What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?

What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?

• A. Headache, dizziness, and rash
• B. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever
• C. Fatigue, hair loss, and fever
• D. Breathing difficulties and fever

Answer: (B)

B is the correct choice because the symptoms listed—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever—are the classic indicators of foodborne illness. These symptoms occur due to the body’s response to the toxins or pathogens that have been ingested through contaminated food or water. The gastrointestinal tract is typically affected, leading to digestive distress, which often includes vomiting and diarrhea as the body attempts to eliminate the offending agents. Nausea and abdominal cramps are also common as the body reacts to the discomfort caused by the presence of harmful organisms. Fever may occur as the immune system responds to the infection, indicating that the body is fighting off the pathogens. In contrast, the symptoms presented in the other options are not typically associated with foodborne illnesses. Headache and dizziness may be linked to various health conditions but are not primary indicators of foodborne illness. Fatigue and hair loss could be related to nutritional deficiencies or other health issues, and respiratory symptoms such as breathing difficulties usually indicate allergic reactions or other respiratory illnesses, rather than foodborne illness.

B is the correct choice because the symptoms listed—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever—are the classic indicators of foodborne illness. These symptoms occur due to the body’s response to the toxins or pathogens that have been ingested through contaminated food or water. The gastrointestinal tract is typically affected, leading to digestive distress, which often includes vomiting and diarrhea as the body attempts to eliminate the offending agents.

Nausea and abdominal cramps are also common as the body reacts to the discomfort caused by the presence of harmful organisms. Fever may occur as the immune system responds to the infection, indicating that the body is fighting off the pathogens.

In contrast, the symptoms presented in the other options are not typically associated with foodborne illnesses. Headache and dizziness may be linked to various health conditions but are not primary indicators of foodborne illness. Fatigue and hair loss could be related to nutritional deficiencies or other health issues, and respiratory symptoms such as breathing difficulties usually indicate allergic reactions or other respiratory illnesses, rather than foodborne illness.