Many of us have suffered from food poisoning at some time in our lives. Fortunately, most cases of food poisoning are rarely serious and usually get better within a week. In a few cases complications can develop which can be serious at times and even be life-threatening.
How can you get food poisoning?
You can develop food poisoning if you eat something that has been contaminated with various bacteria or other organisms. This can happen if food:
• is not cooked or reheated thoroughly
• is not stored correctly
• is left out for too long
• is handled by someone who is ill or has not washed his or her hands
• is eaten after its “use by” date
What are some symptoms of food poisoning?
The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks. Symptoms include the following:
• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• being sick (vomiting)
• stomach cramps
• a high temperature of 38C or above
• feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills
Your exact symptoms and their severity will vary. That will depend on your immune system and your general health.
When to see your doctor?
A mild case usually passes on its own with just rest and lots of fluids. You should call a doctor, however, if you or a loved one have:
• Any signs of dehydration: dry mouth, little or no urination, dizziness, or sunken eyes
• Any diarrhoea in a newborn or infant
• Inability to hold down liquids without vomiting
• Diarrhoea that lasts longer than 2 days (1 day in a child) or is severe
• Severe gut pain or vomiting
• High fever
• Stools that are black, tarry or bloody
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling in your arms
• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Diarrhoea or flulike illness in pregnant women
• Jaundice (yellow skin)
How can you help prevent food poisoning?
There are several things that all of us can do to help prevent food poisoning. The following might prove helpful:
• Wash your hands frequently when handling foods
• Wash worktops before and after preparing food
• Wash dishcloths frequently
• Use separate chopping boards
• Keep raw meat separate
• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator
• Cook food thoroughly
• Cool leftovers quickly
• Respect ‘use by’ dates
Conclusion
Food poisoning is a common, yet distressing and sometimes life-threatening problem. People infected with food-borne organisms may be symptom-free or may have symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to severe dehydration and other symptoms. If you have severe symptoms suggestive of food poisoning please seek medical advice or visit a healthcare facility.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-five years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
