MediArticles

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a common, usually easygoing, but sometimes deadly illness. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea that occur suddenly (within 48 hours) after consuming an unhygienic food or drink. Depending on the impurity, fever and chills, bloody stools, dehydration, and nervous system damage may pursue. These symptoms may have an effect on one person or a group of people who ate the same thing (called an epidemic).

Worldwide, diarrheal illnesses are along with the primary causes of death. Travelers to developing countries often come across food poisoning.

Indications of food poisoning

Many cases of food poisoning are not reported because people suffer mild indications and recover quickly. Also, doctors do not test for a cause in every suspected case because it does not change the treatment or the outcome.

The known causes of food poisoning can be divided into two categories: infectious agents and toxic agents.

Infectious agents include viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Toxic agents include poisonous mushrooms, improperly prepared exotic foods (such as barracuda), or pesticides on fruits and vegetables

Food usually becomes infected from poor hygiene or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom or have infections themselves often cause infectivity. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes infectivity.

Indications of food poisoning rely on the type of toxin and the amount eaten. The indications can develop quickly, within 30 minutes, or slowly, worsening over days to weeks. Usually food poisoning is not serious, and the illness runs its course in 24-48 hours.

What you can do at home

Short periods of vomiting and small amounts of diarrhea lasting less than 24 hours can usually be cared for at home.

Do not eat solid food while nauseous or vomiting but drink plenty of fluids.

Small, frequent sips of clear liquids (those you can see through) are the best way to stay hydrated.

Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary drinks.

After successfully bearing fluids, eating should begin slowly, when nausea and vomiting have stopped. Plain foods that are easy on the stomach should be started in small amounts. Consider eating rice, wheat, breads, potatoes, low-sugar cereals, lean meats, and chicken (not fried) to start. Milk can be given safely, while some people may experience additional stomach upset due to lactose intolerance.

Most food poisonings do not oblige the use of over-the-counter medicines to stop diarrhea, but they are generally safe if used as directed. It is not suggested that these medications be given to children. If there is a question or unease, you should always check with a doctor.