Did you know the difference between gastroenteritis and food poisoning? While their symptoms and treatment appear similar, they are not the same. Knowing the difference can help you manage the condition better and look for better treatment options. Learn about the difference between gastroenteritis and food poisoning in this article. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://doralhw.org/ to know more about gut health.
Differences between gastroenteritis vs food poisoning
Gastroenteritis and food poisoning are common digestive issues, but they are not the same. Gastroenteritis is often caused by a virus and spreads from person to person. Different strains of the virus exist, and the most common virus that causes gastroenteritis in the US is norovirus. Food poisoning is generally caused by bacteria found in contaminated food or water. However, sometimes, food poisoning can occur from viruses or less common parasites as well. Food poisoning symptoms resemble gastroenteritis when you consume food that is spoiled, unhygienically prepared, or contaminated in any other way.
Causes
Both conditions have different causes but they’re similar as well.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by different viruses like norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, etc. The most common by far is norovirus because it causes up to 21 million cases of stomach flu in the United States each year. These viruses can spread through coming into contact with an infected person’s cough or having physical contact. It is also known as stomach flu, but it isn’t caused by seasonal stomach flu. This term was used by scientists in the past when they didn’t know it caused infections or to refer to any disease outbreak.
Food poisoning can be caused when a person consumes contaminated food and gets sick. These illnesses are often caused by bacteria and other organisms that contaminate both animal and plant products. It can also occur when food is undercooked, mishandled, or left at room temperature for too long. Food poisoning can be caused by any of the following:
- Bacterial infections: Organisms like salmonella, campylobacter, listeria, and E. coli are the most common bacteria that affect the intestine lining.
- Toxins: Some bacteria can produce toxic substances that cause food poisoning symptoms. Some of these toxins can survive in food that has been cooked. Some of them are – Staphylococcus bacteria, Bacillus bacteria, and botulinum.
- Parasitic infections: Some other types of organisms like Cyclospora parasites can enter the body through contaminated food.
- Viruses: Viruses can also contaminate food (just like bacteria), and norovirus is the most common one.
Now, there’s some overlapping between the causes of food poisoning and gastroenteritis because food poisoning caused by some organisms can also spread to other people. Norovirus outbreaks are common and not always caused by consuming contaminated food. And even if someone gets sick from food poisoning, they can still spread the germs to others. This is the reason that it’s hard to know whether someone has food poisoning or gastroenteritis. When it comes to symptoms and treatment, it doesn’t always matter.
Symptoms
The symptoms of stomach viruses and food poisoning are remarkably similar but with a few key differences.
Gastroenteritis symptoms
Its symptoms may include:
- Watery or bloody diarrhea.
- Appetite loss.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Stomach cramps, muscle aches, and weakness.
- Low-grade fever.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
It may not always cause bloody stools, however, if you have blood in your stools then it indicates a serious infection. These symptoms often last for a few days but sometimes they can last for up to 14 days (about 2 weeks).
Food poisoning symptoms
Food poisoning symptoms can happen within several hours of eating. It may include:
- Watery or bloody diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- A fever, chills, and body aches.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness from dehydration.
This sickness can last from a few hours to several days.
While these symptoms are very similar, there are some hints to differentiate between them. Food poisoning symptoms occur quickly, and people feel sick all of a sudden and stay in the condition for a few hours after eating contaminated food. Additionally, bloody diarrhea is more common with bacteria and food poisoning. On the other hand, gastroenteritis symptoms usually develop slowly, and the illness gets worse over a day or so. Sometimes, you may have other symptoms like congestion, cough, or body aches.
Diagnosis
To diagnose gastroenteritis, the doctor checks your symptoms along with a physical exam. A rapid stool test can help detect rotavirus or norovirus but is not used in most clinics. There are no quick tests to diagnose other viruses. A stool sample can also be used to rule out bacterial or parasitic infection.
Diagnosing food poisoning can be difficult, especially when you can’t identify the cause. Stool tests may help to identify the disease-causing pathogen.
Treatment
Mostly gastroenteritis and food poisoning have the same treatment options – rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover on their own. Besides that, if the infection is caused by bacteria or parasites, then the doctor may prescribe you antibacterial or antiparasitic medicines. But for viral infections, antibiotics don’t work, so it needs to let it run its course.
But in case you have severe symptoms and develop dehydration, then you may need treatment, including:
- IV (intravenous) fluids: This can be helpful if someone is at risk of dehydration (like young kids, babies, and older adults). This helps to complete the electrolytes and rehydrate the body.
- Antiemetics: These medications can help to decrease nausea or vomiting. It may include – ondansetron, metoclopramide, or prochlorperazine.
When to seek medical attention?
Most cases get better within a few days, but if you experience any of the following:
- Severe dehydration: You may experience signs like dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or no urination for eight hours. Mostly young children or older adults experience that and need to be monitored closely for signs of dehydration.
- Blood in vomit or stool: This means you’re in a serious condition.
- Length of symptoms: If your symptoms last longer than 2 days or worsen, you need to visit urgent care or the emergency department for IV fluids.
- High fever: A fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gastroenteritis and food poisoning may appear similar due to their symptoms and treatment. However, several key features make them different like causes, onset of symptoms, and several other symptoms. While both conditions get better on their own, if you experience dehydration, blood in vomit or stool, symptoms for a prolonged period, or high fever, then you should seek medical attention.
If you need help with either gastroenteritis or food poisoning, then visit our infectious diseases specialists in Brooklyn Clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!! You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Gastroenterology Center’s best gastroenterologist doctors in Brooklyn. If you are looking for treatments, you can also talk to our specialists and inquire with them. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call +1-718-367-2555.
