FOOD POISONING

 Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. It's not usually serious and most people get better within a few days without treatment.

In most cases of food poisoning, the food is contaminated by bacteria, such as salmonella or Escherichia coli (E. coli), or a virus.

 

 Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of food poisoning usually begin within one to two days of eating contaminated food, although they may start at any point between a few hours and several weeks later.

The main symptoms include:

·       Feeling sick (nausea)

·       vomiting

·       Diarrhea, which may contain blood or mucus.

·       Stomach cramps and abdominal pain.

·       A lack of energy and weakness

·       Loss of appetite

·       A high temperature (fever)

·       Aching muscles

·       Chills

 

In most cases, these symptoms will pass in a few days and you will make a full recovery.

 

 What can we do?

 Most people with food poisoning recover at home and don't need any specific treatment, although there are some situations where you should see your GP.

Until you feel better, you should rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Try to drink plenty of water, even if you can only sip it.

Eat when you feel up to it, but try small, light meals at first and stick to bland foods until you begin to feel better.

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which are available from pharmacies, are recommended for more vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with other health conditions.

 

How is food contaminated?

Food can become contaminated at any stage during production, processing, or cooking. For example, it can be contaminated by:

·       Not cooking food thoroughly (particularly meat)

·       Not correctly storing food that needs to be chilled at below 5C

·       Leaving cooked food for too long at warm temperatures

·       Not sufficiently reheating previously cooked food

·       Someone who is ill or who has dirty hands touching the food

·       Eating food that has passed its "use by" date

·       The spread of bacteria between contaminated foods (cross-contamination)

 

TREATMENT

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning usually resolve themselves without any medical intervention. Treatment is focused on reducing the symptoms and preventing complications, especially dehydration.

·       The main treatment and prevention strategy for food poisoning is to rest and replace lost fluids and electrolytes by:

·       Drinking plenty of liquids (preferably with oral rehydration salts to replace lost electrolytes – see below)

·       Ensuring fluid intake even if vomiting persists, by sipping small amounts of water or allowing ice cubes to melt in the mouth.

·       Gradually start to eat again. No specific restrictions are recommended, but blander foods might be easier to start with (cereal, rice, toast, and bananas are good examples).

 

When to See a Doctor for Food Poisoning

See your doctor or healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms, including:

 

·       Bloody diarrhea

·       High fever (temperature over 102°F, measured in your mouth)

·       Frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)

·       Signs of dehydration, including little or no urination, a very dry mouth, and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up

·       Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.

By: SAMAN AFTAB

Doctor of Physical Therapy.