Food poisoning

What is Food Poisoning?
Also called food-borne illness, this is an infection or irritation of the digestive tract caused by eating contaminated food.

It is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. While miserable, most cases resolve on their own within a few days without medical treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms can start within hours of eating or may take days to appear. Common signs include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Watery diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain and cramps.
• Fever.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Seek medical help if you experience:

• Bloody vomit or stools.
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days.
• Extreme pain or severe abdominal cramping.
• Temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
• Signs of Dehydration: Extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, or dizziness.

Common Culprits (The "Bad Bug" Guide)

Contamination often happens during processing or via cross-contamination (transferring germs from raw meat to salad).

Here is a guide to help you identify what might have made you sick:

Contaminant	Onset Time	Common Sources
Staphylococcus	1 - 6 Hours	Prepared salads, cream-filled pastries, meats.
Salmonella	1 - 3 Days	Raw poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk.
Norovirus	12 - 48 Hours	Leafy greens, shellfish, infected food handlers.
E. coli	1 - 8 Days	Undercooked ground beef, contaminated water.
Listeria	9 - 48 Hours	Deli meats, unpasteurized cheese, melons.

Complications

Dehydration is the most serious common complication. This is dangerous for infants, older adults, and those with weak immune systems.

Special Risks:

• Pregnancy (Listeria): Can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Pregnant women should avoid soft cheeses and deli meats.
• Kidney Failure (E. coli): Some strains can cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), damaging kidneys.

Treatment

Most cases resolve at home. The goal is to prevent dehydration.

1. Home Care

• Stop Eating: Let your stomach settle for a few hours.
• Hydrate: Suck on ice chips or take small sips of water. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte are best for replacing lost electrolytes.
• Ease Back into Food: Start with bland, low-fat, low-fiber foods (Crackers, Toast, Rice). Stop if nausea returns.

2. Medical Treatment

• Antibiotics: Only used for bacterial causes (like severe Listeria). They do not help with viruses.
• IV Fluids: Used in hospitals for severe dehydration.
• Anti-Diarrheals: Drugs like Imodium generally should not be used for food poisoning, as your body is trying to expel the toxin. Ask a doctor first.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.