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Food poisoning

January 1, 2009

Food poisoning is common as almost 5.5 million people are suffering from it. Food poisoning can send you racing to your bathroom and much more. This article clears some facts about it.

Food poisoning
When you have food poisoning, the symptoms are quite similar to those you have if you have stomach flu that is nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and even fever. However, both of them are different. The difference lies in when the symptoms begin. If you have food poisoning, you will see these symptoms suddenly. However, in case of stomach flu, symptoms start with an ache and general malaise for a few days and then the bowel terror strikes.

When you eat contaminated food, you get food poisoning. Under-cooking, improper sanitation or bad storage can cause the food to go bad for your tummy.

Causes
The main cause is consuming food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, viruses or toxins.  Apart from meats like chicken and beef, you can also get ill from unpasteurised milk, vegetables, fruits and seafood. Some common food poisoning agents are discussed here:

E Coli
This is a common bacteria and it spreads through food. It is there normally in the intestine of animals. You also find it in fruits and vegetables. If you get infected, you will get all the normal flu symptoms. Most often, people recover fully, although in extreme cases it can cause permanent kidney damage and even death.

Salmonellosis
No, this is not a type of salmon. This is a bacterium, which spreads mainly by eating infected chicken or pork. If you get infected, you can feel symptoms of flu as well as arthritis. These will crop up a few weeks after you have consumed the culprit. It is possible that you do not feel anything at all. However, you can transfer it to the people who eat food cooked by you.

Botulism
This is a rare one and the culprits are improperly canned foods like spaghetti sauce, corn and salmon. They are more vulnerable, while others like honey, baked potatoes and fruit juices also carry the bacteria.

Do I need to worry?
Generally, food poisoning makes you feel severely ill, while at the same time, it often clears up after 48 hours. However, if your symptoms tend to last for more than this then you should contact your doctor.

If you see symptoms like passing out, swollen abdomen, jaundice or bloody vomit or urine, you should see your doctor immediately.
You will need to have lots of water to keep you hydrated. Avoid taking sugar because it will only worsen the diarrhoea. Once you can take fluids, you can start solids as well.

Risk factors
Keep your kitchen clean. Ensure that you eat at good places that have clean kitchens. When travelling, take extra care with the food you are eating. The best thing to do is order food that is served fresh and hot.


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