Diarrhea
Diarrhea: Food Poisoning or Infection?Medical Author: Jay W. Marks, MD Food poisoning is a general term that refers to gastrointestinal illnesses (usually diarrhea and/or vomiting) caused by food that is contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses, or toxic substances. The actual cause of most individual episodes of food poisoning, however, never is pursued (for example, a culture is not done) since most episodes are mild or moderate in severity and are over in a few hours to a few days. In fact, the diagnosis of food poisoning usually is made only presumptively, based on the individual's symptoms and the circumstances. Even in outbreaks of suspected food poisoning that involve many people, when careful studies are done, a specific cause is found no more than half of the time. Top Searched Diarrhea Terms
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Diarrhea OverviewDiarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery, soft stools with or without abdominal bloating, pressure, and cramps commonly referred to as gas. Diarrhea can come on suddenly, run its course, and be helped with home care to prevent complications such as dehydration.
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Diarrhea
Shellfish Poisoning, Gastrointestinal »
Shellfish Poisoning Overview
Shellfish poisoning is caused by eating shellfish contaminated with bacteria or, more commonly, viruses. Contaminated shellfish include shrimp, crabs, clams, oysters, dried fish, and salted raw fish. Contaminated fish may have a tainted odor or taste.
Shellfish Poisoning Symptoms
- Symptoms of shellfish poisoning begin 4-48 hours after eating and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps.
- A person who has blood in the stool and a fever may have a bacterial infection (from Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria).
Shellfish Poisoning Treatment
- Vomiting should be induced if the person is awake and alert and has eaten the shellfish or fish within the last 3 hours.
- The person should stay well-hydrated.
- The person should be encouraged to drin...
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Diarrhea »
Acute diarrhea is defined as the abrupt onset of abnormally high fluid content in the stool (more than the normal value of approximately 10 mL/kg/d).


