Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is a sickness caused by eating contaminated food. Food poisoning symptoms may range from mild to severe and may differ depending on the bacteria, virus, or parasite that was swallowed. The length of time it takes for symptoms to appear also depends on the source of the infection, but it can range from as little as 1 hour to as long as 28 days. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are an upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Symptoms of potentially life-threatening food poisoning include: diarrhea persisting for more than three days; a fever higher than 101.5°F; difficulty seeing or speaking; symptoms of severe dehydration, which may include dry mouth, passing little to no urine, and difficulty keeping fluids down; and finally, bloody urine. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.