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Writer's pictureKeisha Jenkins

#12:Food Poisoning

Updated: Mar 12, 2020


You know what today is it guys, it’s #WomenWednesday!! So this topic is pretty much relatable to EVERYONE. Lol Not just women, men, young people, and even children too. So food poisoning is the DEVIL...well let me put it in scientific medical terms (*ahem*)...food poisoning is also called foodborne illness that is caused by eating contaminated food. Like, Infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning. (Mayo Clinic) I totally had my fair share of food poisoning that made me feel like I was going to die in the past. lol So relax and get educated on it! Enjoy your Wednesday!

 

WHAT IS FOOD POISONING???

An illness caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with viruses, bacteria, toxins, parasites, or chemicals. Typical symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea.


SYMPTOMS

Most common symptoms of food poisoning is: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea. HOWEVER if you started developing…

  • Frequent episodes of vomiting and inability to keep liquids down

  • Bloody vomit or stools

  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days, extreme pain or severe abdominal cramping

  • An oral temperature higher than 100.4 F (38 C).

  • 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…GO SEE A DOCTOR!


THE CULPRITS

The most common pathogens that cause food poisoning are:

  • Norovirus

  • Salmonella

  • Clostridium Perfringens

  • Campylobacter

  • Staphylococcus Aureus

The most common pathogens that caused hospitalizations due to contamination of foods or fluids are:

  • Salmonella

  • Norovirus

  • Campylobacter

  • Toxoplasma Gondii

  • Escherichia Coli (E Coli)


HOW LONG FOOD POISONING LAST?

In the majority of individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of food poisoning (viral and bacterial), symptoms resolve in about 24 to 48 hours and no specific medical treatment is needed. However, if there are any signs of dehydration (decreased or no urination, dry mouth, increased thirst, dizziness, and weakness),blood in stools, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea longer than 72 hours, medical care should be sought. If there is any reason to suspect that is a rare cause of food poisoning is causing symptoms, see a doctor


THE CURE FOR FOOD POISONING?

Food poisoning often improves without treatment within 48 hours. To help keep yourself more comfortable and prevent dehydration while you recover, try the following:

  • Let your stomach settle. Stop eating and drinking for a few hours.

  • Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water. You might also try drinking clear soda, clear broth or non caffeinated sports drinks, such as Gatorade. You’re getting enough fluid when you’re urinating normally and your urine is clear and not dark.

  • Ease back into eating. Gradually begin to eat bland, low-fat, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, and rice. Stop eating if your nausea returns.

  • Avoid certain foods and substances until you’re feeling better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.

  • Rest. The illness and dehydration can weaken and tire you.


RESOURCE:

EMedicineHealth


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