Food poisoning is caused by bacteria in contaminated food, often due to improper handling or undercooking. Symptoms include stomach-related issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some cases can be serious and require medical attention. Fish and shellfish can contain toxins that cannot be eliminated through cooking. Treatment includes staying hydrated and reintroducing food gradually.
Food poisoning is a series of symptoms that occur as a result of eating food contaminated with bacteria. There are many types of bacterial contamination that can cause food poisoning, including E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. Poisoning often occurs if food is handled improperly, undercooked, or left out for too long; so one of the best ways to avoid the following signs of food poisoning is to make sure your food is cooked and handled properly.
Within several hours of ingesting contaminated food, signs of food poisoning may begin to appear. The most common symptoms are stomach-related, including nausea, stomach pain, gas, or a general feeling of discomfort in the stomach. Often, vomiting and diarrhea occur shortly after the first symptoms appear. All of these symptoms can last for several days and usually resolve on their own. However, close monitoring of food poisoning is often recommended, as some cases of food poisoning can include additional symptoms and can even result in serious or fatal complications.
Other common signs of food poisoning include body aches or weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation in the hands and feet. In some cases, a low-grade fever may appear, but it usually doesn’t last longer than 24 hours. Some experts recommend calling a doctor or health care professional if vomiting or fever lasts more than a day or other symptoms develop.
The appearance of certain signs of food poisoning can provide clues about the specific bacteria causing the disease. Botulism typically includes vision problems, such as blurring and double vision. Large amounts of blood in the stool can indicate salmonella or E. coli. Vision problems, confusion, neurological symptoms, paralysis, or considerable blood in the stool are all considered serious symptoms that may require immediate medical attention.
If symptoms of food poisoning appear following the consumption of fish or shellfish, special care should be taken. Fish and shellfish can contain toxins that cannot be eliminated through proper cooking or handling. If signs of food poisoning, especially neurological symptoms, numbness or paralysis, occur after consuming seafood, some experts suggest contacting a doctor.
Many cases of food poisoning are mild and can be easily treated at home. Because of fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea, care should be taken to avoid dehydration. Some people recommend drinking just water at first, but others suggest sports drinks with added electrolytes to replace trace minerals in the body. To reduce nausea and stomach symptoms, over-the-counter medications may help in some cases. Food should be reintroduced gradually, starting with simple foods like crackers or toast.
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