What are the Symptoms of Foodborne Illnesses?

What are the Symptoms of Foodborne Illnesses?

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses normally appear 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. However, symptoms can occur only 30 minutes after ingesting contaminated food. Symptoms vary depending on the type of food poisoning involved. Symptoms can be very minor or quite serious. Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Rash/Hives
  • Experiencing any signs of dehydration (dizziness, thirst, fainting)
  • Racing pulse or pounding heart
  • Doubled or blurred vision
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Vomiting/Nausea
  • Abdominal cramps (diarrhea)
  • Convulsions or shaking
  • Hallucinations
  • Excessive weaknesses or partial paralysis

Foodborne illnesses are more severe for specific groups of people, such as, the elderly, young children, people with compromised immune systems (ex: HIV/AIDS), people with a serious medical condition (ex: diabetes or kidney disease) and pregnant women. Some food poisoning and food illnesses can be transmitted to the fetus in-utero. Normally most people can recover from foodborne illnesses, without medical treatment, in 2-5 days. However, more serious foodborne illnesses will require medical treatment.

Serious foodborne illnesses can cause:

  • Respiratory failure
  • Damage to the nervous system
  • Paralysis
  • Hepatitis A
  • Liver or kidney transplants
  • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) (kidneys and other organs fail)
  • Reiter’s Syndrome (chronic arthritis)
  • Guillian-Barre Syndrome (leads to paralysis)
  • Wrongful death

If you are seriously injured as a result of foodborne illnesses you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of food poisoning you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find an injury lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

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