What are the common symptoms of foodborne illness?

The common symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. These symptoms are directly related to the body's reaction to pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can be present in contaminated food or water. When an individual consumes contaminated substances, the immune system responds, often leading to gastrointestinal distress and other systemic reactions such as fever as the body tries to eliminate the foreign invaders.

The symptoms listed in the correct choice are ubiquitous across various types of foodborne illnesses and reflect the most typical reactions people may experience when they have consumed unsafe food. For example, nausea and vomiting are the body's natural mechanisms to expel harmful contents from the stomach. Diarrhea can occur as the intestines react to irritants or infectious agents, resulting in the rapid movement of waste through the digestive tract, which can lead to dehydration if not managed properly.

In contrast, the other options include symptoms that are not typically associated with foodborne illnesses. Headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and dizziness can be signs of other ailments but do not specifically point to foodborne illness. Similarly, shortness of breath, chest pain, and tingling suggest cardiovascular or respiratory issues, while rash, itching, swelling, and dry throat indicate possible