Food Poisoning -- What it is, and How it can be prevented
by Beth G. Hodges, MD

Food poisoning is caused by eating food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Contaminants can be found in raw meat, fish, eggs, chicken, or can grow on the outside of some fruits and vegetables. Contaminants can also be passed on by infected people handling food without washing their hands.

Symptoms of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning symptoms are usually mild and self limited. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Food poisoning usually does not last longer than two or three days.

Suspected cases of food poisoning should be reported to the health department, especially if occurring from food consumed from a restaurant or public vendor, so that further cases can be prevented.

As mentioned, most cases of food poisoning are fairly mild, but those caused by Salmonella, Shigella, Giardia, clostridium bolulinum, E.coli, and listeriosis can be more serious. Salmonella and Shigella often cause bloody diarrhea. Listeriosis can cause a miscarriage or preterm labor in a pregnant woman. E.coli can lead to a syndrome in which the kidneys are attacked, called hemolytic uremic syndrome. Clostridium botulinum causes paralysis of nerves and muscles 18-36 hours after ingestion and may require temporary mechanical ventilation (life support) until cleared from the body.

Diagnosis of food poisoning can be made by a combination of blood and stool tests on the affected person and testing of the suspicious food if still available. Often, however, symptoms of the illness have resolved before the test results are available.

Treatment of Food Poisoning

Treatment of food poisoning is highly dependent upon avoiding dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. It is important for the affected individual to keep drinking sips of clear liquids, preferably some of it being an electrolyte solution, such as a sports drink. Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, weakness, decrease in urination, dry mucous membranes, cracking of the lips, and sunken eyes. In severe cases, confusion and loss of consciousness occur. Electrolyte disturbances carry similar symptoms. If either is suspected, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Antiemetics ( medications that combat nausea) can sometimes be used after the first twenty-four hours, but it is important not to prematurely stop vomiting or diarrhea, as this is the body's way of expelling the toxin. Trapping the toxin can lead to prolonged illness.

Prevention

Avoidance of food poisoning can be done by washing hands and kitchen utensils frequently before, during, and after the preparation of food. It is important to keep uncooked meat separate from fruits and vegetables. Thoroughly cook meat and put leftovers in the refrigerator immediately.

Food poisoning is a common but usually avoidable illness. It is most often mild, but in a young child or immunocompromised individual, it can be fatal. Suspected cases should be reported to the health department and suspect foods should be avoided.

Published - December, 2009