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I'm so sorry you got ill after your trip, and glad to hear that you're feeling better. As Alison suggested, a bland, non-fatty and non-fiber diet for a few days will help your system normalize. Electrolyte fortified fluids, such as Pedialyte, are also often prescribed to replace essential minerals lost with diarrhea.

It is often difficult to tell whether you're suffering from food poisoning or diarrhea - possibly induced by factors other than food. Here are the common symptoms of food poisoning:

Most types of food poisoning cause some combination of abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. With the exception of C. botulinum, the bacteria cause inflammation and swelling in the intestines. Dehydration is often a complication because of the loss of fluids. How severe the symptoms will be depends upon the type of bacteria, how much of the bacteria has been ingested, and the age and general health of the patient. Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning begin within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food, and last for two to five days. Symptoms of food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus start more suddenly, usually within two to eight hours, and are more severe. However, symptoms usually last for less than 12 hours. E. coli causes severe cramps and watery diarrhea within one to three days of ingesting the bacteria. It rarely causes vomiting or fever. The diarrhea becomes bloody within 24 hours of its onset, and lasts for anywhere from one to eight days.

Source: Hershey Medical Center, Penn State

Signs and symptoms of diarrhea:

Diarrhea that persists for more than a couple of days is considered chronic and may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or an infection. In these cases, diarrhea may lead to dehydration and requires the care of your doctor. Dehydration occurs when the body has lost too much fluid and electrolytes -- the salts potassium and sodium. The fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhea need to be replaced promptly because the body cannot function properly without them.

Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea may include:

* Frequent loose, watery stools
* Abdominal cramps
* Abdominal pain
* Fever
* Bleeding
* Lightheadedness or dizziness from dehydration

Source: Diarrhea - Signs and Symptoms, UCSF Medical Center

Also see:
Food Poisoning, Dr. Greene

Multiple diarrhea symptom combination checker

October 23, 2008 - 6:43pm

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