The most well-known cause of food poisoning is the bacteria Salmonella. However, food poisoning caused by other bacteria is also very common and usually results from eating foods like sandwiches and potato salads that are left un-refrigerated for too long, sometimes at picnics. Symptoms of food poisoning include extreme nausea and vomiting, abdominal or stomach cramping, diarrhea and fever. In severe cases, shock and physical collapse may result. Severe diarrhea accompanying food poisoning is especially serious for children and elderly persons already weakened by other illnesses.
Symptoms usually appear within thirty minutes to four hours of eating the contaminated food.
In general, the shorter the time period between eating the contaminated food and the beginning of symptoms, the more severe the case of food poisoning. Most cases of food poisoning can be taken care of at home. These should be sipped in frequent, small quantities to prevent dehydration, and avoiding solid foods until symptoms decrease. In rare cases, when these symptoms come on violently and may include shock and physical collapse, emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately. Treatment in the hospital will include replacing fluids directly through the veins.