What to Do When Food Poisoning Happens
The term poisoning may be scary, but it does not imply that someone has poisoned you. Rather, it means that you have consumed a potentially harmful microorganism from contaminated, toxic, or spoiled food.
Symptoms usually surface between 4 to 12 hours after consumption, but some other types with latent prowess, like Hepatitis A, may take up to 50 days to manifest.
Most food poisoning cases resolve on their own within 12 to 48 hours without needing medical attention.
However, symptoms, duration, and severity are dependent on the cause and vary from person to person. While some people might experience mild discomfort, others might have a more intense reaction.
Signs and Symptoms of Food Poisoning
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Diarrhea,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever,
- Weakness
- Headache,
- Loss of appetite
The unpleasant symptoms of food poisoning are your body’s defense mechanisms in action. Vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps all help your body expel harmful germs and toxins.
What Causes Food Poisoning
It can be obtained from any food or drink that is contaminated with pathogens like bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, or toxic chemicals.
High-Risk Foods:
While any food can potentially become contaminated, some are riskier than others. Here are some common culprits:
- Animal Products: Meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
- Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Unpasteurized Products: Unpasteurized milk, cider, or juices can harbor harmful bacteria.
- Contaminated Water: Contaminated water can be a source of various pathogens.
Improper Handling:
Food contamination can happen at various stages:
- Processing: Improper handling during farming, slaughtering, or manufacturing can introduce contaminants.
- Preparation: Poor hygiene practices like not washing hands or surfaces can spread bacteria.
- Storage: Improper storage temperatures can allow bacteria to multiply.
- Undercooking: Heat usually kills harmful pathogens, but undercooked meat, poultry, or eggs can harbor live bacteria.
Transmission from People or Animals:
- Food handlers with poor hygiene: They can spread bacteria to food during preparation.
- Contamination by fecal matter: This can happen through improper sanitation practices or contact with wild animals.
What to Do When Food Poisoning Happens
Here are the steps to take:
- Rest:
You need rest to recover from anything, and food poisoning is not exempt. Allow the affected person to rest to give the body a chance to heal.
- Gradual Reintroduction of Food:
Like with water, do this gradually and only when your vomiting has subsided. Nibble on bland, easy-to-digest meals. The BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast is a primary option.
The Nigerian version is along the lines of white rice, plantain, and boiled yam.
Avoid dairy, spicy, fatty, or fried foods, and highly seasoned foods because these meals can exacerbate your situation and may be harder to digest.
- Over-the-Counter Medications:
Get over-the-counter medication to suppress nausea and manage diarrhea. It’s crucial to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC medication. OTC is also helpful for people at risk, like the old, immunocompromised, or pregnant.
- Seek Medical Attention:
If all else fails, go to the hospital immediately. Especially if you are experiencing the following symptoms after the 48-hour mark:
- High fever (above 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
- Bloody stool or vomit
Signs of severe dehydration, such as not peeing much or a dry mouth or throat.
- Unable to keep fluids down
- You are pregnant, elderly, or immune-compromised.
- Diarrhea exceeding three days
- Blurred vision.
- Experience delirium or confusion.
- Feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Tingling limbs.
Prevention
The following ways help you reduce the chances of food poisoning:
- Wash your hands and cooking surfaces well and frequently.
- Do extra washing for raw meat and vegetables.
- Wash hands before eating.
- Cook food properly; do not undercook.
- Refrigerate properly
