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:

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Rotavirus (Virus)

Timing of Symptoms: 18 to 36 hours

Common Sources:

Sources of infection include:

Contaminated food, water, or objects

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.