Food Poisoning
Food poisoning has become a common health problem in many Indian families, especially during exam seasons, office rush, festivals, and the monsoon months. It occurs when we eat food or drink water contaminated with harmful germs that irritate the stomach and intestines. These germs can lead to vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, weakness, and dehydration.
In India, food poisoning is more common due to factors like street food contamination, unsafe drinking water, poor food handling practices, and sudden weather changes that help germs multiply quickly. The good news is that most cases recover well when treated early with the right medical guidance. If you or your family member is experiencing symptoms, timely care is very important.
Dr. A. Murali, a highly experienced Infectious Disease Specialist in Coimbatore with over 20 years of expertise, offers accurate diagnosis and specialised treatment for all types of food-borne infections. At Sun Speciality Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Ramanathapuram, he provides safe, evidence-based care that helps patients recover faster and prevents complications like severe dehydration.
Getting the right treatment at the right time can make all the difference.
What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with harmful germs. These germs irritate the stomach and intestines and lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and weakness. In India, it is common due to street food, unsafe water, and improper food storage. Most cases improve quickly with the right treatment.
Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning:
Symptoms can start within a few hours of eating unsafe food or may appear after 24 hours. Early identification helps in faster treatment..
Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting: The body’s way of removing harmful germs from the stomach
- Loose motions/diarrhoea: Frequent watery stools, leading to loss of fluids and minerals.
- Stomach pain or cramps: Sharp or dull pain due to irritation in the stomach and intestines.
- Fever: The body’s natural response to infection.
- Dehydration: Dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urine due to fluid loss from vomiting/diarrhoea.
- Severe weakness: Tiredness and low energy because the body loses essential nutrients.
When symptoms become dangerous?
If you notice dizziness, a very dry mouth, little or no urination, sunken eyes, or confusion, the person may be severely dehydrated. This needs urgent medical attention.
When to See a Doctor Immediately?
You should visit a doctor without delay if:
- Vomiting does not stop
- There is blood in the stools
- High fever continues
- Severe dehydration signs appear
- Symptoms last for more than 24 hours
- The patient is elderly, diabetic, pregnant, or has kidney disease
- A child is refusing to drink water or is becoming very weak
These signs indicate the infection may be getting serious.
Causes of Food Poisoning in Coimbatore:
Many factors increase the risk of food poisoning in Coimbatore:
- Contaminated drinking water
- Unhygienic restaurants or food stalls
- Spoiled or stale food
- Street food contamination, especially during the monsoon
- Improper food storage at home
- Bacterial infections like Salmonella, coli, Shigella
- Viral infections such as Rotavirus
- Parasites from polluted water sources
Understanding the cause helps in providing the right treatment.
Detailed Diagnosis Process:
Accurate diagnosis is important because not all stomach infections are the same.
The diagnostic process includes:
- Physical Examination: The doctor checks your hydration level and stomach tenderness.
- Stool Tests: These tests help identify the exact germ causing the infection.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests show if the infection has spread or caused complications.
- Hydration Assessment: This helps decide whether you need ORS or IV fluids.
Early diagnosis avoids complications and ensures faster recovery.
Food Poisoning Treatment Options:
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the type of infection.
- ORS and Hydration: ORS restores the fluids and salts lost from the body.
- Intravenous (IV) Fluids: Used for patients who are severely dehydrated or unable to drink water.
- Anti-Vomiting Medicines: These help stop vomiting so the patient can retain fluids.
- Antibiotics (Only When Required): Given only if a bacterial infection is confirmed. Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics.
- Probiotics: These help restore healthy bacteria in the gut.
- Specific Treatment for Foodborne Germs: Targeted medicines for infections caused by:
- Salmonella
- coli
- Vibrio
- Rotavirus
- Other harmful organisms
Recovery Tips for Patients:
To recover smoothly and avoid complications:
What to Eat?
- Curd rice
- Idli, khichdi, soft foods
- Coconut water
- Clear soups
- Warm water
What to Avoid?
- Milk and dairy products
- Spicy and oily foods
- Street food
- Fruit juices from outside
- Heavy meals
Other Recovery Tips:
- Take enough rest
- Drink small sips of water frequently
- Complete all prescribed medicines
- Do not take random tablets on your own
Prevention Tips for Families:
Simple steps can protect your family from food poisoning:
- Drink clean or boiled water
- Avoid stale or reheated food
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness
- Wash your hands before cooking and eating
- Be careful with street food, especially during the monsoon season
- Pack fresh food for school and the office
- Store leftovers properly in the fridge
These habits help reduce the risk of stomach infections.
Why Choose Dr. A Murali for Food Poisoning Treatment in Coimbatore?
Choosing the right doctor is important when food poisoning causes vomiting, stomach pain, or dehydration. Dr. A Murali, one of Coimbatore’s most experienced Infectious Disease specialists, offers quick, accurate, and patient-friendly treatment for all types of stomach and gut infections.
- Expertise in Stomach & Gut Infections: With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Murali specialises in treating foodborne infections and ensures each patient receives the correct diagnosis and care.
- Skilled in Managing Severe Dehydration: He is highly experienced in treating dehydration caused by repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, helping patients recover safely and quickly.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Dr. Murali uses precise diagnostic methods to identify the cause of infection early, ensuring the right medicines are given without delay.
- Safe & Personalised Treatment Plans: Every patient receives a customised plan based on age, symptom severity, hydration level, immunity, and medical history. This ensures fast and safe recovery.
- Patient-Friendly, Recovery-Focused Care: Dr. Murali explains diet, hydration, precautions, and follow-up steps clearly so families feel supported at every stage.
- Trusted by Thousands of Families: His careful approach, calm nature, and consistent results have made him one of Coimbatore’s most trusted doctors for food poisoning treatment.
- Convenient Location in Ramanathapuram: He consults at Sun Speciality Clinic for Infectious Diseases, easily accessible for patients across Coimbatore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Hydration and rest are the most important steps.
Contaminated street food, spoiled meat, unclean water, and unhygienic salads.
Yes, mild cases can. But see a doctor if symptoms worsen.
Most cases improve in 1–3 days.
Only when a bacterial infection is confirmed.
If you or your loved ones are facing symptoms of food poisoning, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early treatment ensures safe and quick recovery.
For expert, trusted, and personalised Food Poisoning Treatment in Coimbatore, visit Dr. A Murali at Sun Speciality Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Ramanathapuram.
Your health matters. Get the right treatment at the right time.