Food Poisoning

Food poisoning: Symptoms and treatment

About

Food poisoning is an illness caused by contaminated food.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year 48 million people get sick from foodborne illness and 128,000 are hospitalized.

• Can be due to contamination by organisms
• Treatable by self or doctor
• Symptoms can be mild or severe
• May require hospitalization

Food poisoning is a foodborne illness and is caused after consuming toxic or contaminated food. Toxic organisms such as virus, bacteria, and parasites can contaminate the food, which when ingested can result in food poisoning.

Symptoms

Self-diagnosable

• Nausea and loss of appetite are common symptoms.
• Recurrent bouts of vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Mild fever that lasts for a couple of days
• Cramps and discomfort in the abdominal region
• Headaches

Treatment

Self-care: Consumption of fluids such as coconut water, chamomile tea, and electrolyte-rich drinks can counter dehydration and balance the mineral loss owing to the condition in the body.

Medication: Medicines such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium) may be consumed for diarrhoea as prescribed by a doctor. Intravenous (IV) fluids: In severe cases of food poisoning, it may be necessary to go to a hospital for intravenous fluids.

Specialists: In case of a severe case of food poisoning, consultation with a general physician is recommended. mfine connects you to experts in medicine and helps you experience quality healthcare at your doorstep.