Food poisoning :
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food .
It’s not usually serious and mostly people get well within a few days without any treatment.
Food is contaminated with what;
It may be contaminated with;
Bacteria
Virus
Parasites
Bacteria:
1 shigella
2 salmonella
3 E coil
4 Listeria
5 Campylobacter jejuni
6 staphylococcus aureus
Virus:
1 Norovirus
2 enteric virus
3 rota virus
Parasite:
1 Toxoplasma gondii
2 giardia intestinalis
Symptoms:
Abdominal pain
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Fever
Dehydration
Loss of appetite
Test: stool test
Management:
ORS ( oral rehydration solution)
Self-limiting ( within few days )
Metronidazole 2g daily for 3 days if it’s due to giardia parasite
Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice a day if it is due to shigella .
.Say no to antibiotic or use cautiously if it is due to E.coil because it may leads to Haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
.Over the counter : Imodium and pepto-Bismol.
Who is at risk ?
Older adults
Infants and young children
Pregnant women
People with chronic disease.
What to eat in food poisoning?
Bananas
Dilute fruit juices
Lemon juice
Honey
What not to eat :
Fatty food
Spicy food
Fried food
Milk, cheese and dairy products.
You should avoid :
Caffeine
Alcohol
Smoking
Home remedies
Ginger tea
Basil leave
Cumin
Lemon juice
source
