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About Food Poisoning

Many people believe they have food poisoning after eating something that tastes unpleasant. However, food poisoning is far more serious and is usually followed by dreadful symptoms that involve the digestive system. These symptoms can be difficult to control and treat and they can last anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days. In rare cases food poisoning can be fatal.

  1. Function

    • Food poisoning results when someone eats or drinks something that contains bacteria or another type of toxin. Food poisoning can also be caused by viruses and parasites. Certain chemicals can also cause food poisoning. However, most people develop food poisoning as a result of bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

    Effects

    • The most common symptom of food poisoning is nausea. Diarrhea is a very common symptom as well. Other symptoms may include pain in the abdomen, cramping of the stomach, loss of appetite, fatigue and fever. Symptoms depend on the organism or toxin that led to the case of food poisoning and the health of the indiviudal at the start of the episode.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Usually, symptoms are mild to moderate, though undoubtedly unpleasant, and a person can just wait for them to stop, resting and trying to stay hydrated during the course of the illness. However, some cases of food poisoning become so severe that it is necessary for the patient to be checked into a hospital for treatment. This can occur when a person is unable to hold water in his system for proper body function.

    Time Frame

    • Symptoms of food poisoning will often show up within just a few hours of eating contaminated food. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, food poisoning may show up days after the tainted food has been consumed. Generally speaking, a person can expect his symptoms of food poisoning to disappear within 10 days. Some episodes last for one day.

    Warning

    • There are certain risks factors that make a person more likely to develop food poisoning after eating contaminated food. Elderly people may be more at risk because their immune systems may not be as strong or efficient they had been when they were younger. Likewise, babies and very young children are also more at risk. Pregnant women experience changes in the digestion and processing of food, which can lead to an increased chance of food poisoning. Additionally, those with serious or chronic conditions may also be more susceptible. For example, someone who is fighting AIDS, living with liver disease or undergoing cancer treatment may have a less efficient immune system response.

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