No one wants to experience a bad case of food poisoning. This brief, but sometimes debilitating form of illness is usually caused by a bacteria or the effects of a toxin produced by a bacteria. Food poisoning can come from faulty handling of food right in your own home, but more commonly comes from food eaten at a social function where the food sets out too long. In some cases the symptoms of food poisoning can be so severe that medical attention is needed, but in most cases it will run its course in a few days. Here’s how to treat food poisoning at home.
Treat Food Poisoning at Home: Assess the Symptoms
First, it’s important to assess the symptoms and make sure immediate medical attention isn’t needed. Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, a fever over 101 degrees Farenheit, inability to keep fluids down, dizziness, and lightheadedness are signs that you should see a doctor.Very young children (under age three), the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical problems also need evaluation for food poisoning symptoms.
Treat Food Poisoning at Home: Prevent Dehydration
During the course of the illness it’s important to get help if symptoms of dehydration develop such as lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, dry mucous membranes, and decreased urination. One of the most serious threats of food poisoning is that the diarrhea and vomiting can lead to serious fluid depletion and dehydration which can be life threatening. Drink fluids every hour and if you can’t keep them down, see a doctor.
Treat Food Poisoning at Home: Should You Stop the Diarrhea?
Many health experts believe you shouldn’t use medications to stop diarrhea since this is the body’s way of eliminating the toxin or bacteria that’s causing the food poisoning. The key is to limit the diarrhea by avoiding fatty foods and dairy foods which can make the symptoms worse. The best treatment is to keep drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and replace electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium that are being depleted through the diarrhea and vomiting. A sports drink or Gatorade may be a better choice than water since they contain the missing electrolytes that are being lost. Stay away from caffeinated beverages which are too dehydrating.
Treat Food Poisoning at Home: What About the Vomiting?
Vomiting also helps to eliminate the toxin or bacteria, but debilitating nausea can be treated with anti-nausea medications, if necessary. Sometimes natural remedies like a cup of ginger tea can help calm a nauseated stomach. Natural remedies are best since anti-nausea medications have side effects.
Treat Food Poisoning at Home: The Good News?
The good news is that food poisoning usually goes away in a few days. If symptoms last longer than five days, see your doctor.
References:
Merck Manual. 18th Edition.
