How food poisoning happens?
Food-borne illness or Food Poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated food. Food can be contaminated by an infectious organism (parasites, viruses, or bacteria).
Cause of Food Poisoning
Eating uncooked or raw food is the most common Cause of Food Poisoning. Properly cooked food can also be contaminated while stored with uncooked or raw food items.
Basic cooking hygiene is also of prime importance when it comes to food contamination.
What Leads To Food Poisoning?
As stated, Food Poisoning happens due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most found pathogen is Entamoeba followed by Campylobacter and Salmonella.
The carrier of these pathogens varies from fecal matter to animals which can lead to food poisoning.
E. Coli is also a class of bacteria that can lead to Food Poisoning. Unpasteurized milk is the carrier for this pathogen
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
One can start exhibiting the symptoms within hours of consuming contaminated food. The symptoms can be mild to moderately severe.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Cramps
- Mild to moderate fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness and lethargy
When Should One Consult a Doctor?
Although mild Cases of Food Poisoning are self-resolving with oral hydration and light food. In case of symptoms intensify one must see a doctor. Symptoms to remember:-
- Excessive vomiting
- High Fever
- Inability to digest even light food
- Dehydration-like symptoms- dry mouth, low urine output, excessive lethargy, light-headedness
- Bloody stool or blood in vomit
- Extreme abdominal pain and tenderness
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