severe cases can lead to kidney complications.
• Listeria: Common in deli meats, soft cheeses, and refrigerated smoked seafood. It can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.

• Norovirus: One of the most common causes of foodborne illness, often spread through contaminated shellfish or foods handled by infected individuals. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
• Hepatitis A: Can be contracted through contaminated water or food, leading to liver inflammation, jaundice, and fatigue.

• Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can be found in contaminated water or undercooked foods. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue.

• Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus can produce toxins in improperly stored foods, causing rapid-onset vomiting and diarrhea.
• Ciguatera poisoning comes from eating certain tropical fish that have accumulated toxins in their flesh.

Food poisoning symptoms can vary depending on the cause but commonly include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Weakness or dizziness

Severe symptoms, such as high fever, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration, require immediate medical attention.

If you experience severe food poisoning symptoms, The Emergency Center provides fast, comprehensive care. Our team can:

• Administer IV fluids to treat Dehydration
• Provide anti-nausea medications
• Conduct blood tests to identify the specific cause of illness
• Offer supportive care for complications such as kidney problems or severe infections

Unlike urgent care centers, our freestanding emergency centers are equipped to handle both common and severe cases of foodborne illness around the clock, ensuring you receive timely, professional care.

While our team is always ready to help, prevention remains the best approach. Properly washing hands, cooking meats to safe temperatures, avoiding unpasteurized products, and storing foods correctly can dramatically reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Food poisoning can strike anyone, and its effects can range from mild discomfort to serious, life-threatening conditions. Recognizing the signs early and seeking prompt care can make a significant difference. At The Emergency Center, we are dedicated to providing rapid, expert treatment to help you recover safely. If you or a loved one experiences severe food poisoning symptoms, don’t wait, visit us immediately for care.

The Emergency Center

San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644

Conroe
4019 Interstate 45 N,
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: 936-247-9457