Emergency Management of Food Poisoning

Introduction:

Food contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, toxins, viruses, and parasites can lead to gut and digestive tract infections. Such irritation or infection of the digestive tract from food or drink is termed food poisoning. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus (bacteria) are the most commonly known to cause food poisoning. The symptoms are usually seen in people after eating at social gatherings, picnics, restaurants, or even school cafeterias that may serve contaminated food. It is usually acute (short-term and sudden onset), and the person affected recovers independently or with home remedies.

However, food poisoning can cause serious health complications (such as dehydration) that require emergency care. Pregnant women, the elderly (older than 65), young children, and people with weak immune systems are more prone to food poisoning complications such as dehydration.

Who Is More Likely to Get Sick from Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is widespread and commonly seen in all ages. However, some are at an increased risk of developing food poisoning and getting gravely ill. These include:

• Young Children: Children with an immature immune system (under five years of age) or born with a weaker immune system are more prone to dehydration due to food poisoning.

• The Elderly: Studies show immunity begins to decline after age 65. A weak immune system thus increases the risk of food poisoning among older people.

• People with Chronic Illness: Certain underlying medical conditions such as chronic diseases, infections, cancer, autoimmune, and immunodeficiency can lower the body’s defense mechanisms. Thus, such people are more prone to frequent infections and food poisoning.

• Medications: Some drugs lower the body’s immunity and put the person at a higher risk of infections and food poisoning complications. Examples include corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.

What Happens When a Person Gets Food Poisoning?

Food can sometimes get contaminated with germs when not fresh or washed well. In addition, unsanitary handling of food, insufficient cooking of food, consuming raw food (such as raw fish), and improper food storage can lead to food getting contaminated and spoiled. When a person consumes such contaminated food, it results in food poisoning. After consuming unsafe food, the symptoms may develop within hours or after a few days. The symptoms and their severity vary depending on the microorganism swallowed. However, the most common symptoms include the following:

• Stomach cramps and pain.

• Upset stomach.

• Diarrhea.

• Fever.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Feeling weak.

• Loss of appetite.

• Headache.

Most people have mild illnesses, and symptoms pass within a day or two. However, it may last longer if the person has a weak immune system or a severe infection ( requiring antibiotics). Complications from food poisoning are rare, but if they occur, they could make the person gravely ill. The severity depends on the germ causing the food poisoning and the person’s immunity. The most common complication is severe dehydration. The rare but severe complications include the following:

• Nerve and brain damage.

• Chronic arthritis (long-term inflammation of the bone joints) can be caused by certain bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.

• Severe Escherichia coli infections may cause kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome).

• In pregnant women, infections with Listeria (food-borne) can cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

When Should We See a Doctor for Food Poisoning?

It is important to see a healthcare provider if there are any severe symptoms of food poisoning, including the following:

• High fever.

• Blood in diarrhea.

• Frequent vomiting.

• Severe dehydration (dry throat and mouth, dizziness on standing, and little or no urination).

• Diarrhea for more than three days.

How Is Food Poisoning Diagnosed?

Food poisoning is diagnosed based on the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild and last only a few hours, visiting a doctor and testing is unnecessary. The doctor seeks information on the patient’s medical history and performs a thorough physical examination. The blood pressure and pulse rate are checked for signs of dehydration, fever, pain, and tenderness in the abdomen. In addition, based on the symptoms, the doctor may recommend stool and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment. The doctor may recommend additional tests to rule out other complications of food poisoning.

How Can We Treat Food Poisoning at Home?

Most people get better within a few hours or days without medical treatment. We can manage the symptoms of food poisoning at home by drinking lots of fluids (and electrolytes). Replacing fluids and electrolytes helps prevent dehydration and treat food poisoning. Patients with vomiting can try to sip small amounts of fluids to stay hydrated. Consume water, fruit juices, sports drinks, and broth frequently. We can try saltine crackers to replace electrolytes. In addition, we can use oral rehydration solutions to boost glucose and electrolytes. We can also use over-the-counter medications to manage the symptoms. These include drugs such as Loperamide and Bismuth subsalicylate (to treat diarrhea). In case of severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and fever, visit a doctor for treatment.

How Is Severe Food Poisoning Managed?

Visit the doctor in case of severe symptoms of food poisoning. The doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• Oral rehydration solutions.

• Antibiotics (a specific treatment for the germs such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria).

• Probiotics (in some cases).

If the patient is severely dehydrated, fluid and electrolytes are administered promptly through the vein (intravenous) to hydrate the patient. The patient is usually monitored for complications such as nerve, brain, or kidney damage. If the patients have any life-threatening symptoms and complications, they are admitted to the hospital for specific treatment.

Conclusion:

Food and drinks contaminated with germs can lead to irritation and infection of the digestive tract. Such food-borne illness of the digestive tract is known as food poisoning. One can have frequent vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and fever due to food poisoning. The symptoms are usually mild and can be managed at home without medical treatment. Rest, fluid, and electrolyte intake can help the patients remain hydrated. The symptoms resolve in a few hours or a day. However, if the symptoms worsen or one experiences complications such as severe dehydration, visit a doctor to get treated.