Page 116 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

114 COMMON CONDITIONS: CHEST AND ABDOMINAL PROBLEMS

Food poisoning

Most attacks of food poisoning are due to poor hygiene, cooking,
WARNING
or food storage, which allows bacteria or viruses in contaminated
food to multiply. The most commonly affected foods are seafood, Seek immediate medical help if:
dairy products, and undercooked eggs and poultry. Symptoms of ● You suffer from blurred vision
and muscle weakness after eating
food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps in
contaminated food
the abdomen, and, sometimes, fever, headache, and dizziness.
See also Nausea and vomiting, p.109; Diarrhea, p.116.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You have severe abdominal pain or vomiting Oral rehydration solutions (see
p.188) replace salts, sugar, and minerals that have
● There is blood or mucus in your stools
been lost from your body. They are available as
ready-to-use solutions in a variety of flavors. Have
them instead of, or in addition to, regular drinks.
What you can do yourself Antidiarrheal drugs (see p.178) should
be used only as a last resort because diarrhea is the
You can treat a mild case of food poisoning at
home using the following measures. You should body’s way of getting rid of infection. You can take
loperamide for quick relief if diarrhea is likely to
feel better within a day or two.
cause embarrassment, for example, at work.
● Get plenty of rest and make yourself as
comfortable as possible.
● Drink at least 8 glasses of clear fluids a PREVENTION
day. Take small sips so that you don’t vomit.
If necessary, drink an oral rehydration solution Food hygiene Follow these steps to prevent
(see DRUG REMEDIES, right). germs from multiplying and avoid food poisoning.

● As soon as you can eat, have bland foods such ● Before preparing food, wash your hands with warm
as boiled rice, pasta, and mashed potatoes. Start water and soap, and dry them on a clean hand towel.
with small amounts, returning to your normal diet ● Keep raw and prepared foods separate. Store raw
once you can eat these foods without problems. meat in the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent drips.
● Use different chopping boards and work surfaces
You should avoid tea, coffee, dairy products,
alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods until a few days for raw meat, cooked meat, and vegetables. Clean
boards and surfaces thoroughly after use.
after the diarrhea has stopped.
● Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, fish, or eggs.
● Be careful about hygiene to avoid passing on ● When reheating food, ensure that it is very hot all
the infection to other people. Wash your hands the way through. Don’t reheat it more than once.
thoroughly after going to the bathroom, and have
your own towel. Don’t make food for others, or share
utensils, cups, or plates. Keep away from those
who are vulnerable to infections, such as young Seek further medical advice
children, elderly people, and pregnant women.
Arrange to see your doctor if your symptoms
● Take an antidiarrheal medicine if you need to are getting worse or have not cleared up
stop diarrhea quickly (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). within 28–48 hours.