OVERVIEW: Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food, which is also known as food borne illness.Contamination can occur at any point during food production, processing, or cooking.Food poisoning is a common, yet distressing and sometimes life-threatening problem. People infected with food-borne organisms may be symptom-free or may have symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to severe dehydration and bloody diarrhea.

CAUSES:

 Norovirus: You can get this virus from raw fruits and vegetables. You can also get this from shellfish, such as lobster and claims that come from tainted water. Food handlers who have norovirus can also spread it as they prepare meals for customers.

Salmonella: You can become infected with this bacterium by eating contaminated food such as beef, poultry eggs, vegetables or fruits, drinking contaminated water, or touching infecting animals and not washing your hands afterwards.

E. coli. You often get this one from eating under cooked beef, especially ground beef,as well as drinking unpasteurized milk and cider. E. coli bacteria can also be contracted through contact with the feces of an infected person and by touching animals and failing to wash your hands afterwards.

keeping cooked food unrefrigerated for a long period. Eating food that has been touched by someone who is ill or has been in contact with someone with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Cross-contamination (where harmful bacteria are spread between food,surfaces and equipment).

Symptoms ·      

 Almost all forms of food poisoning produce Nausea, Vomiting, Watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramps, and Fever.

Food poisoning caused by the bacteria called Botulism includes symptoms such as·     

  •   Slurred speech or blurred vision·     
  •   Muscle weakness·     
  •   Hard time swallowing·   
  •   Dry mouth·      
  •  Muscle paralysis from the head down through the body·     
  •  Vomiting If you have a mild case, you might think you have a stomach flu or virus.

You may get better without any treatment. 

 When Should I Call a Doctor?

A mild case usually passes on its own with just rest and lots of fluids. You should call a doctor, however, if you or a loved one has: 

Any signs of dehydration: dry mouth, little or no urination, dizziness, or  sunken eyes 

  • Diarrhoea in a new-born or infant 
  • Inability  to hold down liquids without vomiting 
  • Diarrhoea  that lasts longer than 2 days (1 day in a child) or is severe 
  • Severe gut pain or vomiting 
  • Fever of 102 F or higher, or a rectal temperature of 100.4 F in a baby younger than 3 month
  • Stools  that are black, tarry, or bloody 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Tingling  in your arms 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Diarrhoea or flu like illness  in pregnant women 
  • Jaundice (yellow skin), which can be a sign of hepatitis 

COMPLICATIONS 

The most common complications of food poisoning are·       

  • Dehydration, when your body loses too much water and electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium).     E. coli infection can cause problems with the kidneys. 
  •  Arthritis and bleeding problems.      
  •  Non-infectious food poisoning can occasionally lead to permanent nervous system problems and even death.

DIAGNOSIS 

Depending upon the symptoms and severity you may have to conduct some ·       

  • blood tests       
  •  stool culture 

To identify the microorganism responsible and confirm the diagnosis 

TREATMENT

 Illness may resolve in few days on its own but could last longer for some type of food poisoning.

  • Replacement of lost fluids: Drink water, clear soda or no caffeinated sports drinks, such as Gatorade. Oral rehydration fluid (Pedialyte,Enfalyte, others) is often for children. One should take fluid containing NaCl,KCl and Glucose based ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts).      
  • Antibiotics: If it is bacterial poisoning, symptoms could be severe and one has to be given antibiotics such as ofloxacin and metronidazole. However it should only be taken by doctors prescription ·       
  • Anti-diarrheal: Diarrhoea that is not bloody and don’t have fever may use anti-diarrheal such as Loperamideor Diphenoxylate. These are easily availableover-the-counter. 

HOME MADE REMEDIES TO STOP DIARRHEA 

  • The BRAT diet was a commonly-recommended food plan for easing digestive distress. These include:

  Bananas

  Rice (white)

  Applesauce 

  Toast·  

  •  Dairy product should be avoided during diarrhoea.
  • You should take plenty of yogurts, curd that has live probiotic which are extremely beneficial.
  • Other natural probiotic sources are fermented foods like cottage cheese, Dosa,idli, bread etc.·       
  • Try avoiding wheat bread, bean, and canned soda during the period.·        
  • Drink strong coffee, it might not affect the diarrhea but will sooth your cramps. 

PREVENTIONS      

  • Always wash your hands after using the toilet.
  • Do not thaw foods at room temperature. Thaw foods in the refrigerator and use them promptly.
  • Do not refreeze foods if they have been thawed all the way.      
  •  Keep the refrigerator at 40 F or lower.
  •  Wash raw vegetables and fruits well before eating,especially those that will not be cooked.
  •  Eat packaged or dry foods.
  •  Go for bottled, canned, or hot drinks.