Food poisoning is an extremely common condition and is in most cases not a cause for serious concern. Since you haven't provided us with any details regarding symptoms other than vomiting, or the duration it is impossible to determine the extent or severity of the food poisoning. In most cases of food poisoning however the illness is not very serious and resolves within 24 to 48 hours, without the need for medical treatment. In such a scenario remedies or treatment, if any, aims at providing relief and minimizing the risk of dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting.
The typical symptoms of food poisoning would include vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. These symptoms generally surface within 48 hours of consumption of the contaminated food. Depending on the type of contaminant, and the quantity consumed the symptoms may develop rapidly or over the course of days and may even last for weeks. Sometimes food poisoning may even cause fever, chills, bloody feces, and dehydration or even nervous system damage.
Contaminants may be viral, bacterial, parasitical, or toxic, and all produce different kinds of symptoms. Food poisoning is of particular concern when travelling to developing countries, as the standards of hygiene are often questionable. Although severe cases can even be fatal, as mentioned earlier food poisoning cases are by and large mild. A food poisoning case may be serious if - the vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea have lasted for over two days, if the affected person is a small child (under three), if the illness followed recent travel overseas, if others who consumed the food are also ill, if liquids can not be kept down, or if there is no improvement in two days despite a sustained fluid intake, if the person's immune system is compromised, if the person can not keep required medications down because of vomiting, and if there are signs of nervous system damage such as double vision, slurring, muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing.
Vomiting is a natural symptom of food poisoning and treatment should not try to stop or suppress vomiting, but instead to maintain hydration in the face of fluid loss because of vomiting or diarrhea. The vomiting should stop naturally within 24 to 48 hours, failing which you would need medical attention. For the period that you are nauseous and vomiting you need to avoid the consumption of any solid foods, and instead consume plenty of fluids. Clear fruit juices and clear soups or broths are also a great source of nutrition and will keep you hydrated. Electrolyte drinks would be an excellent option. All alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should be avoided. Drinks that have a high sugar content should also be avoided as these can worsen your diarrhea.
Once the vomiting stops you can gradually reintroduce solid foods, starting with fruits, followed by bland foods like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes, Whatever happens do not delay a visit to your doctor if the symptoms persist.
answered by S D