Overview of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning, also referred to as foodborne infection, is sickness caused by consuming food that has expired or that is polluted. Contagious organisms — such as microorganisms, germs, and parasites — or their contaminants are the main reason why people get food poisoning.
Contagious bacteria or their contaminants can spoil food during any phase of production. Contamination can also happen while you are at home where the food is not properly prepared or cooked.
Symptoms of food poisoning, which can occur within a few hours of consumption, often consist of vomiting, queasiness or diarrhea. Regularly, food poisoning is minor and gets better without the need for medical assistance. However, some individuals have to go the emergency department if it’s severe.
Treatment of Food Poisoning
When a person suffers from food poisoning they are going to find that this usually gets better in a few days. The best treatment for food poisoning is to ensure that you are getting lost of rest, isolating yourself from others, using good hygiene and drinking plenty of fluids. There are times in which a person may need antibiotics, IV fluids or the like in order to help treat this.
Prevent Dehydration
When a person has food poisoning, they are going to experience vomiting and diarrhea. This means that you must ensure that you are not getting dehydrated. Most professionals will recommend that when food poisoning requires medical attention, the person needs to utilize the Oral Rehydration Salt Solution. This solution is dissolved in water, and can be sipped on while experiencing these symptoms to ensure that the person does not get dehydrated.
Another aspect of dehydration is to remember to avoid caffeinated beverages. In addition, a person will want to eat foods that are easier on the digestive system such as crackers, rice, bananas, toast or the like. For children who are being bottle or breast fed, they will want to continue on the normal feeding schedule as much as possible.
In severe cases, antibiotics are given to the person, though this is not required.
Preventing Food Poisoning
Here are a few tips to help prevent food poisoning:
- Wash your hand before fixing foods or eating them
- Ensure that dishes and utensils are getting cleaned properly
- Foods should be cooked properly
- Do not utilize foods that have expired
- Water should be clean and filtered that is being drank
- Canned food should not be used past the expiration date
- While traveling be sure that you are following these rules
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