Food Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms & Effects

Food is one of the basic necessities for the survival of human beings. However, there are times when consuming contaminated food can lead to severe stomach ache due to food poisoning. This food-borne disease can cause vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea and several other abnormalities.

Hence, it is essential to know the symptoms and treatment regarding food poisoning. Keep reading to learn more about this disease.

Food poisoning is a food-borne disease caused by consuming toxic and infected food. The severity levels can increase by ingesting harmful chemicals or items containing viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

Ignoring the symptoms can cause severe damage to the stomach and other organs. For instance, it can damage the gastrointestinal tract causing diarrhoea and vomiting. It can also damage organs such as the brain, kidney, or muscles.

Now that you know about this disease, let’s check what causes food poisoning.

The primary causes of food poisoning are as follows.

Bacteria

Usually, bacteria variants such as Listeria,  E. Coli and Salmonella are known to cause food poisoning. The variant Salmonella causes severe issues to the stomach and increases the effects of this ailment.

C. botulinum and Campylobacter are bacteria variants that can skulk in food items. Besides these, there are also other variants of bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning.

Individuals wondering what bacteria causes food poisoning can consult a medical practitioner. A professional can explain the effects and impact of the bacteria in food poisoning in detail.

Parasites

Parasites also cause food poisoning in human beings and can affect major organs. Toxoplasma is one such variant that causes food poisoning. Generally found in cat litter boxes, these parasites can reside in the digestive tract and remain unnoticed for years.

Individuals should know that pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can suffer significantly if this parasite enters the intestines.

Hence, it is essential to consult a doctor when they notice the symptoms of food poisoning.

Viruses

Viruses like Norovirus or Norwalk virus can cause food poisoning in human beings. The Astrovirus, Rotavirus and Sapovirus are rare variants that can also cause food poisoning.

Usually, viruses are less harmful than bacteria in terms of food poisoning. However, the Hepatitis A virus can be fatal for individuals. This variant can damage the organs significantly when transmitted via food.

So, it is essential to keep a tab over the symptoms of food poisoning to detect the changes in the human body. This will help get the treatment at the earliest.

The symptoms of food poisoning in human beings can sustain for a few hours or days depending on the severity. Usually, these symptoms appear within 1 hour or less. In some instances, the indications appear after the bacteria has infected the stomach. Nevertheless, the general symptoms include -

• Abdominal cramps
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea

It is recommended to consult a doctor if discomfort exists. This will help get diagnosed earlier and receive the appropriate treatment.

Individuals should immediately consult a doctor if the following symptoms occur -

• Blood in urine
• Diarrhoea continuing for more than three days
• Speech or vision difficulty
• Dehydration
• 101.5°F fever or higher
• Lack of urine
• Unable to drink water or swallow food

Now that you know all the symptoms of this disease, let’s find out how to treat food poisoning.

Treating food poisoning is usually easier than most other diseases. One can follow specific home remedies to cure this issue. Ideally, it takes around three to four days to heal completely.

Some of the recommended treatment includes-

• Patients with food poisoning should keep themselves hydrated. They can drink electrolytes or ORS to maintain energy. Coconut water and fruit juices can also help fight fatigue and restore the needed carbohydrates.
• Individuals should avoid caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee. Instead, they can opt for soothing herbal teas with peppermint and chamomile. These decaffeinated beverages help soothe the stomach.
• A patient should take plenty of rest.
• Medicines used for food poisoning includes over the counter medicines like Pepto-Bismol and Imodium. These can help manage mild cases of nausea and diarrhoea. However, these medications should be taken under a medical practitioner's guidance.

The mentioned methods are recommended for mild food poisoning cases. If the problems increase, individuals should consult a doctor. The patient might need immediate intravenous fluids.

In extreme cases, the patient might be admitted to a hospital for an extended period. It is wiser to avoid facing such a situation by taking precautions.

Individuals should try maintaining their hygiene and food choices to avoid food poisoning or other stomach issues. It is always essential to cook vegetables and meat thoroughly before consuming.

Usually, eggs, poultry and shellfish contain infectious agents when eaten raw or uncooked. Even eating cooked food with unwashed hands or from an unclean surface can increase the risk of food poisoning.

Individuals with stomach disorders should avoid consuming the following food -

• Sushi or raw fish items
• Uncooked hot dogs 
• Ground beef
• Products made from unpasteurised milk like butter, cheese or paneer
• Raw and unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Unfiltered water

Food poisoning is a severe and potentially life-threatening disease for individuals with weak immune systems. So, it is essential to maintain hygiene and consume only cooked food for safety. Individuals can follow these preventive measures to steer clear of this disease and its impact.