Last updated on December 19, 2023 Nobody likes the sudden, uncomfortable feeling of getting sick from bad food. It can be the most embarrassing condition which doesn’t only affect the taste of the mouth but weakens the person from inside out, and the sad thing is it’s very common. Here we have discussed the basic symptoms and causes, and what to do for food poisoning.
What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, is a common and often unpleasant condition that results from eating contaminated food. It occurs when you ingest food or beverages that are contaminated with harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or their toxins. These microorganisms further multiply in food under certain conditions, and when ingested, they result in a range of symptoms.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms of food poisoning depends on how much the food was affected with bacteria as well as the immunity of an individual, the time frame can be different based on the individuals, however some of the common symptoms are:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Diarrhea accompanied by bloody stools
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Fever
- Headache
In some cases it can affect the nervous system and can lead lead to more severe symptoms:
- Blurred or double vision
- Loss of movement in limbs
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tingling or numbness of the skin
- Weakness
- Changes in the sound of the voice
Prolonged Symptoms
Some symptoms can be prolonged and life threatening:
- Prolonged diarrhea lasting over three days
- A fever exceeding 102°F (38.9°C)
- Challenges with vision or speech
- Signs of severe dehydration, such as a dry mouth, minimal urine output, and difficulty retaining fluids
- Presence of blood in the urine
Food Poison Causes
There are several causes of food poisoning that vary with bacteria, effectiveness and longevity. Following are the common causes of food poisoning:
- Bacillus cereus (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 30 minutes to 15 hours
Common Sources:
Consumption of foods like rice, leftovers, sauces, soups, meats, and other items left at room temperature for extended periods.
- Campylobacter (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 2 to 5 days
Common Sources:
Infection often occurs due to the consumption of:
Raw or undercooked poultry
Shellfish
Unpasteurized milk
Contaminated water
- Clostridium botulinum (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 18 to 36 hours (Infants: 3 to 30 days)
Common Sources:
Sources include:
Infants: Honey or honey-dipped pacifiers
Home-preserved foods (canned foods, fermented fish, fermented beans, alcohol)
Commercial canned foods
Oils infused with herbs
- Clostridium perfringens (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 6 to 24 hours
Common Sources:
Common sources include:
Meats, poultry, stews, and gravies
Food not kept at the appropriate temperature when served to large groups
Food left out at room temperature for too long
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: Usually 3 to 4 days (Possibly 1 to 10 days)
Common Sources:
Infection can result from the consumption of:
Raw or undercooked meat
Unpasteurized milk or juice
Soft cheeses from unpasteurized milk
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Contaminated water
Exposure to feces of infected individuals
- Giardia lamblia (Parasite)
Timing of Symptoms: 1 to 2 weeks
Common Sources:
Common sources include:
Food and water contaminated with feces carrying the parasite
Food handlers who are carriers of the parasite
- Hepatitis A (Virus)
Timing of Symptoms: 15 to 50 days
Common Sources:
Transmission often occurs through the consumption of:
Raw and undercooked shellfish
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Other uncooked foods
Food and water contaminated with human feces
Exposure to infected food handlers
- Listeria (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 9 to 48 hours (Digestive disease), 1 to 4 weeks (Body-wide disease)
Common Sources:
Common sources include:
Hot dogs
Luncheon meats
Unpasteurized milk
Soft cheeses from unpasteurized milk
Refrigerated smoked fish
Pates
Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Norovirus (Virus)
Timing of Symptoms: 12 to 48 hours
Common Sources:
Common sources include:
Shellfish
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Ready-to-eat foods touched by food handlers with the virus
Food or water contaminated with vomit or feces from infected individuals
- Rotavirus (Virus)
Timing of Symptoms: 18 to 36 hours
Common Sources:
Sources of infection include:
Contaminated food, water, or objects
- Salmonella (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 6 hours to 6 days
Common Sources:
Common sources often include:
Poultry, eggs, dairy products
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, nuts, nut products, spices
- Shellfish Poisoning (Toxin)
Timing of Symptoms: Usually 30 to 60 minutes, up to 24 hours
Common Sources:
Consumption of shellfish, including cooked shellfish, from coastal seawater contaminated with toxins
- Shigella (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: Usually 1 to 2 days (Up to 7 days)
Common Sources:
Sources of infection include:
Contact with infected individuals
Food or water contaminated with human feces
Ready-to-eat food handled by food workers with shigella
- Staphylococcus aureus (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 30 minutes to 8 hours
Common Sources:
Common sources often include:
Meat, egg salad, potato salad, or cream-filled pastries that have been left out too long or not refrigerated
Foods handled by individuals carrying the bacteria, which is commonly found on the skin.
- Vibrio (Bacterium)
Timing of Symptoms: 2 to 48 hours
Common Sources:
Common sources include:
Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish (especially oysters)
Water contaminated with sewage
Foods like rice, millet, fresh fruits, and vegetables
What To Do for Food Poisoning?
When someone gets affected with severe food poisoning, an IV drip can be really important for the treatment. It works by sending fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients right into the bloodstream, avoiding the stomach and intestines which might not be working well during food poisoning. This helps the body get rehydrated, replaces lost fluids and important minerals, and keeps essential nutrients in check. IV therapy can also help with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, preventing the body from getting too dehydrated and giving it what it needs to fight the infection and get better. Plus, it can deliver specific medicines or antibiotics if needed to treat the food poisoning.
However, it is recommended to always consult with an expert healthcare provider before proceeding.
Conclusion
When dealing with tough cases of food poisoning, getting the right treatment is key. Manhattan IV Therapy in NYC offers a great option with their IV treatments. These treatments help by giving your body fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients straight into your bloodstream. This is a fast way to help your body bounce back and feel better when you’re dealing with food poisoning.