Food poisoning

Causes 

Bacteria, viruses, parasites, shell fish allergy. More common in raw foods and ready to eat foods.

 Symptoms

• Nausea/vomiting
• Watery and or bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal pain/stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Fever

Sign and symptoms of dehydration

Excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness.

 Seek medical advice when

• Frequent episodes of vomiting for more than 2 days or vomiting blood
• Severe diarrhea for more than 3 days
• Inability to keep the liquids down for 24 hours
• Extreme pain/severe abdominal cramps

Complications

• Severe loss of water
• Essential salt and minerals leading to severe dehydration

Prevent food poisoning at home

• Wash your hands, utensils, and food surfaces often
• Do not eat or drink foods made from raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat, or unpasteurized milk, or other dairy products made from unpasteurized milk
• Cook foods to a safe temperature
• Refrigerate or freeze the perishable foods promptly
• Throw it out when in doubt
• Ask your doctor to know more

 Home remedies

• Stop eating and drinking for few hours
• Take small sips of water frequently, gradually begin to eat bland diet
• Avoid dairy/fatty foods, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol
• Not to use anti-diarrheal medications, can worsen the condition

Treatment

• The primary goal is to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes by ORS
• Intravenous fluids in severe dehydration
• Antibiotics can be considered