The symptoms of gastroenteritis and food poisoning are similar but the duration allows them to be differentiated.
- Gastroenteritis can be of viral, bacterial or parasitic origin, which determines the treatment and duration of symptoms.
- Of bacterial or parasitic origin, gastroenteritis can last one or two weeks.
- Food poisoning generally only lasts a few hours to a maximum of three days.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea… The symptoms are similar, which is why food poisoning and gastroenteritis are often confused. For the Pasteur Institute of Lilleit is temporality that allows them to be distinguished.
Symptoms of food poisoning last for three days
Food poisoning is defined by MSD Manual as being due to the ingestion of a plant or animal containing a toxin. Symptoms usually last between a few hours and three days.
During food poisoning, it is recommended to expel the toxic substance as quickly as possible. Usually this is done by vomiting but the doctor can also prescribe treatment depending on the toxin. Finally, it is advisable to drink a lot to replace water loss.
Gastroenteritis can last up to two weeks
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. This pathology can be of viral origin – most often -, bacterial or parasitic. The incubation period is 24 to 72 hours.
Depending on the origin of gastroenteritis, the duration and treatment are not the same, depending on health insurance :
- Of viral origin, gastroenteritis generally lasts less than three days and does not require treatment.
- Of bacterial or parasitic origin, gastroenteritis requires antibiotic or antiparasitic treatment. In this case, it generally lasts one or two weeks.
In all cases, it is recommended to hydrate well to compensate for losses due to vomiting and/or diarrhea. If the symptoms last more than a day, it is better to consult your doctor who will diagnose gastroenteritis or poisoning, and can prescribe appropriate treatment.
