Food poisoning is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone. Food is something to be enjoyed, and the idea that one can become unwell because of food isn’t something to entertain. The condition happens when someone eats food contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as norovirus, salmonella, E. coli, or campylobacter, that cause a bodily reaction. Also called foodborne illness, the condition happens when someone mishandles or doesn’t cook the food thoroughly.
Food poisoning can happen to anyone, and symptoms appear within 12 to 48 hours after ingesting the food; some symptoms even appear as quickly as an hour after ingestion. Although most food poisoning cases are typically not lethal, as some manifestations will clear out after a long bout in the toilet, some need immediate medical assistance and can prove fatal. However, in most cases, food poisoning is curable. The discomfort will linger, but patients are expected to recover fully.
Several food poisoning symptoms will cause the person to feel queasy and weak. Seeking medical attention is necessary when the person feels too pained to move because of abdominal pain or has continuously violent diarrhea for three days or more.
Here are some food poisoning symptoms everyone must know.
Nausea
Nausea is one of the first symptoms that manifest when someone eats contaminated food. People describe the feeling of nausea as the sensation of wanting to vomit or feeling queasy and unsettled. The sensation is due to the upset gastrointestinal balance that manifests as part of the condition. People who feel nauseous feel lightheaded, and in some cases, it can lead to vomiting. However, once the person finishes the episodic vomiting, they can feel better.
If a person feels nauseous and suspects they’ve eaten contaminated food, they should get plenty of fresh air and do breathing exercises to prevent them from passing out. They must also rehydrate using cold water, peppermint, or ginger tea, as these can relieve the upset stomach that causes the sensation. In addition, these drinks can soothe the stomach walls with their anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, they recommend avoiding strenuous activities to prevent nausea and once the sensation manifests, try to compose oneself until it passes. Sucking on ice chips will also help manage the situation. Finally, never induce vomiting without medical supervision because it may do more harm than good.
