Cholera vs Regular Food Poisoning: Doctor Explains How to Differentiate

Both cholera and regular food poisoning leads to gastrointestinal distress and are caused by contaminated foods and drinks. Due to these similarities and their overlapping symptoms, they are often confused to be the same condition. But both are completely different. It is important to distinguish between the two, so that you can opt for the right treatment. Cholera is a specific, highly contagious bacterial infection that causes rapid, fatal dehydration. On the other hand, regular food poisoning is a general term for various bacterial, viral, or toxic contaminants that cause diarrhoea, cramps, fever, and vomiting. 

To shed more light on the differences between cholera and food poisoning, we reached out to Dr Niraj Kumar, General Physician and Senior Consultant, ShardaCare Healthcity, Greater Noida.

Cholera vs Regular Food Poisoning: Key Differences

Dr Kumar says that cholera and food poisoning can both cause sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, so they are often confused. The expert further explains, “However, cholera is a specific bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, and can lead to severe dehydration very quickly.” On this note, the expert shares some key factors that can help you differentiate between the two:

Symptoms of Cholera

• A key feature of cholera is profuse, watery diarrhoea, often described as ‘rice-water’ stools because they may appear pale and watery with flecks of mucus.
• Vomiting can also occur.
• While fever and abdominal pain are usually absent or mild.
• In severe cases, a person can lose large amounts of fluid within hours, leading to intense thirst, weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness, low blood pressure and reduced urine output.

So what causes cholera? According to the Cleveland Clinic, the bacteria Vibrio cholerae (V cholerae) causes cholera. They live in warm, mildly salty (brackish) water. So when a person drinks water or eats food contaminated with V cholerae, the bacteria can stick to the walls of your small intestine. Then they release toxins that cause diarrhoea.

You can get cholera from:

• Eating raw shellfish.
• Drinking water contaminated with poop (feces) containing V cholerae.
• Eating food prepared with water containing V cholera.

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Symptoms of Food Poisoning

Dr Kumar says that regular food poisoning is a broader term that can result from bacteria, viruses or toxins in contaminated food. The expert says that depending on the cause, symptoms may include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever

“Some forms of food poisoning can produce bloody stools or significant abdominal pain, which are less typical of uncomplicated cholera,” he adds.

Who Is More at Risk For Cholera?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may be at increased risk for cholera if you:

• Are a woman.
• Have type O blood group.
• Have low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria (for example, if you take antacids or proton pump inhibitors).
• Have had a gastrectomy.
• Have an H pylori infection.

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When To Seek Medical Help

Dr Kumar says that symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish cholera from other causes of acute diarrhoea. “Laboratory testing may be needed, particularly during an outbreak or when symptoms are severe,” he adds.

The expert further explains, “The most important concern in both conditions is dehydration. A person with frequent watery stools or repeated vomiting should begin oral rehydration promptly and seek medical care if they cannot keep fluids down, become unusually drowsy or weak, develop very little urine, feel faint, or show signs of severe dehydration.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, seek medical help for food poisoning if you have:

• Nervous system symptoms such as blurry vision, muscle weakness and skin tingling.
• Changes in thinking or acting.
• Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) or higher.
• Vomiting frequently.
• Loose stool that lasts more than three days.
• Symptoms of loss of body fluids, called dehydration. These may consist of increased thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, and feeling weak, dizzy or lightheaded.

“Antibiotics should not be taken without medical advice. Most importantly, severe watery diarrhoea should never be ignored, particularly in areas where cholera or other waterborne infections are circulating,” concludes Dr Kumar.

ALSO READ- The History of Pasteurisation: How Boiling Milk Saved Millions from Deadly Food Poisoning

Conclusion

Cholera and regular food poisoning share similar initial symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. However, they are completely different conditions which need careful attention. Cholera is a specific, rapid-acting bacterial infection that causes severe, life-threatening dehydration. On the other hand, food poisoning encompasses a broader range of foodborne illnesses with different symptoms such as fever and stomach cramps. Regardless of which condition it is, always prioritise hydration and seek immediate medical help if symptoms worsen or signs of extreme dehydration appear.