Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. Infectious organisms or their toxins can contaminate food at any point of processing or production. Contamination can also occur at home if food is incorrectly handled or cooked. Food poisoning symptoms, which can start within hours of eating contaminated food, often include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Most often, food poisoning is mild and resolves without treatment. But some people need to go to the hospital.Food poisoning symptoms vary with the source of contamination. Most types of food poisoning cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms: *Nausea *Vomiting *Watery diarrhea *Abdominal pain and cramps *Fever Signs and symptoms may start within hours after eating the contaminated food, or they may begin days or even weeks later. Sickness caused by food poisoning generally lasts from a few hours to several days.
When to see a doctor: If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, seek medical attention. Frequent episodes of vomiting and inability to keep liquids down *Bloody vomit or stools *Diarrhea for more than three days *Extreme pain or severe abdominal cramping *An oral temperature higher than 101.5 F (38.6 C) *Signs or symptoms of dehydration — excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness *Neurological symptoms such as blurry vision, muscle weakness and tingling in the arms.
TREATMENT Food poisoning can usually be treated at home, and most cases will resolve within three to five days. If you have food poisoning, it’s crucial to remain properly hydrated. Sports drinks high in electrolytes can be helpful with this. Fruit juice and coconut water can restore carbohydrates and help with fatigue. Avoid caffeine, which may irritate the digestive tract. Decaffeinated teas with soothing herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and dandelion may calm an upset stomach. Over-the-counter medications like Imodium and Pepto- Bismol can help control diarrhea and suppress nausea. It’s also important for those with food poisoning to get plenty of rest. In severe cases of food poisoning, individuals may require hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids at a hospital. In the very worst cases of food poisoning, a longer hospitalization may be required while the individual recovers.
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