Get Online Treatment for Food poisoning in Turkey from a Doctor Near You
Treatment for food poisoning online in Turkey: speak to an English-speaking doctor by video 24/7 and get an e-prescription if appropriate.
E-rx.onlineQuick Facts
| Service | Online doctor consultation by video |
|---|---|
| Condition | Food poisoning |
| Coverage | All of Turkey, including Antalya, Mugla, Istanbul and the Aegean coast |
| Best for | Travellers, tourists and expats |
| Doctors | English-, German- and Turkish-speaking physician |
| Availability | 24/7 on-call doctor |
| Includes | E-prescription if appropriate |
| Other visit types | Doctor’s office or hotel and home visit in selected areas |
Summary
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or the toxins they produce. It usually causes sudden vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps within hours or a couple of days of the meal, and most healthy adults recover at home with fluids and rest. Common signs include nausea and sudden vomiting, watery diarrhoea, sometimes with blood, stomach cramps and bloating. A video visit lets the doctor ask what you ate and when, who else is ill, and how dehydrated you are. If needed, a stool or blood sample can be arranged at your hotel. Most food poisoning needs fluids, not antibiotics, and antibiotics are usually avoided when EHEC is suspected, so the doctor will advise what is suitable. Anti-sickness medicine can be prescribed where appropriate, and an IV drip can be arranged at your hotel if you cannot keep fluids down. The e-prescription can be collected at the nearest pharmacy.
What Is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites or the toxins they produce. It usually causes sudden vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps within hours or a couple of days of the meal, and most healthy adults recover at home with fluids and rest.
Causes and Risk Factors
Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and disease-causing types of E. coli are the most common culprits. These include ETEC (enterotoxigenic E. coli), a leading cause of traveller’s diarrhoea, and EHEC (enterohaemorrhagic or Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli), which can cause bloody diarrhoea and, rarely, kidney complications. Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus toxins cause very fast vomiting within hours, and norovirus and Giardia are also common. Typical sources are undercooked chicken or minced meat, raw eggs, unpasteurised milk, shellfish, reheated rice, salads washed in untreated water, ice, and food left warm at buffets.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
- Nausea and sudden vomiting
- Watery diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
- Stomach cramps and bloating
- Fever, chills and tiredness
- Headache and muscle aches
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine
Treatment Options for Food Poisoning
A video visit lets the doctor ask what you ate and when, who else is ill, and how dehydrated you are. If needed, a stool or blood sample can be arranged at your hotel. Most food poisoning needs fluids, not antibiotics, and antibiotics are usually avoided when EHEC is suspected, so the doctor will advise what is suitable. Anti-sickness medicine can be prescribed where appropriate, and an IV drip can be arranged at your hotel if you cannot keep fluids down. The e-prescription can be collected at the nearest pharmacy.
Helpful self-care while you recover:
- Sip oral rehydration solution little and often, even if you are vomiting
- Eat plain foods such as rice, toast, bananas or soup once your appetite returns
- Rest, and avoid alcohol, fatty or spicy food for a day or two
- Do not take anti-diarrhoea tablets if you have a fever or blood in your stool unless a doctor advises it
- Wash your hands well and do not prepare food for others while you are ill
Common Treatments for Food Poisoning
Treatment depends on the cause and on your health history. Options may include oral rehydration, anti-sickness medicine where suitable, and antibiotics only when the doctor decides they are needed. Your doctor decides what is appropriate for you; medicine names and doses are not self-prescribed.
Preventing Food Poisoning
Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot, avoid buffet dishes that have sat out, drink sealed or bottled water, be careful with ice, raw eggs and unpasteurised milk, and wash your hands before eating.
How Can We Help with Food Poisoning Treatment Online?
If you are looking for food poisoning treatment online while travelling in Turkey, you can speak to a doctor from your hotel, villa or apartment without searching for a clinic or struggling with a language barrier.
What to Expect During an Online Consultation
The doctor asks about your symptoms, such as watery diarrhoea, sometimes with blood and stomach cramps and bloating, when they started, what you have already tried, and any medical conditions, allergies or medicines. The doctor cannot examine you physically, but many cases can be assessed from your history; if an examination or test is needed, you will be told.
Additional Care Recommendations
Emergency in Turkey: call 112. Online visits are not for life-threatening conditions or controlled-substance prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Poisoning
Can Food Poisoning Be Treated Online?
A video visit lets the doctor ask what you ate and when, who else is ill, and how dehydrated you are. If needed, a stool or blood sample can be arranged at your hotel. Most food poisoning needs fluids, not antibiotics, and antibiotics are usually avoided when EHEC is suspected, so the doctor will advise what is suitable. Anti-sickness medicine can be prescribed where appropriate, and an IV drip can be arranged at your hotel if you cannot keep fluids down. The e-prescription can be collected at the nearest pharmacy.
What Can I Do at Home for Food Poisoning?
Sip oral rehydration solution little and often, even if you are vomiting. Eat plain foods such as rice, toast, bananas or soup once your appetite returns. Rest, and avoid alcohol, fatty or spicy food for a day or two. Do not take anti-diarrhoea tablets if you have a fever or blood in your stool unless a doctor advises it. Wash your hands well and do not prepare food for others while you are ill.
When Should I See a Doctor in Person for Food Poisoning?
Bloody diarrhoea, fever above 39 °C, vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, signs of dehydration, very little urine (especially after bloody diarrhoea), severe or constant belly pain, symptoms lasting more than three days, double vision, drooping eyelids or muscle weakness, or illness in babies, young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with a weak immune system.
How Do I Get a Prescription for Food Poisoning in Turkey?
If treatment is appropriate, the doctor sends an e-prescription by WhatsApp or email. Show it on your phone or print it and collect your medicine from any pharmacy (eczane). Controlled substances cannot be prescribed online.
Is an English-Speaking Doctor Available?
Yes. Dr. Elif Yasbala consults in English, German and Turkish, and the on-demand doctor is available 24/7 by video.
Food Poisoning Treatment Near You
Find a 24/7 On-Call Doctor for food poisoning in your destination
Antalya
Complete Health & Medical Guide for Travelers in Antalya
Mugla
Complete Health & Medical Guide for Travelers in Mugla
Izmir
Complete Health & Medical Guide for Travelers in Izmir
Istanbul
Complete Health & Medical Guide for Travelers in Istanbul
Aydin
Complete Health & Medical Guide for Travelers in Aydin
Cappadocia
Complete Health & Medical Guide for Travelers in Cappadocia
Denizli
Complete Health & Medical Guide for Travelers in Denizli
References
- NHS. Food poisoning
Reviewed by Dr. Elif Yasbala, MD. General information only; it does not replace medical advice.
What We Treat
Acute Gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis is a short-lived inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the bladder or urethra, most often caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Cold and Flu
The common cold and influenza are viral infections of the nose, throat and airways.
Sore Throat
A sore throat (pharyngitis or tonsillitis) is pain, irritation or scratchiness in the throat that is often worse when swallowing.
Ear Pain
Ear pain can come from the outer ear canal, the middle ear or nearby areas such as the throat or jaw.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin clear layer covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelids.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral infection, mainly in young children, that causes fever, painful mouth ulcers and a blister-like rash on the palms and soles.
Skin Rash and Allergy
A skin rash is a change in the colour, texture or feel of the skin, such as redness, itching, bumps or hives.
Insect Bites and Sunburn
Insect bites and stings (mosquitoes, wasps, jellyfish, sea urchins) and sunburn are among the most common holiday problems.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)
Sinusitis is inflammation of the air-filled spaces around the nose and eyes.
Headache and Migraine
A headache is pain in the head or face.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin, causing spots, blackheads and sometimes painful lumps..
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow, causing wheeze, cough and breathlessness..
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance of the natural bacteria.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs, usually after a cold or flu, causing a cough that can last for weeks..
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue underneath, causing a red, warm, swollen and painful area that can spread quickly..
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are small, painful blisters around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus, which stays in the body and can flare up again..
Diarrhea
Diarrhea means passing loose, watery stools more often than usual.
Ear Infection
An ear infection usually means an infection of the middle ear behind the eardrum (otitis media), often following a cold and common in children..
Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long-term skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches that come and go..
Flu (Influenza)
Flu (influenza) is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs that comes on suddenly with fever, aches and exhaustion..
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, redness and swelling in a joint, most often the big toe..
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that causes sores and honey-coloured crusts, mostly on the face and hands and often in children..
Insect Bite
Insect bites from mosquitoes, midges, fleas, bedbugs and wasps cause itchy, red bumps and sometimes swelling.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes facial redness, flushing and sometimes small spots, mostly on the cheeks, nose and forehead..
Scabies
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and spread through prolonged skin contact..
Seasonal Allergy (Hay Fever)
Seasonal allergy, also called hay fever, is an allergic reaction to pollen that causes sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes..
Shingles
Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus waking up again in people who have had chickenpox..
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection caused by group A streptococcus, causing a very sore throat, fever and swollen tonsils..
Stye
A stye is a small, painful red lump on the edge of the eyelid, caused by an infected oil gland or eyelash follicle..
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, often after water has stayed in the ear..
Tick Bite
A tick bite happens when a tick attaches to the skin and feeds on blood.
Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection, also called thrush, is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast and is very common..
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is a sudden inflammation of the back of the throat, usually caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria such as streptococcus.
Acute Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the throat.
Allergy
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to something that is normally harmless, such as pollen, dust, food, medicines or insect stings.
Sunburn
Sunburn is skin damage caused by too much ultraviolet light from the sun.
Dog Bite
A dog bite is a wound caused by a dog’s teeth.
Cat Scratch
A cat scratch is a break in the skin caused by a cat’s claws or teeth.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a stretch or tear of the ligaments that support the ankle, usually after twisting the foot.
Broken Nail
A broken nail is a split, crack or tear in the nail, sometimes with injury to the nail bed underneath.
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe, usually the big toe.
Soft Tissue Infection
A soft tissue infection is an infection of the skin and the tissue just under it, such as an infected cut, boil, abscess or cellulitis.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
Cystitis
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, most often caused by a bacterial infection.