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
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
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