Food poisoning is an illness caused by the consumption of infected food. Food poisoning is also called food borne illness. Infection causing organisms like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, or their venom is the most ordinary cause of food poisoning.
The infection-causing organism or their poison can pollute food at any division of making or processing the polluted of food, it can also happen at home the food is handled or cooked incorrectly.
The symptoms of poisoning can trigger within the early hours of eating grimy food, often symptoms contains vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. In most often cases, poisoning is easygoing and can be cured without treatment. However, in odd cases, people can also be hospitalized.
Symptoms of food poisoning
The signs and symptoms of poisoning differ from the cause of infectivity. Many forms of poisoning can have two or more following symptoms-
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or spasms
- Nausea
- Fever
The symptoms of food poisoning can trigger in the early hours after having the contaminated food or may start after days or even weeks. The illness caused due to food poisoning can stay for only some hours or even to some days.
Causes of food poisoning
In most cases, the exact cause of food poisoning is not known. However, in some cases following reasons causes food poisoning-
- Norovirus
Norovirus is also called stomach flu. This is not only caused by eating contaminated food but also by touching the door handles and staying in contact with an infected person.
It generally enters your body 12 to 48 hours before you feel ill. However, its signs and symptoms remain for 1 to 3 days.
- Salmonella
Salmonella is the name of the grouping of bacteria. It develops in under-cooked meat or eggs. However, it can also be caused by taking unpasteurized milk or cheese.
Certain fruits and vegetables like melons and sprouts can also cause salmonella. The symptoms trigger from one to three days and can stay for a week.
- Clostridium perfringes
Clostridium perfringes can take place into the foods that are cooked in bulk like in nursing homes, cafeterias, or in an event. Cooking eliminates the bacteria but some of its impressions remain so when the food is left warm, it invites the new germs to develop into it.
Chicken, beef, and gravy are some sources from which Clostridium perfringes can be caused. You can notice symptoms within 6 to 24 hours after eating the food and generally are recovered in a few days.
- Campylobacter
This bacterium grows into unpasteurized milk, half-cooked poultry, and many a time water.
It takes 2-5 days to develop symptoms and you can get better in 2-10 days. It is non-contagious.
Diagnosis of food poisoning
Your healthcare provider may diagnose your food poisoning by observing the symptoms you have. In serious cases, stool tests, blood tests, and tests of the food you have eaten may be conducted to know the reason behind your food poisoning. Your doctor may also conduct a urine test to know if you are dehydrated from the symptoms of food poisoning.
In most cases, Poisoning is mild and can be cured at home within 3 to 5 days.
If you are suffering from Poisoning, stay properly hydrated, and take ample rest. The sports drinks, which are rich in electron electrolytes, can help in this matter.
Pepto-Bismol and Imodium are some over the counter medications, which help in treating diarrhea and holding back nausea. However, you should seek the opinion of your doctor before taking this medication as your body make use of diarrhea and vomiting to release that these toxins from your body.
In serious cases of poisoning, a patient may need hydration from intravenous (IV) liquid in the hospital.
In the most terrible cases, a patient may require longer hospitalization to be treated out of Poisoning.
What you should eat?
While suffering from Poisoning, it is good to hold off solid eatables and stick more than fluids. After the treatment of poisoning, the following diet can help you stay better-
- Chicken broth
- Sport drinks
- Oatmeal
- Saltine crackers
- Rice
- Boiled vegetables
- Dilutes fruit juice
- Bananas
- Toast
- Gelatin
What you should avoid?
- Caffeine like energy drinks soda and coffee.
- Nicotine
Prevention from food poisoning
- Wash your hands before cooking any food.
- Keep your food properly stored and sealed.
- Cook meat and eggs properly.
- Cleanse the food items that come with raw food before making use of it in cooking any other food item.
- Make a habit of washing fruits and vegetables before cooking or serving.
