Different kinds of foodborne illness they require different treatments. The system that they affects helps determine the treatments. Oral rehydration solutions such as Cerlyte, Pedialyte, or Oralyte should be drunk by people with symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting, because they can lead to dehydration. Anti diarrhea medication can be taken to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea only if diarrhea and cramps occur, without bloody stools or fever. If these symptoms occur taking anti diarrhea medication can make the illness worse.
A physician should be consulted if diarrhea illness is accompanied by :
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high fever
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blood in the stools
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prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquid down
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signs of dehydration, including a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat and feeling dizzy when standing up
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if diarrhea last more than 3 days
Doctors do not regularly prescribe antibiotics for foodborne illnesses, unless infections complicate the illness. Many diarrhea illness caused by viruses will improve on their own in 2 to 3 days. Antibiotics have no effect on many viruses, using them can cause more harm than good.
In the past antibiotics have been over- prescribed which has resulted in some bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This is why it is important to use antibiotics only when they are really needed.
Whenever, antibiotics are prescribed it is necessary to complete all the medication and not stopping just because the symptoms have improved. Partial treatment can also cause bacteria to become resistant. (Mead, 1999)