Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Types, Treatment, Diagnosis

What is Food Poisoning?

Food can get contaminated by infectious organisms or toxins at any production or processing stage. The inappropriate handling or preparation of food can also lead to contamination at home. Food poisoning is usually minor and goes away on its own. However, some patients might require hospitalisation.

Types of Food Poisoning

Although there are at least 250 types of food poisoning, e.coli is the most common. 

1. E. Coli

• The scientific term for E. coli is Escherichia coli. It is a bacterium that resides in animals' digestive tracts
• The majority of E. coli strains are not harmful. E. coli O157:H7, on the other hand, is the most common cause of food poisoning
• In extreme situations, E. coli can cause severe diarrhea, stomach pains, and Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS might result in renal failure, stroke, or coma
• Although most healthy individuals recover quickly from E. coli infection, it can be fatal for kids and the elderly

2. Salmonella

• Salmonella is another bacterium found in the digestive tracts of both animals and humans
• Salmonella affects fruits and plants when animal feces pollute the irrigation water supply
• Humans may catch salmonella through their dogs 
• Salmonella food poisoning symptoms often appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
• Infections of greater severity can also result in arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis
• The majority of people recover from salmonella without needing medical treatment. Antibiotics and intravenous fluids may be required for those with other health issues, kids, and the elderly

3. Listeria

• The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes is generally found in contaminated soil and water. It has the potential to infect raw meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Cooked or frozen meals can nevertheless support the bacteria's survival
• According to the CDC, listeria affects about 1,600 individuals yearly and kills over 200. Listeria infections can be dangerous or deadly in young children and the elderly. Expectant moms may experience miscarriages or stillbirths
• Adults in good health may only have short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, and diarrhea

Food Poisoning Symptoms

• Stomach Ache
• Cramps in the stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Appetite loss
• Weakness
• Headache

Vomiting occurs early in the sickness, whereas diarrhea usually lasts a few days but might last longer depending on the organism producing the symptoms.

Food poisoning sickness can last anywhere from a couple of hours to many days. If you experience food poisoning symptoms, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration (not having enough water in your body).

Symptoms of fatal food poisoning include:

• Diarrhea for more than three days and a temperature of more than 38.9°C (102°F)
• Extreme dehydration includes trouble speaking or seeing, dry mouth, little to no pee, difficulty keeping fluids down, and bloody urine.

Get a doctor's consultation immediately if you see any of these symptoms.

Causes of Food Poisoning

Food Poisoning is caused by the following contaminants shown in the following table.

Food Poisoning Treatments

Food poisoning Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and minimising consequences, particularly dehydration. Food poisoning is treatable at home. The following are some natural cures.

1. Stay Hydrated

• Staying hydrated is essential. Electrolyte-rich beverages will be great in such conditions. Also, coconut water and fruit juice can help replenish carbs and alleviate weariness
• Avoid caffeine, which might irritate the digestive system. Decaffeinated teas containing calming herbs like peppermint, chamomile, and dandelion may help to soothe an upset stomach

2. Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicine

• OTC drugs such as Pepto-Bismol and loperamide (Imodium) can help control diarrhea and nausea
• However, you should see a doctor before these treatments since the body utilises vomiting and diarrhea to eliminate the poison. Furthermore, using these drugs may conceal the severity of your sickness and convince you to delay getting help from a general physician

3. Use prescribed Medicines

• Although many food poisoning cases resolve on their own, depending on the organism responsible for their sickness, some patients may benefit from prescribed medicines
• People who are elderly, immunocompromised, or pregnant may benefit from prescription medicines. Antibiotic medication during pregnancy aids in the prevention of infection transmission to the unborn child

4. Additional treatment options

• When individuals transfer staph germs from their hands to meals, they get infected. Bacteria may impact many different sections of your body. In this case, they require a staph infection treatment
• Also, take proper rest and give some relaxation to your body

What to Eat and Drink When You Have Food Poisoning?

Avoid solid foods until your diarrhea and vomiting tendencies are gone. Then, go back to your usual diet and consume easy-to-digest foods, such as:

• Saltine crackers
• Toast 
• Gelatin 
• Bananas 
• Rice 
• Oatmeal 
• Potatoes
• Boiled veggies
• Chicken broth soda without caffeine, such as ginger ale or root beer diluted fruit liquids
• Sports drinks

What to Stay Away From

Even if you feel better, try to avoid hard-to-digest meals to keep your stomach from becoming more upset. Avoid the foods mentioned below:

• Dairy products, particularly milk and cheese
• Foods high in fat
• Foods that are fried
• Strongly seasoned meals
• Spicy meals with a high sugar content

Also, stay away from:

• Caffeine Products
• Alcohol Consumption
• Nicotine Products

How Food Poisoning is Diagnosed?

Based on your symptoms, a doctor may be able to determine the sort of food poisoning you have.

Prevention of Food Poisoning

The essential strategy to avoid foodborne disease is to use safe food handling procedures. To prevent contamination, those who harvest, handle, and prepare food must be cautious at all stages.

Separate

Separate raw meats and eggs from fresh produce or other food products to avoid cross-contamination. Meat products may contain germs that are killed when cooked at the correct temperatures. However, if the bacteria travel to an uncooked food item, they may live and infect it.

Cook

Ensure cooking meats and seafood at the correct temperatures to destroy germs. For example, whole slices of beef well-seared on the exterior can be pink on the inside. However, ground meats must be well cooked, with no pink remaining. 

Wash Thoroughly

Refrigerate

Refrigerate or freeze cooked dishes within two hours of completion to prevent germs from developing. If the items contain gravy, sauces, mayonnaise, or creams, ensure that they have been kept at suitable temperatures while still being served. Check for microbial development, such as mold, in your refrigerated meals. If dairy goods have passed their expiration dates or have an 'off' odour, discard them.

Risk Factors of Food Poisoning

If your immune system is not that robust, you may be more likely to get sick or have a more severe reaction to food poisoning. Temporary factors, as well as long-term circumstances, might influence your immunity.

• Age
• Pregnancy
• Illnesses that persist
• Medications

Bajaj Finserv Health provides personalised healthcare services for you and your family. With us, you can choose the best physician, make appointments, set up reminders for taking your medications or getting shots, save all your medical information in one location, and more.