Food Poisoning

Definition

Food Poisoning is a illness caused by bacteria or other toxins in food, typically with vomiting and diarrhea.







Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the source of the infection. Common cases of food poisoning usually include the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain. 
• diarrhea. 
• vomiting. 
• mild fever. 
• weakness. 
• nausea. 
• headaches. 

                              

What Is Campylobacter Infection?


Campylobacter is a bacterium that causes acute diarrhea. Transmission usually occurs through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or unpasteurized milk, or through contact with infected infants, pets, or wild animals.


Symptoms of campylobacter include:
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain and/or cramping
Malaise (general uneasiness)
Fever
Is Campylobacter Infection a Serious Health Concern?


Campylobacter infection can be serious, especially in those with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, campylobacter infection can cause additional problems such as arthritis or brain and nerve problems. Occasionally, these problems occur after the diarrhea has stopped.






How Is Campylobacter Infection Diagnosed and Treated?


If you think you may have been exposed to campylobacter infection, see your doctor. By testing a sample of stool, the bacteria can be identified.


If you are found to have the infection, you will likely recover on your own without treatment within two to five days. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent becoming dehydrated.


In more severe cases, antibiotics (such as Cipro), if given early in the illness, can be used to shorten the length of time you are sick.
What Is Salmonella?


Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can be passed on to humans from domestic and wild animals, including poultry, pigs, cattle, and pets. But most often, it is caused by drinking unpasteurized milk or by eating undercooked poultry and poultry products such as eggs. Any food prepared on surfaces contaminated by raw chicken or turkey can also become tainted with salmonella. Less often, the illness may stem from food contaminated by a food worker.


Salmonella can escape from the intestine and go into the blood and travel to other organs. It may become a chronic infection in some people, who can be symptom-free yet capable of spreading the disease to others.


Salmonella infections occur worldwide, but it is most extensively reported in North America and Europe.


Symptoms of salmonella include acute onset of:
Fever
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting (sometimes)


These symptoms, along with loss of appetite, can persist for several days.

Can Salmonella Infection Cause Serious Health Problems?

Although most people recover completely (which sometimes can take several months), salmonella infection may cause a condition known as Reiter's syndrome in a small percentage of people. Symptoms of Reiter's syndrome include joint pain, eye irritation, and pain when urinating. The joint pain of Reiter's syndrome may develop into chronic arthritis.


Salmonella infection rarely causes death, although it can occur in the very young, very old, or among those who have compromised immune systems.

What Causes Food Poisoning?

Contamination most often occurs when foods or drinks come in contact with organisms in fecal matter. Foods eaten raw are common sources of illness because they do not go through the cooking process. Heat from cooking often kills pathogens on the food.


Due to the crowded conditions in many animal-processing facilities, meat, eggs, and dairy products are frequently contaminated. Many of the contaminants are killed when these products are cooked or pasteurized. However, in some cases, the bacteria or viruses are able to survive.


Water may also be contaminated with organisms that cause illness, especially in countries where water treatment is uncommon or not well managed.

Who Is at Risk for Food Poisoning?

Anyone can come down with food poisoning. Most people are infected at least once in their lives. Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with suppressed immune systems are at greater risk of complications.

How Is Food Poisoning Diagnosed and Treated?


Most cases of food poisoning resolve within several days. Food poisoning that causes severe symptoms may require medical treatment. Medical treatment may also be necessary when symptoms are prolonged.


Your doctor may be able to diagnose the type of food poisoning based on your symptoms. If your physician can’t reach a diagnosis, a stool sample can identify the cause of the poisoning.


Often, the treatment is designed to rehydrate you after you lose fluids from diarrhea and vomiting. This is usually done with intravenous (IV) fluids. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if your food poisoning is bacterial.

How Can Food Poisoning Be Prevented?

Some foods are more likely to cause of food poisoning because of the way they are produced and prepared. These include:
Meat, poultry, eggs, and shellfish. These foods may harbor infectious agents that are killed during cooking. If these foods are eaten raw, not properly cooked, or if hands and surfaces are not cleaned after contact, food poisoning can occur.
Sushi and other fish products that are served raw or undercooked.
Deli meats and hot dogs that are not heated or cooked.
Ground beef, which may contain meat from several animals that were handled by multiple people.
Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and juice.
Raw, unwashed fruits and vegetables.


Always wash your hands before cooking or eating food. Make sure that your food is properly sealed. Store refrigerated and frozen foods appropriately. Thoroughly cook meat and eggs. Anything that comes in contact with raw products should be sanitized before using it to prepare other foods. Make sure to ALWAYS wash fruits and vegetables before serving.


Stay informed about food recalls and widespread outbreaks of food-borne illness. Discard any foods you have already purchased that have been reported as contaminated.