Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is one of the food-borne illnesses that is caused because of the consumption of infected and toxic food. The severity levels of the disease can increase if you have ingested food containing harmful chemicals or high levels of bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

Ignoring the food poisoning symptoms can cause harm to the stomach and organs. Food poisoning can cause harm to the gastrointestinal tract and damage other organs like the brain, muscles, and kidneys. Thus, if you have food poisoning symptoms, it is advisable to contact a doctor on time.

According to the causes of food poisoning, different types of food poisoning can take place. Here are some of the common types of food poisoning:

Bacteria

Food poisoning bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E.Coli are often present in the food. These food-poisoning bacteria are known to contaminate food and cause food poisoning. Salmonella is especially one such bacteria that causes stomach discomfort and enhances the illness's effects.

Campylobacter and C. botulinum are also types of bacteria that can be found in different food items. Moreover, other than these, there are several other types of food-poisoning bacteria that might cause issues.

If you feel that this can be one of the causes of food poisoning, then you should consult a doctor to understand the bacteria causing the illness in detail.

Parasites

Some parasites are also responsible for causing food poisoning in human beings, leading to organ damage. Toxoplasma is one parasite that contaminates food and causes food poisoning. The parasite is found mostly in cat litter boxes and can remain in the digestive tract for years without any notice.

People with weak immune systems and pregnant women can suffer a lot if the parasite enters the intestines. This is one of the major causes of food poisoning and should not be ignored.

Hence, if you notice any food poisoning symptoms, contacting a doctor is advisable.

Virus

Different types of viruses, like the Norwalk virus or the Norovirus, can cause food poisoning in human beings. Astrovirus, Sapovirus, and Rotavirus are also some of the rare variants that are the cause of food poisoning in humans.

Usually, viruses tend to be less harmful than food poisoning bacteria, but Hepatitis A is one of the virus variants that can prove to be fatal. If the virus is transmitted through food, it can damage the organs significantly.

It is essential to keep a check on the types of food poisoning and understand the causes of food poisoning in detail to notice any changes in your body. If you have food poisoning symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Understanding the food poisoning symptoms is essential to know regarding any changes occurring in the human body. The symptoms of food poisoning can stay for a few days, depending on the severity of the illness. Most of the symptoms appear within an hour of infection. Here is a list of some of the common food poisoning symptoms:

• Headaches

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Appetite loss

• Abdominal cramps

• Weakness

• Nausea

• Fever

If you have any discomfort, contacting the doctor would be in your best interest. This will help them immediately diagnose the disease and provide you with the right food poisoning medicine.

If you have the below-listed symptoms, you should immediately call the doctor:

• Blood in your urine

• Lack of urination

• Unable to swallow food or drink water

• Speech/vision difficulty

• Diarrhoea that continues for a period of more than 3 days

• Dehydration

• Fever - 101.5°F or higher

Food poisoning treatment is easy if you proceed in the right way. There are some home remedies for food poisoning that you need to take care of. Ideally, if you have mild food poisoning, you will recover within 3 to 4 days. Here are some food poisoning treatments that you can try:

• If you have food poisoning, it is always advisable that you keep yourself hydrated. You can drink ORS to help maintain your energy levels. Fruit juice and coconut water are also great drinks for getting the needed carbohydrates and fighting the fatigue caused by the illness.

• You should avoid drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea. Instead of drinking these, you can drink soothing herbal teas that will soothe the stomach and provide comfort. Chamomile tea and peppermint tea are some of the best options. This is one of the home remedies for food poisoning.

• You should take time to rest and not do any activities that might cause fatigue.

• Food poisoning medicine that can be bought over the counter includes Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. These are the food poisoning medicines if the food poisoning is mild, and these can help you manage diarrhoea and vomiting. But, if the food poisoning is severe, it is advisable to consult your doctor and take medication.

In case of severe food poisoning, an individual might need to stay in the hospital for some time. Thus, getting timely treatment is essential to avoid getting hospitalised.

Any food-borne disease can be avoided by maintaining proper hygiene and food choices. Before consumption of vegetables or meat, it is essential to cook them properly.

Usually, shellfish, poultry, and eggs contain food-poisoning bacteria that can cause harm if you eat them uncooked or raw. Also, if you eat food with dirty hands or from a surface that is not clean, you might get food poisoning.

Here are some of the top food to avoid if you have any stomach disorders:

• Raw fish items and sushi

• Hot dogs that are uncooked

• Butter, paneer, cheese, or any other food made from unpasteurised milk

• Unwashed and raw vegetables and fruits

• Ground beef

• Unfiltered water

For anyone who has a weak immune system, food poisoning can cause a lot of discomfort and can be fatal in some cases. Thus, if you have stomach issues or a weak immune system, you must cook your food properly and always maintain hygiene.

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