What is Food Poisoning?
Food Poisoning is defined as a condition resulting from eating contaminated foods or consuming poisoned berries, mushrooms, etc. The commonest cause of food poisoning is stale decomposed food that is contaminated by bacteria.
Causes of Food Poisoning
1. Acute Staphylococcal diarrhea (classic food poisoning)- It is the contamination of meat,
milk, and egg products. It generates symptoms that commence within 2 to 6 hours and
lasts usually less than 10 hours.
2. Diarrhoea caused by bacteria known as Clostridium perfringens. It contaminates meat
and poultry products. It generates symptoms that commence between 6 to 12 hours.
3. Diarrhoea caused by Salmonella bacteria, which produces symptoms from 8 to 72 hours
after ingestion. Salmonella bacteria contaminate egg, meat, and milk.
Clinical Features of Food Poisoning
1. Severe nausea and vomiting.
2. Cramping abdominal pain.
3. Severe watery diarrhea.
4. Institutional outbreak where a large group of people consumed the same food.
Management of Food Poisoning
1. Bed rest.
2. Oral fluids in plenty.
3. Curd rice.
4. Admit to a hospital.
Prevention of Food Poisoning
1. Do not eat food from street vendors.
2. Do not drink water from unreliable sources.
3. Do keep fingernails trimmed.
4. Do wash hands before every meal.