Food poisoning is a common condition that can affect anyone after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
Although most cases are mild and resolved in a few days, they can sometimes lead to serious complications if they are not identified and treated properly.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year approximately 600 million people in the world sick due to contaminated foods. Recognizing the symptoms of food poisoning early and knowing how to act at home can make a difference in recovery.
According to Gabriel Solís, internist, food poisoning is usually caused by microorganisms such as bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeriavirus (such as Norovirus) or parasites. It can also occur by chemical or biological toxins present in food.
Factors that favor pollution include:
- Inappropriate food storage
- Insufficient cooking
- Consumption of raw or poorly manipulated food
- Poor hygiene during preparation
Symptoms of food poisoning
Food poisoning symptoms can vary in intensity according to the causative body and the amount of contaminated food ingested, says Andrea Méndez, general practitioner. In addition, they usually appear between a few hours until several days after consuming contaminated food. The most frequent signs include:
- Nausea and vomiting: One of the first symptoms to appear, in an attempt of the body to expel the toxic substance.
- Diarrhea: Aqueous or even bloody diarrhea is common in many types of food poisoning.
- Abdominal pain and cramps: These symptoms reflect the irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Fever: The body can respond to the infection with an increase in temperature.
- Weakness and fatigue: Loss of liquids and electrolytes can generate a sensation of generalized weakness.
What to do if suspicion of food poisoning
Given the appearance of mild symptoms of food poisoning, it is important to follow some guidelines to handle the situation safely at home:
Loss of liquids due to vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Drinking small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions or isotonic drinks is essential.
Allowing the body to recover is essential. Avoid performing intense physical activities while symptoms persist.
- Avoid solid foods in the first hours
After vomiting or suffering diarrhea, it is advisable to wait before eating again. Subsequently, start with soft foods such as rice, banana, toast or cooked apple.
- Do not take antidiarrhean medications without medical supervision
In some cases, these medications can make the situation worse by preventing the body from eliminating toxins.
If the symptoms worsen or persist more than 48 hours, or if there are signs of severe dehydration, blood in the stool, high fever or persistent vomiting, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Find professional help if the following alarm signs are presented:
- Intense diarrhea that lasts more than two days
- Fever greater than 39 ° C
- Persistent vomiting that prevent hydration
- Dehydration symptoms (dry mouth, dizziness, decrease in urine amount)
- Extreme confusion or weakness
In young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immunological systems, food poisoning can be more dangerous, so early medical evaluation is indispensable.
How to prevent food poisoning
Prevention begins with good hygiene and food handling practices:
- Wash your hands before and after preparing food
- Fully cooking meats, fish and eggs
- Avoid cross contamination using separate utensils for raw and cooked foods
- Refrigerate perishable foods immediately
- Wash fruits and vegetables carefully