What is food poisoning?
Foodborne illness, often known as food poisoning, occurs when we consume contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While it can be quite uncomfortable, food poisoning is relatively common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , approximately 48 million people in the United States, which is about 1 out of 7, experience some form of food poisoning annually. Among these cases, 128,000 individuals require hospitalization.
Food poisoning - Symptoms and causes | ABC Pharmacy Hoi An
Food poisoning symptoms
Detecting food poisoning is usually not difficult due to its noticeable symptoms, which can vary depending on the source of the infection.
Common cases of food poisoning often present several of these symptoms:
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Mild fever
Weakness
Headache
However, some instances of food poisoning can be life-threatening and exhibit symptoms like:
Diarrhea lasting over 3 days
A fever exceeding 102°F (38.9°C)
Difficulty in vision or speech
Signs of severe dehydration, including a dry mouth, minimal urination, and inability to retain fluids
Presence of blood in urine
Food poisoning - Symptoms and causes | ABC Pharmacy Hoi An
If you encounter any of these severe symptoms, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention or consult a doctor
How long does food poisoning last?
The length of time it takes for symptoms to appear depends on the source of the infection, but it can range from as little as 30 minutes to as long as 8 weeks .
With or without treatment, most cases will resolve in 1 week .
Causes
Foodborne illnesses can be caused by various harmful agents known as contaminants. When a food or drink contains these contaminants, it is considered 'contaminated.' Contamination can occur through:
Bacteria.
Viruses.
Parasites capable of residing in the intestines.
Poisons, often referred to as toxins.
Bacteria that either produce or carry toxins.
Molds that produce toxins.
How food becomes contaminated
Food contamination can occur at various stages, spanning from farm or fishery to the dining table. Issues can arise during growth, harvest, catch, processing, storage, transportation, or preparation.
Contamination risks are not limited to commercial settings; they extend to homes as well due to factors like:
Inadequate handwashing: Neglecting proper hand hygiene can transfer fecal matter and other contaminants to food during preparation or serving.
Failure to disinfect cooking and eating areas: Tools like knives and cutting boards, when left unwashed and unsterilized, can spread contaminants.
Incorrect storage practices: Leaving food at room temperature for extended periods can lead to contamination. Additionally, incorrect refrigerator or freezer temperatures can cause spoilage.
When to see a doctor
Infants and children
Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause low levels of body fluids, also called dehydration, in infants and children. This can cause serious illness in infants.
Call your child's health care provider if your child's symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea and any of the following:
Unusual changes in behavior or thinking.
Excessive thirst.
Little or no urination.
Weakness.
Dizziness.
Diarrhea that lasts more than a day.
Vomiting often.
Stools that have blood or pus.
Stools that are black or tarry.
Severe pain in the stomach or rectum.
Any fever in children under 2 years of age.
Fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or higher in older children.
History of other medical problems.
Adults
Adults should see a health care provider or get emergency care if the following occur:
Nervous system symptoms, such as blurry vision, muscle weakness and tingling of skin.
Changes in thinking or behavior.
Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius).
Vomiting often.
Diarrhea that lasts more than three days.
Symptoms of dehydration — excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Seeking Pharmacy Care for Food Poisoning Treatment in Hoi An?
If you find yourself dealing with food poisoning while in Hoi An, don't hesitate to seek assistance from ABC Pharmacy Hoi An drugstore . Food poisoning can be quite uncomfortable, but the knowledgeable staff at ABC Pharmacy ABC Pharmacy in Hoi An
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We currently operate two drugstores in Hoi An. You have the option to visit either of our locations in person, or you can easily get in touch with us by sending a message on WhatsApp using the information provided below. Your convenience is our priority.
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Whatapp : +84 796 714 393 (Pharmacist: Hang )
Address 1 : 29 Hoang Dieu, Hoi An, Quang Nam – +84 235 6336 599
Address 2 : 140 Nguyen Truong To, Hoi An, Quang Nam +84 235 3788 345
Address 3 : 495 Cua Dai, Hoi An, Quang Nam +84 235 3929 599
Address 4 : 46 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An, Quang Nam +84 235 3879 599
Our commitment to providing the best pharmacy services in Hoi An has earned us the trust and loyalty of many satisfied customers. As a leading drugstore in Hoi An, our dedication to excellence in healthcare is reflected in the positive feedback and recommendations we receive from those we've had the privilege to serve. Don't just take our word for it; you can verify our exceptional pharmacy service by checking out the numerous positive reviews on Google. We take great pride in the confidence our customers place in us as the go-to drugstore in Hoi An, and we strive to maintain the highest standards of care for your well-being.
