Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a highly prevalent medical condition, usually resulting from consuming food contaminated with infectious microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, or toxic and harmful chemicals, which can lead to the appearance of symptoms varying in severity. Often, food poisoning cases are mild and not dangerous. However, sometimes the patient may experience severe symptoms requiring immediate hospital admission.

Symptoms of food poisoning:

They can vary depending on the type of poison or microorganism causing it, but generally, common symptoms include the following:

1. Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nausea and vomiting is one of the symptoms indicating a possible food poisoning.

2. Diarrhea: One of the symptoms of food poisoning, and may be accompanied by abdominal pain.

3. Abdominal Pain: It can be acute or chronic.

4. Fever: It can be accompanied by sweating and chills.

5. Fatigue: Can be a result of fluid and electrolyte loss.

6. Headache: Can be due to poisoning or dehydration.

7. Muscle pain: Can be caused by poisoning or inflammation.

In some severe cases, more serious symptoms such as dehydration (severe thirst, dry mouth, loss of consciousness, bleeding, decreased urination) or signs of deteriorating health may appear, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Causes of Food Poisoning:

It can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Food contamination with bacteria and viruses: such as Salmonella, E. coli, and viruses like Norovirus, which enter the food during preparation or storage.

• Inadequate cooking of food: Inadequate cooking of food can lead to the growth of bacteria and viruses.
• Improper food storage: Improper food storage can lead to the growth of bacteria and viruses.
• Not washing hands: Not washing hands properly before eating food or after handling food can lead to the transfer of bacteria and viruses.
• Consuming food from unreliable sources: Consuming food from unreliable sources can increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Using inappropriate preservatives and additives: Some substances may be harmful if used in excessive amounts or come from unreliable sources.

• Consuming pesticides-contaminated or fungal toxins: Especially in fruits and vegetables that were not washed properly, or those grown in a contaminated environment.

Common foods that cause food poisoning:

1. Undercooked meat: Undercooked meat, especially red meat and poultry, can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

2. Fish and seafood: Fish and seafood can contain bacteria such as Vibrio and toxins such as fish toxins.

3. Undercooked eggs: Undercooked eggs can contain bacteria such as salmonella.

4. Unpasteurized dairy: Unpasteurized dairy can contain bacteria such as listeria.

5. Fruits and vegetables not washed: Fruits and vegetables not washed properly can contain bacteria or viruses or toxins.

Treatment for food poisoning:

The initial treatment for mild food poisoning

• Drink fluids: Drink enough fluids to replace those lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Rest: Rest and get adequate sleep to help the body recover.
• Eat light foods: Eat light foods such as rice, bananas, and toasted bread.
• Avoid heavy foods: Avoid heavy, fatty, and sugary foods.
• Avoid anti-diarrheal medication without medical consultation: Because it may delay the elimination of toxins.

• In simple cases: Often the poisoning disappears within a few days with rest and hydration.
• Medication: Antibiotics are generally not recommended unless there is a specific need and under medical supervision, especially since some types of poisoning require specific treatment.
• Care for complications: Such as dehydration, which may require intravenous fluid treatment in the hospital.

When to call the doctor directly?

• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours.
• Appearance of blood in the stool or vomit.
• High fever (above 38.5 degrees Celsius).
• Signs of severe dehydration such as dizziness when standing, dry mouth and tongue, decreased urination.
• General weakness or severe abdominal pain.

Important note:

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to receive appropriate treatment, especially for children, 

the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.