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Food Poisoning: Definition, Types, Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment


It is important to have a good knowledge of the definition, types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of food poisoning and that is what this article is set to achieve.

 What is food poisoning?
Reports showed that annually, one out of every six persons in America are victims of food poisoning. Food poisoning is also referred to as food-borne illness which arises as a result of consuming contaminated, toxic or spoiled food.
It is caused by parasite, bacteria or virus that had infested on food before it is consumed. Pregnant women and persons with low immunity usually have serious side effects when they consume contaminated food.
Types of food poisoning

1.    Staphylococcus

Under this type of food poisoning, the bacteria can be found in infected eyes, on the skin, throat, in sores, human’s bowels, in the nose and saliva. Staphylococci on its cause no illness until it gains access to grow on food.
Once it gains access to food, it begins to grow and produce a toxin that causes illness. It is important to note that cooking the food will not destroy the toxin. The symptoms of staphylococcus will begin to show up within 8 hours after infection.

      2.  Salmonella.

These bacteria can be found in the intestines, feces, and bowels of animals and humans. There are several types of Salmonella some of which are not dangerous. The Salmonella bacteria cause the food poisoning itself and it takes up to 2 days for Salmonella food poisoning to develop and may last up to 21 days.

It may cause death in weak persons, toddlers, and very old people. It can also result in death in people that are on medications for one form of terminal disease such as cancer, kidney. heart or liver problems

 It is therefore advisable that one should ensure that safe food is consumed as salmonella can be encountered from foods that are carelessly handled such as
                   1.  Food process that is not neatly handled or handled carelessly
              2.  Sea foods that are caught in polluted areas.
              3.   Consuming contaminated meat or other poultry foods.

3.    Clostridium

When considering the definition, types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of food poisoning, this is an important type of food poisoning one ought to take note of because it is common in the environment.

 It can be found in the intestines of both humans and animals. It can also be found in the soil. People can become victims of Clostridium through the consumption of food prepared from poor hygienic practice. Its symptoms begin from about 12 hours after consumption. It also produces a dangerous disease known as botulism

Botulism occurs when the contaminated food consumed was due to the poisonous toxin that is caused by clostridium botulinum bacteria. It may result in the deaths of its victims if not properly treated within 7 days. This type of food poisoning is the most severe of all the other types.

 

4.    Campylobacter

This bacteria can be found in most animals such as poultry, cats, cattle, and dogs. This disease can be contracted by humans where there is contact with an infected animal, consumption of contaminated food or water or contaminated cooking tools and raw materials for food.


Symptoms Of Food Poisoning

This is another aspect to have a good knowledge of when considering the definition, types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of food poisoning
Although the symptoms of food poisoning depend on its source and the length of time it took to show up. The length of time it might take to discover food poisoning is between an hour and 28 days.
These symptoms of food poisoning include
  • abdominal pains
  • fever
  • weakness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headaches
  • loss of appetite.
  • Diarrhea
In severe cases, the following may occur
  • diarrhea persists for over three days
  • a fever that exceeds101.5°F
  • where there is difficulty speaking or seeing
  • severe dehydration. Experiencing difficulty in passing out urine
  • where bloody urine is passed out.
Causes Of Food Poisoning
Parasites
This is one of the causes of food poisoning. The spread of parasite on food is still very dangerous but not as rampant as food poisoning caused by bacteria. Toxoplasma is the parasite that is seen as the main cause of several cases of food poisoning by a parasite.
Bacteria
This is the commonest out of the other causes of food poisoning. Salmonella is one of the dangerous bacteria responsible for several hospitalizations in the United States.
Viruses
Viruses also contribute to a large number of food poisoning can also be caused by a virus. Over 19 million food poisoning arising from viruses, is caused by Norwalk virus also known as norovirus.
When there is an issue of food poisoning the way to go about correcting its effects should be the next step to take towards treating the issue. Here I will state the different approaches towards the treatment of food poisoning.

Treatment Of Food Poisoning.

Cases of food poisoning can be treated by applying different homemade remedies except for severe cases that might require the intervention of a medical expert.
Diet
Work on consuming foods that are easy to digest where there are vomiting and diarrhea. Temporarily do away with solid foods until things return to normal. Consume foods like
  • boiled vegetables
  • gelatin
  • soda free of caffeine
  • rice
  • oatmeal
  • chicken broth
  • bland potatoes
  • boiled vegetables
  • saltine crackers
  • bananas
  • chicken broth
  • diluted fruit juices
  • sport drinks
 Foods that should be avoided includes
  • dairy products, cheese, and milk
  • fatty foods
  • Highly seasoned foods
  • foods high in sugar
  • nicotine
  • spicy foods
  • fried foods:
  • caffeine

Conclusion

Being able to put in to use the above-detailed information about the definition, types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of food poisoning, you will be able to adequately handle issues surrounding food poisoning


You can join the conversation by leaving us a comment, sharing your thoughts and experience on this subject matter. Thank you for reading.


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