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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Article Home Adult and Senior Health Food poisoning

Food poisoning

Publisher
10863 Views
Gastrointestinal disorder that results from eating contaminated food. The most common cause in childrens is Rota virus, in adults its E-coli. Some allergy to fish foods can present with acute gastro enteritis.

Causes 

Bacteria, viruses, parasites, shell fish allergy. More common in raw foods and ready to eat foods.

 Symptoms

  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Watery and or bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain/stomach cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

Sign and symptoms of dehydration

Excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness.

 Seek medical advice when

  • Frequent episodes of vomiting for more than 2 days or vomiting blood
  • Severe diarrhea for more than 3 days
  • Inability to keep the liquids down for 24 hours
  • Extreme pain/severe abdominal cramps

Complications

  • Severe loss of water
  • Essential salt and minerals leading to severe dehydration

Prevent food poisoning at home

  • Wash your hands, utensils, and food surfaces often
  • Do not eat or drink foods made from raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat, or unpasteurized milk, or other dairy products made from unpasteurized milk
  • Cook foods to a safe temperature
  • Refrigerate or freeze the perishable foods promptly
  • Throw it out when in doubt
  • Ask your doctor to know more

 Home remedies

  • Stop eating and drinking for few hours
  • Take small sips of water frequently, gradually begin to eat bland diet
  • Avoid dairy/fatty foods, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol
  • Not to use anti-diarrheal medications, can worsen the condition

Treatment

  • The primary goal is to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes by ORS
  • Intravenous fluids in severe dehydration
  • Antibiotics can be considered