First aid in case of food poisoning

By Cristiano Antonino On Sep 23, 2022

About food poisoning: the consumption of food contaminated with viruses, bacteria or toxins can lead to food poisoning. Some cases resolve without medication, but others can lead to complications or death without proper treatment or intervention

What is food poisoning

Food poisoning is a condition that involves inflammation of the lining of the intestines, particularly the stomach and bowel.

It is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or toxins that infect a person and cause symptoms.

Other causes may result from mishandling, improper cooking or poor food storage.

The body’s reaction to illness, which occurs following consumption of contaminated food, generally depends on the organism, the amount of exposure, age and general health status.

Groups at high risk of foodborne illness include the elderly, infants and young children, people with chronic diseases and pregnant women.

These people may have a weak, impaired or underdeveloped immune system, which makes it more difficult to fight infections caused by food.

Although the symptoms are rather annoying, food poisoning is not uncommon

The onset of symptoms after consumption of bacteria-infected food may occur within a few hours.

However, there are cases where incubation takes much longer, depending on the virus or toxin involved.

Here are the common symptoms of food poisoning:

Feeling of malaise or nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
Lack of energy or feeling of weakness
Loss of appetite
Muscle pain
Cold chills

Most symptoms pass within a few days and the person is expected to make a full recovery.

In many cases, the doctor will diagnose food poisoning simply on the basis of the symptoms.

Although the main symptoms are those described above, the person may also present with high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and blood in the stool.

Some may become dehydrated and feel a dry mouth and throat. On rare occasions it may also cause blurred or double vision, tingling or weakness.

If you or others experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

First aid for food poisoning

Naturally, the level of attention must be appropriate to the severity of the symptoms and the danger of what has been ingested: a slightly damaged tomato does not require the same level of anxiety as the ingestion of a poisonous mushroom.

There is no need to call an ambulance in case of slight discomfort, but omission or underestimation of the risk should be avoided at all costs.

Here is what to do in case of food poisoning.