The most common cause of food poisoning is infections from organisms, viruses, bacteria, and parasites that live in or contaminate food. This can occur at any stage of the production process or in the food preparation process in our kitchens. While most cases of food poisoning are fairly harmless, some foodborne illnesses might require hospital treatment.

Is It Food Poisoning or Something Else?

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Food poisoning generally doesn’t last long. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea & Bloody diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps

However, they may take a while to manifest, sometimes taking up to a few days or even weeks. People with weakened immune systems should consider treatment for food poisoning immediately.

Severe Symptoms

Persistent and more severe food poisoning symptoms are a cause for concern. For example, frequent bouts of vomiting and an inability to keep fluids down are great reasons for consulting a doctor. Also, look for bloody stools and blood in vomit.

Repeated severe pains, extreme abdominal cramping, as well as a high oral temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C) or higher, are causes for worry.

Dehydration

Dehydration can be a severe side effect of food poisoning. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, excessive thirst, lightheadedness, dizziness, little or no urination, and/or physical weakness. Tingling arms, blurry vision, and muscle weakness are possibly neurological symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Dehydration can cause complications not only because of a loss of water but also because of a loss of essential minerals and salts. For healthy adults who can drink lots of replacement liquids after experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration should not be a big issue.

However, dehydration in older people, infants, and chronic sufferers may be a significant problem, as they may be unable to replace lost liquids. As a result, they may need intravenous (IV) fluids at a hospital. Dehydration must be taken seriously and monitored closely as it can be fatal.

Food Poisoning Risk Factors

The degree of risk is determined by the amount of food consumed, the type of organism, as well as health, and age. High-risk groups such as older adults, pregnant women, infants and children, and chronic illness sufferers should consult a medical professional.

Older Adults

The immune system of older folks may not be able to respond quickly and effectively to eliminate the illness.

Pregnant Women

Studies show that changes in metabolism and circulation during pregnancy may increase the chances and severity of food poisoning. There is the possibility that an unborn child might get sick as well.

Infants and Children

The immune systems of infants and children haven’t fully developed, so their bodies struggle to combat the infectious organisms.

Chronic Illness Sufferers

Chronic illness or disease patients’ bodies are already compromised through conditions like liver disease, diabetes, and aids, or when having treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy. These chronic conditions and treatments reduce immune response.

Causes of Food Poisoning

Contamination can occur during growing, harvesting, processing, storing, shipping, or in-home preparation.

Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is the transference of harmful organisms from surface to surface, and from food to food. This is a problem when preparing raw meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods, all of which contain harmful organisms.

To prevent food poisoning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands frequently while preparing food.

Listeria Infection

A Listeria infection can also give rise to food poisoning-like complications. Listeria food poisoning in an unborn baby can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. In fact, it can even result in the post-natal deaths of newborns. Also, babies that are able to recover might have delayed development or even long-term neurological damage.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is another potential danger. Certain strains of E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome. This complication damages the blood vessels in the kidney by attacking the lining of the blood vessels.

Older adults and children under the age of 5 are at risk as they have weaker immune systems. Therefore, people in this age group should be taken to the doctor immediately if experiencing profuse diarrhea or if diarrhea contains blood.

Food Poisoning Prevention

• Wash your hands, surfaces, and equipment with hot soapy water frequently.
• Wash fresh produce thoroughly.
• Separate raw foods from cooked foods in the refrigerator – especially meat and fish.
• Cook food thoroughly to a safe temperature.
• Promptly freeze or refrigerate perishable foods.
• Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator. Cook immediately.
• Any doubt? Toss it out!

Helpful reading: Foodborne Germs and Illnesses – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We strive to provide the attention patients need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Clinics in Omaha & Bellevue, Nebraska has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three walk-in clinics are:

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