What are common symptoms of foodborne illness?

Common symptoms of foodborne illness typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms arise as the body reacts to harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins that may be present in contaminated food. When foodborne pathogens enter the digestive system, they can lead to inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in these distressing symptoms.

Nausea often signals that the body is trying to expel contaminated food, while vomiting and diarrhea are active mechanisms to eliminate the pathogens quickly. Abdominal cramps occur due to the contractions of the stomach and intestines as they attempt to rid the body of the offending agents. Recognizing these symptoms can be crucial for prompt medical attention and helps in identifying foodborne illness outbreaks.