Food poisoning is the result of eating food contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens like parasites od toxit agents or viruses. Your symptoms may range from upset stomach to diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps and dehydration. Food poisoning normally lasts for two to three days and in some rare cases a person has to be admitted to the hospital as well.
As we know, when you get food poisoning, the
symptoms of food poisoning is realized like vomiting and diarrhoea, and this is because the condition affects the digestive system. There are other symptoms that may also happen, including:
Fever
Nausea
Headaches
Stomach cramps
Vomiting and diarrhoea
These symptoms, along with loss of appetite, can persist for several days. However you need to remember that if this problem become more serious from the above symptoms will lead to be dehydration – if suffered repeatedly – will result in significant fluid loss. This is why medical treatment may be required, especially in more severe cases.
So where is the cause of food poisoning? There are over 250 known diseases can be transmitted through food. It is important to understand that food poisoning can be caused by many different bacteria and conditions, and also that different types have different levels of severity. One important factor in diagnosing food poisoning is knowing the bacteria involved, as some have longer incubation periods than others. However, according to experts the 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 – ciguatera toxin), or pesticides on fruits and vegetables.
Besides, we need to have some knowledge about some following causes:
Staphylococcus Aureus – this common bacteria causes many cases of food poisoning every year, and those who eat food contaminated with it can become ill as little as one hour afterwards.
Bacillus cereus – this unusual bacteria is confined to cases of poorly cooked rice
Clostridium Perfringens – not a bacterium but a spore, it occurs where food has been stored in warm conditions, and causes serious diarrhoea within a few hours.
A part from these above things, food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom or have infections themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes contamination.
Once, you get food poisoining, you need to have some treatments like:
Do not eat solid food while nauseous or vomiting but drink plenty of fluids.
Small, frequent sips of clear liquids are the best way to stay hydrated.
Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary drinks.
Sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are fine for adults if they are diluted with water because at full strength they contain too much sugar, which can worsen diarrhea.
Home remedies to treat nausea or diarrhea such as tea with lemon and ginger can be used for relief from symptoms.
After successfully tolerating 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. Initially consider eating rice, wheat, breads, potatoes, low-sugar cereals, lean meats, and chicken (not fried). Milk can be given safely, but in some cases it does not advised to use.
Remember to eat cooked food as well drink boiled water a long with washing your hand whenever you eat are the best way to help you preventing food poisoning.