Food poisoning occurs when an individual consumes foods contaminated with an infectious organism, such as a bacteria, virus or parasite, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Treatment usually consists of maintaining hydration, eating bland foods and monitoring symptoms. When certain individuals are impacted, such as infants or the elderly, or when certain serious infectious agents are involved, hospital treatment may be necessary.
Rehydration
One of the most common serious complications of food poisoning is dehydration, explains the Mayo Clinic. Frequent vomiting or diarrhea with any type of food poisoning can cause an individual to lose a substantial amount of water from the body. Hospital treatment for this complication will consist of intravenous delivery of salts and fluids, suggests the clinic. This is a rapid way to replenish bodily fluids.
Antibiotics
Some infectious agents, such as bacteria, may require antibiotic use. Specifically, one bacteria called listeria requires treatment by intravenous antibiotics in the hospital, explains the Mayo Clinic. This type of treatment is especially important in pregnancy to prevent infection of the infant.
Antitoxin
When it exists, an antitoxin can be administered intravenously. Hershey Medical Center (HMC) explains that botulism is one type of food poisoning that is considered to be a medical emergency and requires botulism antitoxin administration. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests other antitoxins, including those to treat fish poisoning, mushroom poisoning or ciguatera poisoning.
Digestive Expulsion
There are a number of methods available for expelling the infectious agent from the body at the hospital. This is only used when necessary. The HMC explains that vomiting may be induced, the stomach may be washed out and laxatives may be administered.
Breathing Assistance
When the food poisoning causes trouble breathing, a hospital ventilator may be necessary, suggests the HMC. The breathing assistance can stabilize the individual until the infection passes.
Nourishment
When food poisoning makes it impossible for an individual to keep foods down, an intravenous food line may be implemented to provide the individual with nourishment.
