Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness contracted by consuming contaminated food or beverages.

There are different types of food poisoning depending on the causative agent:

• Bacterial poisoning: this is the most common form and occurs when these microorganisms are present in food.
• Salmonella: found in raw meat, undercooked eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli): usually found in undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or water.
• Listeria: may be present in water and foods that have been in contact with contaminated soil. It can also be found in cured meats, pâtés, smoked fish, and unpasteurized dairy products.
• Clostridium botulinum (botulism): associated with improperly prepared homemade preserves, smoked or salted fish, herbs, or honey, which contains harmless spores for adults that can be harmful to children under one year of age.
• Viral poisoning: occurs when a person with a viral infection handles food without following proper hygiene measures.
• Norovirus: spreads easily and causes viral gastroenteritis.
• Rotavirus: commonly affects young children.
• Hepatitis A: transmitted through food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person.
• Parasitic poisoning: caused by organisms present in food.
• Anisakis: found in raw or undercooked fish and seafood.
• Toxoplasmosis: may be present in raw or undercooked meat and can also be transmitted through cat feces. It is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or pregnant women, as it can harm the fetus.
• Fungal poisoning: some mushrooms are poisonous and cause severe intoxications that damage the liver and kidneys.
• Toxic agent poisoning: caused by heavy metals or natural toxins.

In most cases, food poisoning is mild and resolves on its own without complications within several hours to a week. Specific treatment is usually unnecessary, except when symptoms are severe or occur in high-risk groups.

Symptoms

Although symptoms vary depending on the type of food poisoning, the most common are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Bloody stools

Patients with neurological involvement may experience:

• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Loss of mobility in the limbs
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tingling sensation in the skin
• Changes in voice tone

Causes

The most frequent causes of food poisoning include:

• Poor hygiene when handling food, especially inadequate handwashing.
• Lack of cleanliness on kitchen surfaces and utensils.
• Improper food storage.
• Consumption of the following types of food:
• Non-potable water
• Raw or undercooked meat, fish, seafood, and eggs
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Unpasteurized dairy products

Risk Factors

Food poisoning can affect anyone, but it tends to be more severe or cause complications in the following groups:

• Infants
• Young children
• Elderly people
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Complications

It is uncommon for food poisoning to cause complications. When they do occur, they may include:

• Dehydration due to the loss of fluids, salts, and minerals through vomiting and diarrhea.
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome: blood clots form in the kidneys, preventing proper blood filtration.
• Meningitis: inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Systemic infection: bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
• Septicemia: an exaggerated immune response to the infection that damages the body’s own tissues.
• Miscarriage.

Prevention

To prevent food poisoning, it is recommended to:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food or eating, and after using the bathroom.
• Wash fruits and vegetables that will not be peeled or cooked.
• Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
• Avoid raw meat, fish, or eggs.
• Store food properly: refrigerate if it will be consumed within two to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Clean cooking surfaces, utensils, and the refrigerator regularly and thoroughly.

Which doctor treats food poisoning?

Food poisoning can be treated by specialists in general medicine, gastroenterology, or emergency medicine.