Food poisoning refers to a continuum of symptoms caused by ingested bacteria, parasites, viruses or toxins. More than 76 million people are affected by food poisoning each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms include gastrointestinal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches and fever. Food poisoning usually passes within 48 hours of ingesting the offending food item, but it can cause severe symptoms and even death if the toxins enter the bloodstream.
Causes of Food Poisoning
The biggest culprits are foods that have been contaminated with bacteria or poisonous algae. For instance, undercooked meat or poultry, particularly hamburger, contaminated with E. coli will cause food poisoning. Unpasteurized milk or juice may also harbor E. coli, a type of bacteria found in the intestinal tract and spread through the feces of animals and humans. Eating shellfish exposed to poisonous red algae or eating poisonous mushrooms, bad eggs, improperly home-canned food and raw fish can also lead to food poisoning.
Bloody Diarrhea and Other Symptoms
Food poisoning begins in the gastrointestinal tract and causes symptoms of gastritis. But because the digested poisons are absorbed by the blood, systemic symptoms can also occur. For example, Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter bacteria can cause bloody diarrhea, fever and chills through release of toxins into the bloodstream. E. coli bacteria is associated with large amounts of bloody stool called hemorrhagic colitis that can occur up to three days after eating contaminated food. Mushroom poisoning affects the liver, causing fatal liver and kidney damage. The most notorious type of food poisoning, botulism, is caused by Clostridium botulinum; its toxin causes paralysis, difficulty swallowing, weakness and even death.
Treatment
The usual treatment for food poisoning is hydration and replacement of electrolytes until the diarrhea and vomiting stop. It may be necessary to “pump” your stomach if you have ingested poisonous mushrooms or shellfish. Ingesting activated charcoal will help absorb toxins that have been ingested as well as make you vomit. According to the Merck Manual Online Library, the treatment for Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism, is an anti-toxin to help prevent neuromuscular symptoms.This anti-toxin is not likely to be as effective if given after the first 72 hours of symptom onset. Atropine, a heart medication, may be used in mushroom poisoning. Milk thistle may also be helpful in Amanita mushroom poisoning but should never be taken without medical supervision.
Prevention
You can prevent food poisoning. Wash your hands and utensils when preparing food. Keep meat, poultry and seafood away from ready-to-eat foods. Cook all food to proper temperatures, and refrigerate food that will not be eaten right away. It is critical to follow proper home-canning techniques. Always refrigerate fish, do not eat wild mushrooms and don’t eat shellfish exposed to red tides.
