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Food Poisoning is a "catch all" term for multiple syndromes that affect the stomach. Foods that are often the cause are as follows: under-cooked poultry, eggs, meats, and dairy products. Any food can serve as a medium for these organisms.
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- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Sometimes fever
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- Staphylococcus -- found in food that has been left unrefrigerated, which produces a toxin that causes the symptoms (often found in high protein foods, such as egg salad, heavy creams, and ham).
- Bacillus cereus -- found in cooked rice left unrefrigerated, also in cereals, vegetables, meats and dried foods.
- Salmonella -- found in undercooked poultry or meats.
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli -- may be found in most foods, raw fruits, vegetables, and contaminated water.
- E. Coli 0157:H7 -- can cause severe bleeding in the colon. This is the cause of deaths from "bad meat" at restaurants.
- Entamoeba histolytica -- a parasite found in areas where human feces may contaminate the soil or water.
- Giardia -- fecal contaminated water
- Botulism --
improperly canned foods (especially non-acidic vegetables, canned meats)
- Clostridia -- found in meats, vegetables, and gravies
- Shigella -- found in raw vegetables, contaminated water, other foods (e.g., egg salad)
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- Food sent for culture and evaluation for toxins
- Stool sent for culture and evaluation for toxins
- Blood count if significant bleeding with Diarrhea
- Electrolytes, BUN, and Creatinine to evaluate person for Dehydration
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- Clear liquids -- water, electrolyte-containing beverages, e.g., sports drinks, Pedialyte, and juices
- BRAT diet (if feel need to eat) -- bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast
- Intravenous fluids if necessary
- Ciprofloxacin for 5 days may shorten the course of some bacterial infections (It is the physician's decision to determine whether to use)
- If there is an underlying cause (such as Giardia), treatment appropriate to the cause.
- AntiDiarrheal medications,
e.g., Imodium -- use only if there is no blood in the Diarrhea. Try to minimize use, as slowing Diarrhea may cause the infection to last longer.
- If Botulism is suspected
-- patient receives Botulism
anti-toxin. This is a life-threatening emergency. See section on Botulism.
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- Avoid eating unrefrigerated food (note since the cause is a toxin produced by the bacteria, and not the bacteria themselves, re-heating does not help -- it kills the bacteria, but the toxin is still present. Eat at restaurants with high health standards. Individuals involved in food preparation need to always wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap.
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