Food poisoning

Food poisoning

Definition:

Most food-borne illnesses are considered food poisoning. However, classical food poisoning refers to poisoning with foods contaminated with enterotoxins produced by staphylococcal organisms, or other common bacteria such as E. coli..

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Classical food poisoning is rare in the United States because of improved food handling and storage techniques. However, it occurs sporadically at picnics, school cafeterias, and large social functions where foods may be left unrefrigerated for extended periods of time or handling techniques are not optimal.

Classical food poisoning usually appears within 2 to 3 hours of ingestion, although it may appear earlier or later. Onset is heralded by nausea followed by vomiting and abdominal cramping. Diarrhea, which may be bloody, usually occurs. Other symptoms may include fever and chills, weakness and headache. Botulism (from improper home canning) can cause immediate neurologic collapse, with respiratory failure and death.

Other types of food poisoning include bacterial causes (Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli) and shellfish poisoning. Misidentification of foods may lead to mushroom poisoning.

Related topics:

Symptoms:

people who ate the same foods all became ill
nausea
vomiting
abdominal cramps
diarrhea
fever and chills (may or may not be present)
weakness (may or may not be present, may be profound and associated with respiratory arrest in the case of botulism)
headache (may or may not be present)

Signs and tests:

Usually, stool or blood culture from an infected person is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment:

Classical food poisoning generally runs its course in about a day. Self-care measures to avoid dehydration include drinking electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by diarrhea and eating no solid food until the diarrhea has passed. People with diarrhea who are unable to take oral fluids due to nausea may need medical attention and intravenous fluids, especially in young children. People taking diuretics need to be cautious with diarrhea and may need to stop taking the diuretic during the acute episode as directed by the health care provider. Some afflicted people may find relief by taking gastrointestinal antispasmodics.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is normal between 12 to 24 hours.

Complications:

dehydration

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if diarrhea recurs or persists for more than 2-3 days, if signs of dehydration occur, or if there is blood in stools.

Prevention:

Scrupulous attention to food preparation and storage will prevent classical food poisoning.

Review Date: 2/4/2001
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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