food poisoning
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food Infectious organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites or their toxins, are the most common causes of food poisoning.
Infectious organisms and the toxins they produce can contaminate food at any stage of its production process. In case of improper preparation of food, contamination of food also occurs at home
Symptoms of food poisoning that begin within hours of eating contaminated food include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In most cases, food poisoning is mild and will pass without medical intervention However, some patients require medical attention
Food contamination can occur at any stage of the food production process: growing, harvesting, processing, storage, shipping and preparation. Cross-contamination - the transfer of harmful organisms from one surface to another - is a common cause of poisoning. This condition is common in ready-to-eat foods, such as lettuce Because such nutrients are not cooked or burned, harmful organisms are not destroyed and cause poisoning.
Many bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms cause food poisoning
Symptoms of food poisoning vary depending on the source of contamination Most forms of food poisoning will present with the following common symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lots of diarrhea
- Pain and cramps in the abdomen
- Fever
Symptoms may develop Illness caused by food poisoning usually lasts for hours to days
When to see a doctor If you notice the following symptoms, seek medical attention:
- Frequent episodes of vomiting and problems keeping fluids down
- Bloody pus or stools
- Diarrhea that lasts 3 6 degrees C
- Symptoms of dehydration - increased thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination, severe weakness, dizziness and a feeling of heart failure
- Neurological symptoms such as blurred vision, muscle weakness and tingling in the arms
