Food poisoning is a disease that is carried or transmitted to humans by contaminated foods or beverages.
Food poisoning is caused by substances in foods or beverages, including:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
After you consume the contaminated food or beverage, there is a delay before symptoms arise. This delay is called an incubation period and can last anywhere from hours to weeks. Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may be asked to provide a sample of the stool or vomit for testing. If you have some of the food that you think made you sick, you may be asked to bring it in to be tested. Blood tests may be indicated to asses kidney function, blood salts and acid-base balance, and presence of blood infection. A urinalysis may also be performed.
Most types of food poisoning improve in 12-48 hours. There aren't many treatments available to speed your recovery from food poisoning.
Treatments include:
Drink plenty of fluids. If you are severely ill, you may need intravenous fluids.
Some types of bacterial food poisoning can be treated with antibiotics.
This includes the following:
If you have botulism poisoning, there is an antitoxin you can take.
If you are diagnosed with food poisoning, follow your doctor's instructions .
To help prevent food poisoning:
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org
Gateway to Government Information About Food Safety
http://www.foodsafety.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG)
http://www.cag-acg.org/default.aspx
Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education
http://www.canfightbac.org/en/
References:
Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. WB Saunders; 2001.
Nachimuthu S, Piccione P. Food poisoning. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic807.htm .
Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 6th ed. WB Saunders; 1998.
Sood S. Food poisoning. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic795.htm .
Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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