Food poisoning can occur when foods and beverages are ingested that contain bacteria, parasites and viruses. The actual parasite itself may not cause the symptoms associated with food poisoning, but may emit a toxin that can cause harmful effects. Food poisoning can vary in severity and length of sickness.
Causes
Food poisoning is commonly caused by germs that contaminate foods and beverages. These germs can cause unpleasant effects themselves or emit a toxin that causes symptoms. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), several situations increase the risk of food poisoning. Not practicing proper hand washing techniques, consuming undercooked meats and eggs and drinking untreated water are all possible methods of contamination. The NLM and NIH list Staphylococcus and E. coli as the most common bacteria that contribute to food poisoning cases.
Symptoms
The symptoms of food poisoning can vary. Symptoms usually appear within two to six hours of consumption of the contaminated food or beverage, although the onset can take several days or even weeks. Food poisoning generally attacks the gastrointestinal system, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. The NLM and NIH also list fever, headaches and weakness as commonly reported symptoms, which depend on the type of bacteria responsible for the infection. Symptoms can vary in severity.
Risk Factors
Although food poisoning can affect anyone, certain factors can put individuals at a higher risk. According to the Mayo Clinic, five categories of people are at a higher risk of food-borne illness than others. Older adults, infants and young children are at an increased risk because of the decreased effectiveness of the immune system, which naturally occurs with aging, and the immune systems of infants and children are not fully developed. The Mayo Clinic also considers individuals with chronic diseases to be at an increased risk due to compromised immune systems. The last group of people that is at a higher risk of food borne illness is pregnant women. The Mayo Clinic attributes this increased risk to the changes in metabolism and circulation that occur during pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Food poisoning exhibits symptoms that are similar to other gastrointestinal infections, so it is often undiagnosed. If food poisoning is suspected, samples of stool, blood, vomit and even leftover food can be tested to determine if food poisoning is in fact to blame. The NLM and NIH also list other more invasive methods of diagnosis that test the spine and muscles, but these are generally reserved for rare and severe cases.
Treatment
Treatment for food poisoning varies according to the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the illness. According to the Mayo Clinic, the treatment of food poisoning is similar to that of other stomach ailments. The main goal is to replenish fluids and electrolytes that are lost via diarrhea and vomiting. Food poisoning can lead to dehydration, which may require hospitalization if severe. In some cases of food poisoning, depending on the bacteria responsible, antibiotics may be necessary.
