9.8. Food Poisoning

 
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Food poisoning can occur in people of any age. The causes of food poisoning are easy to determine. The ailment develops as a result of consumption of the food or drinks containing microbes and the toxins produced by them.

 
The most common bacteria responsible for food poisoning are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella or Clostridium. They may be present in undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk, raw eggs, fish, unboiled water and any products which were made from them.
 

Food poisoning symptoms

The symptoms of food poisoning are quite characteristic – most often they include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and belching. In most cases, they are accompanied by abdominal pain of varying intensity, usually located at the height of the stomach. These are not the only possible symptoms of food poisoning. You may also notice a deterioration of the overall condition, weakness, dizziness, lack of appetite, dry mouth, increased thirst, headache, higher body temperature, chills as well as muscle pain.

In the case of severe food poisoning, symptoms include visual disturbances, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, accelerated heart rate and disturbances in consciousness. If these symptoms occur, it is necessary to contact a doctor urgently.
 

How to treat food poisoning?

In most cases, it is possible to treat food poisoning at home. The ailment stops spontaneously, but it is important not to allow its complications, that is, dehydration and electrolyte disorders. For that purpose, it is recommended to frequently drink small amounts of water with the addition of electrolytes. It is also worth taking a probiotic, which will help restore the natural bacterial flora of the intestine. These types of drugs for food poisoning are available over the counter.

The symptoms of food poisoning can appear as early as 30-60 minutes after eating contaminated food, but in most cases they occur after 12-48 hours (depending on the source of the poisoning). It is less common for them to occur later than that. Ailments last for a short time, usually 1-3 days, but in some cases food poisoning can be prolonged and the recovery may take up to a week.

The diet in the case of food poisoning should include easily digestible ingredients. To begin with, it is good for the elderly person to eat rice porridge or semolina, boiled vegetables and wheat bread. When the person starts feeling better, it is possible to gradually introduce other products. It is important that the person does not eat processed, fried, fatty or sweet dishes.
 
 
 
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