Food Poisoning Treatment Online

WHAT IS FOOD POISONING?

Food poisoning is also called food borne illness. It refers to illnesses that are caused by food contaminated with parasites, viruses, bacteria or toxins. Most of the pathogens causing food poisoning belong to viral (Cyclospora, Rota/ Noravirus).

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES & SYMPTOMS OF FOOD POISONING?

The causes and associated symptoms of food poisoning can be attributed to the following:

CYCLOSPORA – a parasite, due to consumption of raw fruits. Symptoms usually to be watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Other presentations are stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue.

ROTAVIRUS, NORVIRUS – These are virus present due to poor hygiene conditions and improper handwash. Present with diarrhea, nausea/stomach pain/vomiting.

BACTERIAL causes can be traced to:

E. COLI – There are different species. ETEC is one of them that causes food poisoning among travelers presented with diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, often with blood and vomiting. If not treated in time, people can develop life-threatening complications.

SALMONELLA – S. Typhi results due to consumption of poultry eggs. Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting are the symptoms.

VIBRIOS leading to rice water stools (Cholera), nausea. Stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, chills.

STAPHAUREUS, BACILLUS CEREUS – These results due to meat and dairy products. B. Cereus occurs due to reheating of fried rice (Chinese food).

CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM – Consumption of canned food.

CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI - From poultry and unpasteurized milk.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR FOOD POISONING?

Each pathogen has its own investigations (stool cultures, blood tests, imaging tests) for identifying and treating accordingly. Above symptoms associated with fever > 101°F, blood in stools, decrease in urination, feeling dizzy., fatigue, diarrhea lasting for more than 3 days are the conditions that must be brought to the notice of a doctor.

Mainstay of the treatment is ORS i.e., (oral rehydration therapy) in any food poisoning cases. Most resolve by ORS. Other treatment modalities are based upon the diagnosis of the pathogen causing the very particular disease. Anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-emetics, antibiotics based on viral /bacterial pathogen medications are to be given. In severe cases, intravenous fluids are to be given.

It is important to practicing having proper food habits. These include taking healthy washed and cooked food and washing your hands before and after eating. Avoiding canned food can also lead help prevent one from foodborne illnesses.