Early Symptoms Of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is one of the most common ailments experienced by people after eating unhealthy diet. It is important to treat this condition at earliest to prevent further medical complications. Let us take a look at the early symptoms of food poisoning.

Food poisoning is a very distressing gastrointestinal condition and sometimes life-threatening for innumerable people in the United States and across the globe. Individuals affected by food-borne infection are often asymptomatic initially or may have mild abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and dehydration. In severe case of food poisoning, a person can even face death due to complications.

What causes food poisoning? There are nearly 250 types of disease that can lead to food poisoning. Pathogenic bacteria are responsible for such infections, such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, Clostridium, Listeria, and many more. These bacteria can invade your body through unhealthy diet, which can harm your stomach, causing food poisoning.  

 

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Typically, food poisoning is diagnosed after considering a combination of symptoms of nausea or vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhea. There are other general and localized symptoms associated with the aforementioned clinical features of food poisoning.

• Abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea are the early symptoms of food poisoning, which may occur in an hour after food intake. The symptoms may last for a day to weeks, depending on the infestation of pathogenic bacteria.
  
• The symptoms of toxin or chemical food poisoning are severe vomiting and diarrhea, severe dehydration, dizziness, excessive perspiration and salivation, abdominal pain, and mental confusion.
  
• In advanced cases, there could be generalized weakness, blurry vision, slurred speech, fever, dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, paralysis, and even shock.

You should call your doctor immediately if you suspect following signs and symptoms –

•          Dry mouth with signs of dehydration
•          Dizziness
•          Decreased urination
•          Incessant vomiting or diarrhea
•          Severe pain in abdomen
•          Black or bloody stools
•          High grade fever (102^oF)

Food Poisoning Treatment

Usually, mild form of food poisoning can be managed at home, and recovery is seen within few days of treatment. In milder cases of food poisoning, one can follow these steps –

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Maintain electrolyte balance by drinking home-made fresh juices, coconut water or        sports drinks
• Avoid caffeinated drinks
• Herbal teas made from peppermint, dandelion, and chamomile can relieve stomach      upset
•  Use OTC medicines Generic Imodium for diarrhea and anti-emetics for nausea

·         A course of oral antibiotic can help destroy the pathogenic bacteria (ask your doctor)

In advanced cases of food poisoning, you may require intravenous (IV) fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics at a hospital.

Food Poisoning Remedies

• Give some time to your stomach to settle – stop drinking and eating for a while
• Gradually start eating bland diet or easily digestible foods like bananas, toast and rice
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee, energy drinks and fatty foods
• Get plenty of rest
•  Drink abundant water

Food Poisoning Prevention

The right way to stay away from food poisoning is to pay attention to what you eat. Raw and uncooked food that is handled improperly should be avoided. Shellfish, eggs, poultry and meat are vulnerable to food poisoning. It is essential to cook these foodstuffs properly in a hygienic condition before consuming.

Make sure the cooked food is properly stored and sealed. Sanitize the raw products before cooking. Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before serving. More importantly, wash your hands prior to cooking or eating.