Food Poisoning Symptoms
Food poisoning illness results from eating food contaminated with bacteria
(or their toxins) or other pathogens such as parasites or viruses. All foods
naturally contain small amounts of bacteria. But poor handling of food, improper
cooking or inadequate storage can result in bacteria multiplying in great enough
numbers to cause illness. Food poisoning illnesses range from upset
stomach to more serious symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal
cramps, and dehydration. Although most foodborne infections are undiagnosed and
unreported, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every
year about 76 million people in the United States become ill from pathogens in
food. Of these, about 5,000 die.
Whether you become ill after eating contaminated food depends on the
organism, the amount of exposure, your age and your health. High-risk groups
include:
- Older adults. As you get older, your immune system may
not respond as quickly and effectively to infectious organisms as when you
were younger.
- Infants and young children. Their immune systems
haven't fully developed.
- People with chronic disease. Having a chronic
condition, such as diabetes or AIDS, or receiving chemotherapy or radiation
therapy for cancer reduces your immune response.
Symptoms of food poisoning resemble intestinal flu and may last a few hours
or even several days. Symptoms can range from mild to serious and include:
- abdominal cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fever
- dehydration
You should see a doctor immediately if they develop watery or bloody diarrhea,
abdominal cramping, nausea and malaise. If you're not in an at-risk group, see
your doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Food Poisoning Symptoms to F
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