Food Poisoning: Prevention And Treatment
September 14, 2009
The infection causing bacteria thrive on food as result of inadequate cooking procedure and processing. The symptoms of food poisoning include stomach cramps, burning in stomach, vomiting, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea.
With a healthy individual the symptoms disappear within 2 days. In case of youngsters, elderly or those people with weak immune system will show severe symptoms. Under these circumstances extra care is to be taken.
Serious Symptoms
The person must be taken to doctors without delay in case of bloody diarrhea, localized or abdominal pain. Others serious symptoms include fever above 100 degree Fahrenheit, vomiting continuously for 12 hours (unable to retain any fluid in body). Difficulties in swallowing, breathing or speaking, change in vision, weakness in muscles, dehydration also come under serious symptoms.
Prevention
Always wash your hands with water and soap for not less than 20 seconds before preparing a meal or sitting for a meal. If one chooses to wear gloves before cooking make sure to wash them as well.
If you intend to store the raw food make sure either to store them above 150 degree Fahrenheit or below 40 degree Fahrenheit. The bacteria cannot multiply above and below these temperatures. Cook all types of meats until the pink disappears.
This will ensure that all bacteria are dead. Rather than using clothes to clear the worktops in kitchen use kitchen paper. Using ready made cake dough (made with eggs) must be avoided. Smell the food that you suspect may have become bad. Do not taste if something does not smell right.
Antispams and antibacterial drugs are given. Replenishing electrolytes is a major concern due to the loss encountered during vomiting and diarrhea. Amongst other, the most common are potassium, glucose and sodium. Do not use antacids as a self –mediation. The antacids tend to decrease the acidic secretion in the body and hence let bacteria multiply in greater number.
Milk must be avoided because the body can not tolerate lactose. But curd can be taken since it contains healthy bacteria (culture) and is light on stomach for digestion.
The loose motions must not be stopped. This is a safe outlet by the body to flush out the toxins.
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