Food Poisoning: Signs & Treatment Tips - Pdf Slider

Food poisoning refers to the illness that is caused due to consumption of toxic, spoiled, and contaminated food. The common symptoms of this condition are diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. The cases of food poisoning are increasing year on year. Every year, at least 10-15% of the population suffers from some kind of food poisoning illness.

A person affected by food poisoning will notice some signs or symptoms. Based on the origin of the infection, the symptoms will be different from person to person. The time is taken to notice food poisoning symptoms can vary from 1 hour to 30 days based on the origin of the infection.

Symptoms of Normal Food Poisoning

Usually, a person affected by food poisoning shows at least three of these symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Mild Fever
• Not Feeling Hungry
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cramps in Abdomen 

Symptoms of Extreme Food Poisoning

Life-threatening food poisoning can show the following symptoms:

• Blood in Urine
• Severe Dehydration such as Low Urination or Dry Mouth
• Speaking Problem
• Visual Problem
• Fever more than 101.5 Fahrenheit
• Persistent Diarrhea for more than 3 days

You should seek emergency treatment if you are facing any of these symptoms.

Food Poisoning Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose food poisoning based on the symptoms that a patient shows. He may suggest undergoing a urine test to check if you are suffering from dehydration due to food poisoning. In extreme cases, he may also ask you to undergo stool tests, blood tests, etc.

Food Poisoning Treatment

Most of the time, patients are treated at home and they also recover soon from the illness, usually within 2 to 5 days.

If you are suffering from symptoms like nausea and diarrhea, you can take medicines that are available over the counter such as Pepto-Bismol and Imodium. You can also consult your doctor before taking these medicines.

If the food poisoning symptoms are severe, then you may have to be admitted to the hospital. You may be administered with Intra-Venous (IV) fluids for hydration. Even in extreme cases, the patient still recovers from food poisoning after a long stay at the hospital.

Home Remedies:

• Drink a Lot of Water - Staying hydrated is one of the most crucial tips to follow if you are diagnosed with food poisoning.
• Take Rest – You should take plenty of rest to recover faster from food poisoning.
• Drink Decaffeinated Tea - Tea that contains herbs such as dandelion, peppermint, and chamomile but without caffeine is good for an upset stomach.
• Avoid Caffeinated Drinks - Caffeinated drinks will irritate the digestive tract. So, avoid such drinks. 
• Fresh Fruit Juice – Fresh fruit juice is a good source of energy. You can restore carbohydrates by drinking juices extracted from different fruits.
• Coconut Water - It can benefit you in many ways such as reducing fatigue and aiding in hydration.
• Electrolyte-Based Drinks - Drinks with high electrolytes are good for the patient to feel better.

You should not eat heavy foods until diarrhea and vomiting settle down. Instead, opt for boiled vegetables, bland potatoes, chicken broth, oatmeal, rice, bananas, and gelatine. Avoid fried foods, spicy foods, high sugary food, heavily seasoned food, fatty food, and dairy products like cheese or milk.

Hope you now have an idea of food poisoning symptoms along with treatment tips and home remedies