What should I do if I have food poisoning with dizziness and nausea?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
After food poisoning with symptoms of dizziness and nausea, immediately stop consuming the suspected food, keep the airway clear, replenish fluids appropriately, avoid inducing vomiting on your own, and promptly record relevant information. Take quick action to minimize harm. If dizziness is severe, or vomiting is accompanied by frequent abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Immediately stop ingesting any suspected food that may have caused the poisoning.
After food poisoning causing dizziness and nausea, it is essential to immediately stop consuming the suspected food, maintain an open airway, appropriately replenish fluids, avoid self-induced vomiting, and promptly record relevant information. Taking quick action helps minimize harm. If dizziness is severe, or vomiting is accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, or altered consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.
1. Stop eating suspicious food: Immediately discontinue intake of any food suspected of causing poisoning to prevent further exposure to toxins. Preserve any remaining food or vomit samples, which can assist doctors in diagnosing the cause.
2. Maintain a clear airway: Position the body comfortably. When vomiting, turn the head to one side to prevent vomit from blocking the airway and causing choking. Avoid lying flat, as this may worsen dizziness and discomfort.
3. Replenish fluids appropriately: Dizziness and nausea may be accompanied by dehydration. Drink small sips of warm water or oral rehydration solution frequently to restore fluids and electrolytes. Avoid drinking large amounts at once, which could trigger vomiting.
4. Avoid self-induced vomiting: Inducing vomiting without guidance may damage the esophageal lining. Especially when experiencing dizziness or weakness, forced vomiting could lead to coughing, aspiration, or other complications. Vomiting should only be performed under professional medical advice.
5. Record relevant information: Document the time of meal consumption, types of food eaten, symptoms in others who shared the meal, and details about your own symptoms—such as frequency and duration of dizziness and vomiting—to assist doctors in diagnosis and treatment.
After symptoms subside, eat light, liquid-based foods such as rice soup or noodle broth. Avoid greasy, spicy, raw, or cold foods that may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Ensure adequate rest and avoid physical exertion or strenuous activities. When gradually resuming normal diet, follow the principle of progressing from small amounts to larger portions, and from thin liquids to thicker consistencies.
