Food nourishes our body but sometimes it can even become poisonous due to the presence of dangerous bacteria, parasites and viruses like Salmonella, E.Coli, Listeria, Trichinella, Toxoplasma, and Norovirus. Food poisoning is a common gastrointestinal condition caused by the consumption of infected or contaminated food. If left ignored, it can even become a medical emergency.

Today, ILS Hospitals would like to discuss food poisoning in brief. So, read this blog to understand more about this unpleasant medical condition.

Symptoms

There are always tell-tale symptoms of any medical condition. The symptoms of food poisoning are mentioned below:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Poor appetite

• Abdominal cramps

• Fever and chills.

Immediately rush to the hospital’s ER if the above symptoms persist for more than three days and when you notice severe symptoms as shown below:

• Dehydrated body (dry mouth and no urine)

• Blood in vomit, stool or urine

• Dizziness and weakness

• High fever

• Hazy vision

• Muscle cramps

• Severe weakness.

Causes

Apart from certain bacteria, parasites and viruses, are there any other causes for food poisoning? Yes, the following can also cause food poisoning.

• Eating raw or undercooked eggs, fish, chicken and other meats

• Eating uncleaned or not properly washed fruits

• Consuming raw and imperfectly cooked vegetables and leafy greens like cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, cauliflower, mustard greens etc.

• Preparing food without maintaining any hygiene

• Drinking unpasteurized milk and consuming its products

• Having improperly stored food.

Diagnosis

The doctor will diagnose your food poisoning through physical exams and by keeping note of your medical history and present condition. In the case of food poisoning, you’ll be prescribed these primary diagnostic tests by the medical practitioner:

– Samples of the eaten food

– Blood test

– Stool test.

Treatment

Mostly, food poisoning cases solve on their own by doing the following things:

• Sipping plenty of fluids and oral rehydration solution (ORS)

• Eating a bland and nutritious diet

• Avoiding spicy, fatty and oily foods

• Eating lighter meals

• Consuming vegetable soups and fruit juices

• Avoiding dairy and dairy products

• Taking plenty of rest

• Having medicines prescribed by the medical professional.

If the condition still doesn’t get better, then it might indicate a serious medical condition. Food poisoning is surely a medical emergency if it lasts for many days and the symptoms get worse. So, always eat fresh, clean and properly cooked food. Also, ensure that the food is prepared by freshly washed hands. Come to ILS Hospitals in Kolkata or Agartala for any medical help.