Food poisoning is a common, yet distressing and sometimes life-threatening problem for millions of people in the U.S., and throughout the world. People infected with foodborne organisms may be symptom-free or may have symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to severe dehydration and bloody diarrhea. Depending on the type of infection, people can even die as a result of food poisoning.
More than 250 different diseases can cause food poisoning. Some of the most common diseases are infections caused by bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria, and botulism.
What Is Campylobacter Infection?
Campylobacter is a bacterium that causes acute diarrhea. Transmission usually occurs through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or unpasteurized milk, or through contact with infected infants, pets, or wild animals.
Symptoms of campylobacter include:
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and/or cramping
- Malaise (general uneasiness)
- Fever
Is Campylobacter Infection a Serious Health Concern?
Campylobacter infection can be serious, especially in those with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, campylobacter infection can cause additional problems such as arthritis or brain and nerve problems. Occasionally, these problems occur after the diarrhea has stopped.
How Is Campylobacter Infection Diagnosed and Treated?
If you think you may have been exposed to campylobacter infection, see your doctor. By testing a sample of stool, the bacteria can be identified.
If you are found to have the infection, you will likely recover on your own without treatment within two to five days. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent becoming dehydrated.
In more severe cases, antibiotics (such as Cipro), if given early in the illness, can be used to shorten the length of time you are sick.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can be passed on to humans from domestic and wild animals, including poultry, pigs, cattle, and pets. But most often, it is caused by drinking unpasteurized milk or by eating undercooked poultry and poultry products such as eggs. Any food prepared on surfaces contaminated by raw chicken or turkey can also become tainted with salmonella. Less often, the illness may stem from food contaminated by a food worker.
Salmonella can escape from the intestine and go into the blood and travel to other organs. It may become a chronic infection in some people, who can be symptom-free yet capable of spreading the disease to others.
Salmonella infections occur worldwide, but it is most extensively reported in North America and Europe.
Symptoms of salmonella include acute onset of:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting (sometimes)
These symptoms, along with loss of appetite, can persist for several days.
Can Salmonella Infection Cause Serious Health Problems?
Although most people recover completely (which sometimes can take several months), salmonella infection may cause a condition known as Reiter's syndrome in a small percentage of people. Symptoms of Reiter's syndrome include joint pain, eye irritation, and pain when urinating. The joint pain of Reiter's syndrome may develop into chronic arthritis.
Salmonella infection rarely causes death, although it can occur in the very young, very old, or among those who have compromised immune systems
Food poisoning occurs when you eat food contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses or other toxins. These contaminants can get into your food in many different ways. The most common causes of contamination are from infected food handlers who don't wash their hands or wear gloves properly and from kitchenware or service utensils that weren't cleaned properly. Food poisoning can also occur when foods haven't been refrigerated at cold enough temperatures or cooked at hot enough temperatures. If you have food poisoning, you will most likely begin to feel the symptoms two to six hours after eating the contaminated food. The most common symptoms arevomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and headaches.
Most food poisoning doesn't require medical attention. If you think you may have gotten sick from mushrooms or shellfish, immediately contact a doctor. Otherwise, you'll usually recover from the most common types of food poisoning within a few days. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms and take care of yourself will help you feel better faster. Here's what to do
Most importantly, make sure you drink lots of water. Your goal is to keep your body hydrated and replace the fluids lost by vomiting and diarrhea. Slowly sip water or suck on ice chips if you're having trouble keeping things down.
- You shouldn't consume caffeinated beverages or dairy products until you feel completely better. Upset stomachs are easily irritated by these products.
- You may not have much of an appetite, but it's important to consume calories to keep your energy up. Once the vomiting has stopped, you can start drinking liquids other than water, like broth, clear soda or flavored water (such as Sprite or Propel) or an electrolyte beverage (such as Gatorade).
- When you feel up to it, you can start eating bland, easily digestible foods, like soda crackers, dry toast, plain rice, bananas or applesauce.
- Take a probiotic. These contain good bacteria that help your body digest food, and can treat the symptoms caused by harmful bacteria by restoring the balance in your gut.
- You shouldn't take anti-diarrheal medications. Your body is trying to get rid of the contaminants in your system, and preventing it from purging could make your illness worse.
- Last, but certainly not least, get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
If your symptoms don't improve or get worse after two days, if you notice blood in your vomit or bowel movements or if you have a temperature over 101.5 F (38.6 C), contact your doctor
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