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It is likely that you have already felt unwell and realized that you had symptoms of food poisoning. Does that really make sense, or was your problem—or is it, if you’re experiencing this now—something else?
Food poisoning is a situation that can be present in anyone’s daily life and that occurs for several reasons. Its symptoms are quite classic, but they can also be associated with several other problems.
With that in mind, we created content to answer your main questions on the subject, explaining the symptoms, causes and details about the treatment of this health problem. Continue reading and check out the information!
What is food poisoning?
Intoxication is a process defined by the body’s inability or difficulty to process a given substance, which becomes toxic. This can happen with poisons, chemical compounds and, of course, food.
However, don’t confuse intoxication with indigestion – or even allergies. The process happens when we consume food that is contaminated with bacteria or other harmful agents, including chemical compounds, such as pesticides.
What causes food poisoning?
As we have seen, food poisoning is caused by eating food that is contaminated with substances or agents that can cause illness and overload the body.
Some examples are:
- bacteria;
- virus;
- fungi;
- miscellaneous toxins;
- Chemicals.
There is no way exactly to specify where this contamination comes from. It can happen during planting, while growing food or in storage. Another very common point is manipulation, especially in places that do not take care with the hygiene of ingredients.
What are your main symptoms?
Now, it’s time to check out what are the symptoms of food poisoning! In general, what the intoxicated person may feel is:
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- general malaise, such as tiredness, body aches, etc.;
- stomach pains;
- low fever;
- dry mouth;
- site;
- headaches.
Symptoms such as headache, thirst and dry mouth are usually associated with dehydration. It is caused by excessive loss of fluids by the body, through diarrhea and frequent vomiting. In that case, it’s important that you replace the water lost by the body.
How important is it to treat food poisoning?
Generally speaking, food poisoning is a process that does not pose as many health hazards. Most of the time, it is a problem that resolves itself within a few days, provided supportive care is instituted properly.
However, for people like the elderly, children and the most debilitated in general, intoxication can pose a great risk. Dehydration is a serious problem that, if left untreated, can lead to serious consequences, such as death.
Therefore, it is very important that adequate treatment is instituted. In more severe cases, there may be a need for hospitalization to monitor and monitor the patient.
During his stay in the hospital, he will receive fluid therapy (with serum) directly into a vein and will be able to maintain himself with the necessary medication until his body recovers.
How to treat food poisoning?
Now that we know the dangers and symptoms of food poisoning, it’s time to find out what techniques are used to help treat this problem. Check out!
be at rest
If you are wondering “I have food poisoning, what should I do?”, it is important to keep in mind that the first step is to rest. This is a time when your body is weakened and needs energy to fight the toxins present in the body and eliminate them.
So slow down your pace and try to rest as much as you can. In some cases, you may even be taken off work for a few days so your body can heal.
Replace lost fluids
Another very important point is the replacement of fluids. Even if you’re not throwing up a lot or having diarrhea, it’s essential to hydrate properly, okay? If you have these symptoms, this becomes even more urgent.
With this care, you avoid dehydration and its unpleasant consequences. Remembering that this water replacement can be done with normal water or with isotonic drinks, which also help to replace the mineral salts lost by the body.
Look for a health service
Once this is done, be sure to seek support from a health service, even if it is via telemedicine. While food poisoning symptoms may resolve on their own within a few days, there’s no reason to risk it.
Also, by going to the doctor, you can find out if you have any other problem that causes you to have the same symptoms as someone who is intoxicated. After all, vomiting and diarrhea are not exclusive signs of this problem!
Follow the doctor’s recommendations
Finally, be sure to strictly follow all the recommendations given by the health team. This is essential so that your body can recover as quickly as possible.
If you are given any medicine for food poisoning — such as a saline solution or medication to decrease nausea or bowel movement frequency — take it as prescribed. It will help a lot and in a few days you will be as good as new and ready to get back to your normal routine!
You can already tell that the symptoms of food poisoning are serious business, right? So, do not neglect this situation and take care of your health. This is the best way to recover quickly, ensuring the stability your body deserves.
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Technical review: Alexandre R. Marra, researcher at the Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEP) and permanent professor at the Graduate Program in Health Sciences at the Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE).
Source: vidasaudavel.einstein.br
