Millions of people are affected every year and in some cases it is fatal: here’s how to recognize food poisoning
The case of the Palermo family affected by food poisoning in Sharm el-Sheikhwhich led to the death of the youngest member, a six-year-old child, has rekindled the spotlight on a problem that is very widespread, so much so that, according to World Health Organization estimatesit hits every year well 600 million people, that is one in ten individuals worldwide. The most frequent cases are in developing countries, but not even the West is immune. So let’s see what is meant by food poisoning, how to recognize it and what to do if you are affected by this problem which in some cases can become very serious.
What is food poisoning
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More than intoxication, we should talk about food poisoningbecause there are four types:
- intoxication due to plant and animal toxins
- intoxication due to toxins of chemical origin such as drugs, additives, pesticides or metals
- intoxication from microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds and parasites
- intoxication due to toxins deriving from biodecomposition food, i.e. food that has gone bad or badly stored.
People get food poisoning when eating contaminated food or that it has been prepared in an environment where the hygiene rules. Worldwide the main victims of food poisoning are children under 5 years old: about 125 thousand die every year. The problem is also becoming widespread due to the increase in international food trade and the lengthening of food chains, from raw materials to transport.
Food poisoning symptoms and how to recognize it
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The symptoms of food poisoning are very varied, they can change depending on the toxin that caused it, but i Most common I am:
- dysentery
- He retched
- abdominal pain
To these can then be added: dry mouth, tachycardia, weakness, fever and chills, hives or other types of skin problems, double vision, difficulty swallowing and sometimes even speaking, headache and heavy sweating. In most cases this problem it resolves on its own once the body has got rid of all toxins which caused the reaction, however in some cases, it can last a few days and it is therefore essential to consult a doctor. Symptoms usually appear between 2 and 6 hours after the contaminated food is ingested, but can sometimes appear the next day as well.
Food poisoning complications
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Just as we have seen with the case of Sharm el-Sheik, unfortunately food poisoning can also have very serious consequences because complications such as renal and hepatic insufficiency, brain disorders, neurological problems can arise and can also later lead to the onset of arthritis and tumors. If the situation is serious, you immediately realize when vomiting and diarrhea are not enough to overcome the intoxication. It is therefore necessary call your doctor or call the emergency room or poison control center directlytrying to communicate exactly what you ate, when and what quantities, so that doctors can find the right remedy immediately.
How to fix it if you realize you have been intoxicated
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Once the symptoms of food poisoning appear, it is necessary to understand if it is mild and therefore if with vomiting and diarrhea you get rid of all toxins in a few hours, or, if the disorders go on for several hours, call the doctors as we have already seen. Doctors will administer the drug suitable according to the toxin that caused the intoxication. It absolutely is not recommended to use “grandmother’s remedies” such as drinking milk to combat food poisoning, because all dairy products only aggravate the situation and, indeed, should be avoided for a few days after the symptoms of intoxication appear. Instead, we must drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
How to prevent food poisoning
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Due to the lengthening of food chains and their complexity, it has become increasingly difficult to prevent food poisoning. Need choose “safe” foodsfruits and vegetables that have not been treated with pesticides and are washed very well to avoid the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms. Also, when preparing food, you have to always keep your hands and the surface on which food is placed clean and always separate raw meat and raw fish from all other foods, because one can happen contamination by contact, if for example raw chicken is kept close to vegetables or other foods. Also you have to be careful of cooking, which must be perfect, and how food is frozen and defrosted. In particular never freeze and thaw more than once a food.
08 July 2022 – 15:14
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