{"id":809,"date":"2020-02-07T12:19:35","date_gmt":"2020-02-07T12:19:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imedicalsociety.org\/?p=809"},"modified":"2020-02-07T12:19:35","modified_gmt":"2020-02-07T12:19:35","slug":"food-poisoning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imedicalsociety.org\/food-poisoning\/","title":{"rendered":"Food poisoning: symptoms, causes, treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Food poisoning: symptoms, causes, treatment<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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Food poisoning<\/strong> is caused by the consumption of food that is spoiled by poisons or pathogens (such as bacteria). Typical symptoms are stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. Mild food poisoning usually heals on its own within a few days. In more severe cases, however, patients must be treated in hospital. Read here which symptoms food poisoning causes, how it is treated and how it can be prevented!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Brief overview<\/h2>\n
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  • What is food poisoning? <\/strong>Strictly speaking, this means poisoning through the consumption of food that is spoiled by toxins. In a broader sense, food infection (consumption of food that is spoiled by pathogens) is also referred to as food poisoning.<\/li>\n
  • Causes: <\/strong>Toxins (food poisoning in the narrower sense); bacteria (as in salmonella poisoning, listeriosis, botulism), fungi, viruses or parasites (food poisoning in the broader sense or food infection)<\/li>\n
  • Symptoms:<\/strong> mostly nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps; depending on the trigger, often other complaints<\/li>\n
  • Treatment:<\/strong> depending on the cause and severity of the food poisoning. Generally drink a lot, eat bland foods. Possibly take medication (remedies against vomiting and diarrhoea, antibiotics, antidotes to certain toxins, activated carbon), possibly pump out stomach.<\/li>\n
  • Prognosis:<\/strong> Food poisoning usually heals itself within a few days. Serious cases as well as children and elderly people may have to be treated as inpatients. Some forms of food poisoning are life-threatening, for example some mushroom poisoning and botulism.<\/li>\n
  • Prevention:<\/strong> ensure fresh products and hygiene in the kitchen; avoid raw food if possible; drink only clean water;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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    Food poisoning: symptoms & causes<\/h2>\n

    The symptoms of food poisoning (including food infection) can vary somewhat depending on the cause. Classic signs, which almost always occur, however:<\/p>\n

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    • Nausea<\/li>\n
    • Vomiting<\/li>\n
    • Diarrhoea<\/li>\n
    • Abdominal cramps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      In most cases of food poisoning, the symptoms become apparent within minutes to hours after consumption of the spoiled or toxic food. In rare cases – such as an infection with the Campylobacter bacterium – this so-called incubation period can last several days.<\/p>\n

      The symptoms of food poisoning are often only moderately pronounced and disappear on their own after a few days. Sometimes, however, severe poisoning occurs with very pronounced symptoms such as violent vomiting, severe bloody diarrhoea or more than ten diarrhoea cases per day. At the latest then you should definitely see a doctor!<\/p>\n

      Food poisoning by pathogens<\/h3>\n

      In case of food poisoning by pathogens (food infection), the exact symptoms depend on the type of pathogen. Important infections are samonellosis, listeriosis and botulism:<\/p>\n

      Salmonellosis<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      Salmonella poisoning is caused by bacteria from the salmonella group. The pathogens are usually ingested via raw or insufficiently heated animal food. The consumption of raw eggs in particular has a high risk potential. Symptoms of salmonellosis are, in addition to the above-mentioned complaints, especially chills and fever. Sometimes, however, an infection with Salmonella is asymptomatic.<\/p>\n

      Listeriosis<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      This is an infection with bacteria of the genus Listeria. These can be found in animal foods such as raw milk, soft cheese (for example Roquefort and Brie) or raw meat. They can also multiply in vacuum packs. Low temperatures (for example in the refrigerator) do not inhibit the growth of these bacteria.<\/p>\n

      A Listeria infection usually does not cause symptoms in otherwise healthy people. When complaints occur, they are often joint and muscle pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Further complaints are possible if the listeria spreads to other organ systems. It is particularly dangerous if they penetrate the brain and cause meningitis. This is manifested by high fever, headache and stiff neck. Listeria can also enter the blood system and cause blood poisoning (sepsis). Inflammation of the inner wall of the heart (endocarditis) or peritonitis can also be the result of an infection with Listeria.<\/p>\n

      Infants, the elderly and people whose immune systems are severely weakened by other diseases or medication are particularly susceptible to such serious complications. Pregnant women and their unborn children are also particularly at risk: Listeria-induced food poisoning in the mother-to-be can trigger miscarriage or stillbirth.<\/p>\n

