Food poisoning is a series of symptoms that arise as a result of eating food contaminated with bacteria. There are many types of bacterial contamination that can cause food poisoning, such as E. coli, Salmonella Y Staphylococcus . Poisoning often occurs if food is mishandled, undercooked, or left out too long; Therefore, one of the best means of avoiding the following signs of food poisoning is to ensure that food is cooked and handled properly.
Within several hours of eating contaminated food, signs of food poisoning can begin to appear. The most common symptoms are related to the stomach, such as nausea, stomach pain, gas, or a general feeling of being sick to the stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea often occur shortly after the first symptoms. All of these symptoms can last for several days and will usually resolve on their own. However, careful monitoring for food poisoning is often recommended, as some cases of food poisoning may include additional symptoms and may even lead to serious or fatal complications.
Other common signs of food poisoning include muscle aches or weakness, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the hands and feet. In some cases, a low-grade fever may set in, but it usually lasts no more than 24 hours. Some experts recommend calling a doctor or health care provider if vomiting or fever lasts for more than a day, or if other symptoms develop.
The appearance of certain signs of food poisoning can give clues as to the specific bacteria causing the illness. Botulism usually includes vision problems, such as blurred vision and double vision. Large amounts of blood in the stool may indicate salmonella either E. coli . Vision problems, confusion, neurological symptoms, paralysis, or significant blood in the stool are considered serious symptoms that may warrant immediate medical attention.
If symptoms of food poisoning appear after consumption of fish or shellfish, special care should be taken. Fish and shellfish may contain toxins that cannot be removed by proper cooking or handling. If signs of food poisoning, especially neurological symptoms, numbness, or paralysis, appear after consuming shellfish, some experts suggest contacting a doctor.
Many cases of food poisoning are mild and can be easily treated at home. Due to fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea, care must be taken to avoid dehydration. Some people recommend drinking just water at first, but others suggest sports drinks with extra electrolytes to replace trace minerals in the body. To reduce nausea and stomach symptoms, over-the-counter medications can be helpful in some cases. Foods should be reintroduced gradually, starting with plain, simple foods like soda crackers or toast.