Food Poisoning Treatment at Home
Food poisoning is an illness caused due to consumption of contaminated food. Food poisoning is also a generic term used to describe all illnesses and diseases caused by infection from food and drinks. These illnesses are mainly found among people who do not practice food safety and hygienic habits. Food poisoning can be mild or even so severe as to threaten one's life. Let us have a look at causes and symptoms of food poisoning.
Food Poisoning Causes and Symptoms
Food poisoning can be caused due to a variety of reasons. One of the most significant and common causes of it is infection caused by bacteria called salmonella. Secondly, virus like norovirus, certain varieties of parasites; and presence of toxins like lead and mercury in food also leads to poisoning. Food poisoning symptoms are similar to those of gastroenteritis. Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, fever, abdominal pain and cramps, etc. are the prominent food poisoning signs.
Treatment
A person suffering from food poisoning experiences the above mentioned symptoms for at least 24 hours. It is best advisable to consult the doctor as early as possible, to diagnose and treat food poisoning immediately. The doctor will prescribe medications to get rid of the infection and also alleviate the symptoms immediately. Secondly, there are several medications that can be gotten over-the-counter and are effective in treating vomiting and diarrhea.
If the poisoning is caused due to virus, it is essential to take complete bed rest, as this is the most effective means of preparing the body to combat the virus. On the other hand, if it is caused due to bacteria, it is essential to take anti-bacterial medications. The following home remedies to treat food poisoning can help in alleviating the symptoms of it.
- Firstly, one should remember to not to eat any solid food as long as vomiting and diarrhea persists.
- Dehydration occurs due to vomiting and diarrhea caused due to food poisoning. The person should drink clear and pure water or electrolyte drinks at regular intervals to regain the lost electrolytes.
- The person should keep away from strong odors, foods, excess heat or cold, etc. as it can trigger the bouts of nausea.
- Once the diarrhea and vomiting stops, a person can consume fresh fruit juices, herbal tea, chamomile, etc.
- Eating plain and fresh bread is also an effective method of getting rid of nausea.
- Once the person is stable, he can have a bland diet like potatoes, rice, bread, etc.
Food poisoning can be prevented by following simple measures. Firstly, it is essential to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in order to prevent the contamination of food and drinks. The kitchen should be kept clean and the person cooking food should also follow clean hygienic practices. Secondly, raw, uncooked, moderately cooked food should be avoided (specially poultry and non vegetarian foods). Also, unused and left over food should be discarded immediately. Foods that need to be stored for a longer period of time should be refrigerated, frozen and preserved properly. It is also advisable to not to eat and drink in unhygienic environmental conditions.
One should remember that the home remedies are effective only in milder cases. Lastly, it is advised to consult a doctor immediately for food poisoning treatment if one observes severe symptoms that do not subside within a couple of hours. Take care!
