Food poisoning is a normal disorder that occurs when one consumes contaminated food with pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Symptoms of food poisoning include weakness, mild fever, nausea, etc. The treatment of food poisoning involves resting and staying hydrated. It generally results from contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. In this article, we are going to discuss food poisoning – symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.

What is Food Poisoning?

Definition of Food Poisoning: Food poisoning is a condition that occurs when we eat or drink contaminated food and water. Food poisoning results in various types of problems, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, upset stomachs, etc.

Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens can contaminate food. If humans consume the contaminated food, they will suffer from food poisoning. The microorganisms grow on food and spoil it. Food poisoning while pregnant can pose serious risks to the mother and the develeoping baby.

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, etc. When we do not store food correctly or leave it open for many days, the growth of these pathogens starts. Bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning. There are various types and sources of food poisoning. Some of them are listed below:

Listeria

Listeria is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that causes listeriosis. Listeriosis is a serious form of food poisoning that kills around 20% of the people it infects. Listeria lives in a lot of places, including uncooked meat and vegetables, unpasteurized foods, and processed foods. Cooking food kills the bacteria, so the biggest risk comes from contaminated fruits and vegetables. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, often resulting in milder illnesses.

Campylobacter

Campylobacter can cause dehydration, sepsis, and toxic megacolon, particularly in very young children. The bacteria are part of the natural flora of cattle, swine, birds, cats, and dogs. Contact with contaminated drinking water, ice, or unpasteurized milk also causes campylobacteriosis.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria that comes from food contaminated by human or animal faeces. Common sources are raw eggs, undercooked chicken, and cross-contaminated food.

Ciguatera

Eating fish that contains toxins produced by a marine microalgae called Gambierdiscus toxicus causes Ciguatera, an illness. People who have ciguatera experience nausea, vomiting, and neurologic symptoms such as tingling fingers or toes.

Botulism

Botulism is a very serious illness that can be transmitted through food, contact with contaminated soil, or an open wound. Without early treatment, botulism can lead to paralysis, breathing difficulties, and death. There are three main types of botulism: infant botulism, foodborne botulism, and wound botulism.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

The symptoms of food poisoning vary depending on what is causing the illness. Common symptoms of food poisoning are mentioned below :

• Weakness
• Mild fever
• Lack of energy in the human body
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

Causes of Food Poisoning

Generally food poisoning is caused by three microorganisms that are bacteria, viruses or parasites. Fungi also cause food poisoning. Harmful chemicals also cause some cases of food poisoning. Some microbes are mentioned below :

Viruses

Food poisoning can caused by viruses, such as :

• Astrovirus
• Sapovirus
• Rotavirus
• Norovirus
• Hepatitis A virus

Bacteria

Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria, such as :

• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Shigella
• Listeria monocytogenes
• E. coli
• Vibrio vulnificus

Parasites

Food poisoning can be caused by parasites, such as :

• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia lamblia
• Toxoplasma gondii
• Ascaris lumbricoides
• pinworms
• Trichinella

Timeline of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning generally lasts from a few hours to 2-3 days. Several factors are responsible for causing food poisoning such as the virus, bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms. The timeline of food poisoning depends on many things such as the level of contamination in food consumed and and how one person’s immune system reacts during food poisoning.

Food poisoning will pass within 12 hours to 48 hours in healthy people. Some people can suffer from food poisoning for more than 10 days because of a weak immune system.

Food Poisoning Treatment

The following points need to be kept in mind during the treatment:

• Avoid eating solid foods until diarrhoea has passed.
• Avoid eating dairy products.
• Drinking large amounts of water will reduce the chances of dehydration.
• Handle our food safely and avoid any food that may be unsafe.
• Always cook foods properly before eating, because if it is not cooked properly, or eaten raw then infectious germs can attack and cause food poisoning.

What to Eat and Drink during Food Poisoning?

The following points need to be kept in mind:

• One should eat food that can be digested easily.
• Increase the amount of liquid intake during food poisoning.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so it is necessary to keep the body hydrated by drinking more water. Always prefer drinks that contain electrolytes, as they are the best way to prevent dehydration during this time.
• Eat light meals such as bananas,
• cereal, egg whites, saltines, toast, applesauce, etc.
• Avoid foods, drinks, and substances that are tough on the stomach, such as spicy foods, foods high in fibre, dairy products, fatty foods, fried foods, nicotine, seasoned foods, fruit juices, etc.

Prevention of Food Poisoning

The following points need to be kept in mind to prevent food poisoning:

1. We should always clean our hands and dishes (in which we store our foods) before eating.
2. We should wash our hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food. Germs can survive in many places around our kitchen, including our hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops.
3. Always try to avoid eating raw meat, chicken, and other poultry.
4. Always avoid eating foods that have an unusual odour or spoiled taste.
5. We should always cook food to a safe internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer.
6. We should never buy items that are expired because the quality of foods decreases after the expiration date is over.

When to Contact a Doctor?

When food poisoning lasts for more than three days, one should contact the doctor. If any symptoms, such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or fever, last for more than three days, then one should contact a doctor. People of any age group, such as children, elders (more than 65 years old), or pregnant women, should contact a doctor as soon as possible for early treatment.

One should contact a doctor if they observe signs such as extreme thirst, not peeing much (or at all) or dark, concentrated urine, rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, or a lightheaded feeling, especially when going from lying down or sitting to standing, and confusion.

Conclusion – Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by various microorganisms that are capable of infecting food and water resources. If a persons eats the infected food, he/she will get sick as a result of food poisoning. The major food poisoning symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and sometimes fever. Timely intervention can help in the treatment of food poisoning. Antibiotics can be given along with fluids as diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. Prevention should always be taken while eating food from outside.

Also Read:

• Infectious Diseases – Types, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention
• Common Diseases In Humans
• Food Adulteration
• Microbiology
• NCERT Notes Class 8 Science Chapter 2: Microorganisms: Friend and Foe
• Peristalsis – Process of Food Movement

FAQs – Food Poisoning

What are the First signs of Food Poisoning?

The first signs of food poisoning are watery diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, and chills. These symptoms usually start within hours or several days of eating the food.

How do we Prevent Food Poisoning?

We should always clean our hands and dishes (in which we store our foods) before eating. Always try to avoid eating raw meat, chicken, and other poultry. Always avoid eating foods that have an unusual odour or spoiled taste.

What should I do if I get Food Poisoning?

As vomiting is one of the most common symptoms experienced, rehydration becomes very important. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) can also be prepared at home by adding sugar and salt to a bottle of clean drinking water, as per WHO guidelines.

How long does Food Poisoning last?

If anyone is suffering from food poisoning, then there is a chance of recovery within 12 to 48 hours. Don’t eat solid foods until diarrhoea has passed, and avoid dairy products.

What Bacteria causes Food Poisoning?

The bacteria which causes food poisoning are: Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Norovirus, and Listeria

Name some of the Chemical Preservatives, used to Preserve Foods.

The chemical preservatives used to preserve food are: Sodium benzoate and Sodium metabisulphite