Food Poisoning | Foodborne illness | Dehydration



Food poisoning happens because of foodborne illness which can happen to anyone who eats contaminated food. People most affected with food poisoning can recover on their own but some people can become seriously ill. You are at highest risk if you are pregnant, older than age 65 years, or having a low immune system. But younger ones are at high risk particularly from dehydration.


Symptoms


Usually, symptoms will vary depending on what is causing the health problem. Symptoms may begin within a few hours to a few weeks which depends on the cause.


Symptoms are:


  • Upset stomach.

  • Vomiting.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Diarrhea with bloody stools.

  • Stomach pain and cramps.

  • Fever.

  • Headache.


In some cases, food poisoning affects the central nervous system and it can cause severe disease.


Symptoms may include:


  • Blurred or double vision.

  • Headache.

  • Loss of movement in limbs.

  • Problems with swallowing.

  • Tingling or numbness of skin.

  • Weakness.

  • Changes in sound of the voice.


Causes of food poisoning


Different types of foods can cause food poisoning. Foods should be kept cool but often are not at all the primary cause of food poisoning. Because of that, food poisoning is more common at picnics and buffets. In picnic or buffet places, foods like mayonnaise in potato salad are left out of the refrigerator for a longer period.


Some other sources of food poisoning which includes:


  • Raw or undercooked meat or poultry

  • Unpasteurized dairy products

  • Raw shellfish

  • Unwashed or uncleaned fruits and vegetables


In most cases of food poisoning are caused by contaminated food by bacteria. Some of the common types of bacteria which cause food poisoning are salmonella or E. coli.  In some cases, foods can also be contaminated by a virus called norovirus.


Risk factors

Any people can get food poisoning. But some people are at high chances of getting sick or have more severe disease or complications. People who are include:


  • Infants and children.

  • Pregnant people.

  • Older adults.

  • People with low immune systems because of having another disease or treatments.


Diagnosis


Many cases of people with food poisoning never go to any diagnosis process. This is because people mostly recover within a few days at home. If you face serious symptoms of food poisoning, your provider will diagnose you. Your provider can also suggest a blood test to identify if the food borne illness is caused by bacteria. Or else your provider takes a stool sample to identify what germ is causing the food borne illness.


Treatment


Usually, treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and what causes the illness. In most cases of food poisoning illness, medications or any drugs are not necessary to treat them.


Following Treatments may includes:


  • Fluid replacement: You must balance the fluids in your body. Typically, Electrolytes include some minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium. After vomiting or diarrhea, it is important to keep you hydrated to prevent dehydration. Severe dehydration will require admission to the hospital. You may need fluids and electrolytes to be delivered directly into the bloodstream.


  • Antibiotics: If the food poison is caused by bacteria, they may prescribe antibiotic medications. Generally, antibiotics for people with serious illness or with a great risk of complications.


  • Antiparasitics. Medicines which target the parasites are called antiparasitics which are usually prescribed for parasitic infections.


  • Probiotics. Your healthcare professional may suggest probiotics. These drugs helps to replace the healthy bacteria in the digestive system.


Possible Complications


Most common complication is Dehydration. This can happen from any cause of food poisoning.


In some cases, serious complications depend on the bacteria which causes food poisoning. These includes:

  • Arthritis

  • Bleeding problems

  • Damage to the nervous system

  • Kidney problems

  • Swelling or irritation in the tissue around the heart


Prevention


Always knowing what you are eating is an important step for preventing food poisoning.The best way is to eat at home. You should control food storage and preparation at home. When you dine out, be cautious of buffets.



Tips for avoiding food poisoning


You can follow some simple tips to avoid food poisoning:


  • You should wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

  • You must clean your countertops, cutting boards, knives and cooking utensils before exposing them to various food items.

  • You must wash your hands and cook utensils often.

  • When thawing meat, if it is in the refrigerator. You should not thaw them at room temperature.

  • You do not put raw and cooked meats on the same plate, table or counter tops.

  • If you use knives to cut up uncooked chicken, do not use them to cut up other ingredients which are not cooked.

  • You must cook meat thoroughly. Beef is cooked about 160°F, chicken and other poultry items about 180°F, and fish about  140°F.

  • Don’t use any packed food items that have expired.

  • If the food is not eaten within 4 hours, you should put it in the refrigerator.

  • Do not eat wild mushrooms.

  • If you are pregnant or have a low immune system, do not eat soft cheese particularly imported.

  • When you go abroad or any out countries, do not eat raw fruits and vegetables because they are not washed with an antimicrobial rinse. You must avoid tap water.

  • When you are at restaurants or social gatherings, you must avoid foods which are left out of the refrigerator for a long period.



Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. How long does food poisoning last?

Ans: Most people fully recover from the most common types of food poisoning within 12 to 48 hours.


Q2. How can food poisoning be cured?

Ans: You can treat food poisoning by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.


Q3. What not to eat after food poisoning?

Ans: Avoid spicy or acidic foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol after food poisoning.


Q4. What to eat after vomiting?

Ans: Try foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, dry toast, soda crackers (these foods are called BRAT diet).


Q5. Which juice is good for food poisoning?

Ans: Lemon juice is used for overall healing of the body as it is a rich source of antioxidants. It is also known for aiding digestion. 

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