Guide · Updated November 2026

Food poisoning in Lisbon: when to call a doctor

Seafood, new restaurants and summer heat: stomach bugs are one of the most common reasons travellers need a doctor in Lisbon. Most get better in a day or two, but some cases need medical help.

What usually helps

• Small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution (solução de reidratação oral, sold in pharmacies).
• Rest, and plain food such as rice, toast or bananas once you can keep it down.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee and very fatty food until you feel better.

When to see a doctor

• You cannot keep any fluids down for several hours.
• Signs of dehydration: very little urine, dizziness when standing, a very dry mouth.
• A high fever, or symptoms lasting more than two or three days.
• The person ill is a young child, an older adult, pregnant, or has a chronic illness.
• You need a medical certificate, for example to change a flight.

A doctor can examine you at your hotel or Airbnb, give medicine to control nausea and vomiting if appropriate, advise on rehydration and prescribe treatment if needed.

Go to hospital or call 112 if

• There is blood in the vomit or stool.
• You have severe, constant abdominal pain.
• Someone faints, is confused or very drowsy.
• You are not passing urine at all.

Intravenous fluids can only be given in a hospital or clinic. If a doctor finds you need them, they will refer you.

Travelling with others?

If several people in your group are ill, a single doctor visit can often see everyone at the same address. Mention it when you book.

This guide is published by DoctorsPortugal (Lighthouse Health Concierge, Unipessoal Lda.), a doctor home-visit service in Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra. The information here is general and does not replace medical advice. In an emergency, call 112.