Understanding food poisoning

Food Poisoning

We all know how unpleasant and painful food poisoning can be. Even if it lasts only about 48 hours, this type of illness can make these two days is that some of the longest in your life. Sick feel generally very painful stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. In some of the worst cases, these symptoms can lead to serious complications such as dehydration.

Food poisoning usually occurs when one ingests an infected food or beverage product. Undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk and juice, unwashed products and water contaminated with feces, all sources of infection. It can also be transmitted from person to person.

Types of infections

Food poisoning is not only a general type of disease. There are actually many different types of bacterial and viral infection which is all fall into this catergory of disease.

Most cases occur, a viral infection. Rotaviruses, Noroviruses and hepatitis a are all viruses that cause food poisoning in their victims. While they all have similar symptoms, they tend to affect different populations. Noroviruses objectives for example often adults, whereas rotaviruses infect children and babies more often.

There is a very wide range of bacterial infections, as well as. Salmonella, e. coli, botulism, traveler's diarrhea, staphylococcus aureus and cholera are some of the most common types of bacterial poisoning.

Symptom

Regardless of any viruses, bacteria, or parasite has caused infection, will all food poisoning disease occur the same general:

· Stomach cramps
· Headache
· Fever
· Diarrhoea
· Vomiting and nausea
· Weakness

Symptoms will generally subside after one or two days. If they are particularly bad, or over a longer period of time, can the victim be dehydration, bloody stools or even respiratory arrest. In these cases it may require medical attention.

Treatment

In General, home treatment helps mitigate some of the worst symptoms. Solid foods should be avoided until the worst of diarrhea has passed, and the victims should ensure they rehydrate after vomiting and use the bathroom. Electrolyte-last drinks are great for filling the lost minerals and fluids and caffeinated beverages, dehydrants, should be avoided.