Recognize the different symptoms between food poisoning and food allergies

Food poisoning

Common culprits of food poisoning include Salmonella, E. coli, norovirus, and Campylobacter. Food poisoning occurs when you eat contaminated food that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins produced by these microorganisms. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Food allergy

A food allergy is an exaggerated immune response to food components, usually proteins. Allergies can range from mild symptoms such as hives or itching to severe reactions such as difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock. Common allergens include peanuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, and wheat.

Food allergies are different from food intolerances. Food intolerances are less serious conditions and do not involve the immune system.

Recognize by the duration of symptoms

One factor that distinguishes food poisoning from food allergies is the duration of symptoms. The time it takes for a food allergy to appear depends on the body's reaction to the food and the individual's constitution. The allergic reaction can last from 4-24 hours or about 2-3 days, after which it will completely disappear. Mild poisoning symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days without specific treatment.

For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not serious. For others, however, a food allergic reaction can be severe and even life-threatening. The most common food allergy symptoms include:

• Rash all over the body or itching in the mouth, hives, rash, eczema, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat or other parts of the body.
• Wheezing, stuffy nose or difficulty breathing.
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose a food allergy, a healthcare professional will perform a skin prick test and a blood test. Avoiding the food that causes the allergy is the main treatment. In addition, as a precaution, people with a history of food allergies should carry emergency medications such as epinephrine in case they accidentally eat the food that causes the allergy. When a severe allergic reaction is detected, an auto-injector can be used to prevent life-threatening risks.

For food poisoning, the patient is rehydrated and advised to rest and eat a light diet. To prevent food poisoning, it is important to practice good hygiene such as washing hands thoroughly before handling food, eating cooked food and drinking boiled water, and storing food properly.