Overview

Common pathogens: E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Norovirus. Usually self-limiting but can be severe in children and elderly.

Causes

• Contaminated food or water
• Poor hygiene
• Improper food storage

Symptoms

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever, dehydration

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Stool culture (if severe)
• Treatment:
  • Rehydration (oral or IV fluids)
  • Antibiotics for specific cases
  • Antiemetics

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Jeera water, ginger, Hingvastak churna
• Siddha: Decoctions with kadukkai, cumin
• Unani: Sharbat-e-Anar, Arq Pudina
• TCM: Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San for digestive clearing
• Homeopathy: Arsenicum album, Nux vomica
• Nutraceuticals: Electrolytes, zinc, probiotics

Caution

• Watch for blood in stools or high fever
• Avoid anti-diarrheal unless advised

Prevention

• Wash hands and food
• Avoid street food and undercooked meat
• Safe food storage