What Are The Symptoms Of Food Poisoning?

Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015

Question: Food poisoning. What are the symptoms and possible side effects.I suffered hallucinations and severe depression.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hallucinations are possible with severe dehydration; depression directly:No

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I shall go ahead and list all the possible side effects or symptoms of food poisoning:

+Headaches
+Lethargy
+Weakness
+Blurry vision
+Dry skin
+Nausea
+Vomiting
+Watery or loose stool
+Abdominal pain or cramps
+Excessive thirst
+Dry mouth
+Little or no urine being passed
+Fever
+Blood in stool or vomit
+Tingling in arms
+Muscle weakness
+Lightheadedness
+Little or no tears
+Dry and sticky mouth
+Low blood pressure
+Rapid heartbeat
+Rapid breathing
+Sunken eyes
+In severe dehydration: delirium, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness

Although depression in my opinion cannot be caused directly by food poisoning or severe dehydration, but it is possible for pre-existing depression to be triggered or aggravated by severe dehydration.

I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (45 hours later)

I did have most of the symptoms you listed .I had blurry vision and the inability to see color. Everything appeared as grey or beige. I also had a complete nervous breakdown and was put on a 48 hour hold suicide watch. I am so worried it could happen again. What can I do to prevent it?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dehydration is your culprit, drink plenty of water

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again.

Then your issue lies in dehydration, and all you need to do is start drinking more water (at least 3 litres a day). I wonder how the medical team who were watching you failed to notice any signs of dehydration.

Either way, drink plenty of water and avoid all substances that can lead to loss of water. And it is very important for you to get appropriately treated for your food poisoning as it can lead to further loss of fluids.

I wish you a rapid and healthy recovery, please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar