Could food poisoning occur from eating raw salmon?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had way too much salmon sashimi and sushi at an all-you-can-eat restaurant two nights ago, and yesterday and today, I have been having soft, yellow stools that fall apart and are thin, stomach-twisting, uncomfortable sensations on and off, and nausea that comes on and off.

I had C. difficile eleven months ago and am wondering if the overload of sashimi and food disrupted my stomach badly, or if it is food poisoning, a stomach bug, or something. Or if it is just because I ate way too much of the raw salmon sashimi. The pieces were thin, but I ate at least 16 pieces or more.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

From what you described and the image, your stool looks loose and light brown yellow, which is consistent with mild digestive upset or food-related irritation rather than something serious at the moment.

Since you recently ate a large amount of raw salmon sashimi and other sushi, it is most likely that your stomach is reacting to the heavy, high-fat, and raw nature of the meal.

This can temporarily upset digestion, especially if your gut balance was already sensitive after a past C. difficile infection. The nausea and cramping are probably from your intestines trying to clear out undigested or fatty material.

At this stage, drink plenty of fluids, preferably with electrolytes, and eat a bland, light diet such as boiled rice, bananas, toast, and soups for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid dairy, caffeine, and raw foods.

If the loose stools persist beyond three days, you develop a fever, severe pain, or blood or mucus in the stool, or if the nausea worsens, you should get stool tests to rule out bacterial or parasitic infection, especially since you ate raw fish.

Could you tell me if you have had any fever, chills, or vomiting with this episode? That can help determine whether this is more likely to be food poisoning or simple digestive overload.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the clarification. Since you did not have fever, chills, or vomiting, this is a mild digestive upset from overeating the raw salmon and the heavy meal rather than an infection. So just stick to bland foods, stay hydrated with fluids and electrolytes, and avoid raw foods, caffeine, and dairy for a day or two.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.