Causes
There are more than 200 diseases that can be transmitted through food and those are just the identified ones! The CDC estimates unknown agents cause 81% of all foodborne illnesses. Many cases of food poisoning are not reported since people suffer mild symptoms and recover quickly. Doctors do not always test for a cause of illness because it does not change the treatment or the outcome.
Symptoms
Symptoms of food poisoning depend on the type of contamination and of course the amount that has been eaten. Symptoms can develop rapidly, within 30 minutes, or slowly, worsening over days. Most of the common contaminants cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Usually food poisoning is not serious and the illness runs its course in 24-48 hours. Contact a doctor if:
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days.
• The ill person is younger than 3 years.
• The abdominal symptoms are associated with a low-grade fever.
• Symptoms begin after returning from foreign travel.
• Other family members or friends who ate the same thing are also sick.
• You cannot keep any liquids down. Treatment
The most helpful treatment for food poisoning is replenishing fluids in the body (the process of rehydration). This may be done through an IV or in less
• You do not improve within 2 days, even though you are drinking large amounts of fluids.
• You have any central nervous system symptoms such as slurred speech, muscle weakness, double vision or difficulty swallowing.
A visit to the hospital’s emergency department is warranted if:
• You pass out or collapse, become dizzy, light- headed or have vision problems.
• A fever higher than 101°F occurs with the abdominal symptoms.
• Sharp or cramping pains do not go away after 10-15 minutes.
• Your stomach or abdomen swells. • The skin and/or eyes turn yellow.
• You are vomiting blood or having bloody bowel movements.
• You develop problems breathing, speaking or swallowing.
• One or more joints swell or a rash breaks out on your skin.
86 Other Medical Emergencies
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