      Botulism<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      This rare but very dangerous infection is caused by bacteria of the type Clostridium botulinum (Clostridia). It is usually caused by the consumption of contaminated food – especially packaged products whose packaging (like canned food) is inflated are suspect. Homemade canned food and pickled vegetables and fruit are also possible triggers of Clostridium-induced food poisoning. Symptoms of the infection affect the nervous system because it is attacked by the bacteria:<\/p>\n

      About 20 to 36 hours after the consumption of Clostridium contaminated food the first paralysis of the eye muscles occurs. Later, the entire skeletal musculature weakens, speech disorders, a slowed heartbeat and lowered blood pressure as well as constipation and urinary retention occur. Also typical are a dry mouth, swallowing and vision problems, dilated pupils, drooping eyelids and reduced reflexes.<\/p>\n

      It becomes dangerous when nerves responsible for breathing are affected. Without mechanical ventilation, botulism can then lead to death by respiratory arrest. Patients must therefore always be treated in hospital.<\/p>\n

      Other bacterial causes and their symptoms<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      There are many other pathogens that can be responsible for a food infection. Here are some examples and typical symptoms of the infection:<\/p>\n

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      • Escherichia coli:<\/strong> The bacterium E. coli is mainly found in raw beef and raw milk. Human-to-human transmission is also possible. An E. coli infection initially triggers watery and later bloody diarrhoea.<\/li>\n
      • Staphylococcus:<\/strong> These bacteria can get from hands into food when handling food uncleanly in the kitchen and thus cause food poisoning (heating the food does not kill the germs) Symptoms are low temperature and circulatory weakness.<\/li>\n
      • Yersinia: <\/strong>The transmission of the bacterium Yersinia usually occurs through contact with infected animals or the consumption of contaminated animal food. Common symptoms of the disease are headaches, chills and fever.<\/li>\n
      • Campylobacter:<\/strong> The bacterium Campylobacter is mainly found in insufficiently heated poultry meat and raw egg products. It can be killed by cooking food. Symptoms of food poisoning by Campylobacter are high fever, headache, fatigue and watery diarrhoea.<\/li>\n
      • Shigellen:<\/strong> These germs are more common in warm areas with inadequate hygiene standards, where faeces or sewage cause contamination of food or drinking water. Food poisoning caused by Shigella causes cramp-like abdominal pain, painful bowel movements and diarrhoea.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Fungal food poisoning<\/h3>\n

        The consumption of poisonous mushrooms<\/strong> (such as toadstool, tuber leaf fungi) causes fungal food poisoning. Symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea and vomiting occur soon after the mushroom meal. Other possible symptoms are sweating, chills, dizziness, loss of consciousness, disturbed perception, shortness of breath, palpitations and\/or balance problems. The extent of the symptoms of poisoning depends on the type and quantity of the mushroom poison ingested.<\/p>\n

        The alarmed doctor should be informed about which mushrooms have (presumably) been consumed. It is also very helpful if a remainder of the meal or vomit has been stored so that the doctor can analyze these samples.<\/p>\n

        Symptoms of poisoning can also occur when mouldy food is consumed. Thus, some molds produce aflatoxins, which cause severe damage to the liver.<\/p>\n

        Food poisoning by fish, mussels, crabs<\/h3>\n

        Fish poisoning can occur after the consumption of fish, mussels (mussel poisoning) or crustaceans. Sometimes the reason is that the water inhabitants have been stored incorrectly or for too long<\/strong>, so that bacteria have multiplied in them, which then causes symptoms of poisoning.<\/p>\n

        Food poisoning after a fish meal can also be triggered by ciguatoxin<\/strong>. This is a toxin that is produced by aquatic single-cell organisms that can enter the food fish via the food chain. Poisoning manifests itself in nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n

        Sometimes the trigger of food poisoning is also a naturally poisonous fish<\/strong>. These include puffer fish, for example. They contain the strong nerve poison tetrodotoxin<\/strong>. It can cause paralysis of the skeletal and respiratory muscles and thus quickly lead to death! Only when prepared correctly are puffer fish meals free of the nerve poison.<\/p>\n

        Food poisoning by plants<\/h3>\n

        Food poisoning by plant toxins<\/strong> occurs mainly in small children – they often put plant parts in their mouths out of curiosity and unnoticed by adults. Various plants produce toxins to protect themselves from predators. They are called poisonous plants if they are poisonous to humans and animals even in small quantities. Examples of poisonous plants and the symptoms of poisoning caused by them are<\/p>\n