FOOD
POISONING.
Are you getting bombarded with those department store flyers,
attempting to catch your eye with sales on the latest and greatest
outdoor grills? WAIT…because before you invest in a super
Weber grill, it's important that you educate yourself on the safety
of handling and grilling food for your summer parties. One outbreak
of food poisoning, such as salmonella, is a sure way to have your
guest list cut in half at your next gathering. So clean off those
grills, prepare the marinade sauce, and let's get ready for a
healthy summer of "safe grilling!"
What is food poisoning? Food poisoning
is a gastrointestinal (GI) illness that we develop after eating
contaminated or improperly
cooked food. The symptoms may be short lived and are generally
not life threatening, just very unpleasant.
What causes food poisoning? Bacteria,
viruses or a parasite may cause food poisoning. On a daily basis,
we are all exposed to
several of the above toxins in small amounts. We even ingest these
bugs in small amounts. But, when large amounts of a bacteria,
viruses, or parasites are ingested, symptoms and illness may occur.
Some of the common bacteria include staphylococcus and salmonella.
Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning
in the United States, followed by salmonella. Less common bacteria
may include clostridium or bacillus. These bacteria, through improper
handling or cooking, may contaminate foods. The food handler may
be ill or the utensils used may be contaminated causing the bacteria
to be transmitted into the food.
Most viruses that infect the human GI tract live in water. Drinking
contaminated water or washing food with this water may infect
humans. Additionally, seafood may also become infected from their
contaminated environment.
Parasites are a little less common, but most people are familiar
with trichinosis. This comes from the digestion of improperly
cooked pork.
What are the symptoms? In general,
the onset of symptoms may occur within one hour to several hours
after the exposure to contaminated
foods. Patients may complain of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping
and diarrhea. The symptoms are brought on by the production of
toxins from the offending bacteria or virus.
Food poisoning that is caused by staphylococcus may generate symptoms
within 30 minutes of ingestion and may last for a day or two.
Salmonella food poisoning generally has a longer onset of action
and the course may last up to five days. The symptoms caused by
both bacteria are almost the same, so one cannot differentiate
the bacteria on the basis symptoms of the infecting bug.
The symptoms are usually self-limited and will resolve with symptomatic
home treatments within a day or two. In the event that there is
localized abdominal pain or fever, you must see your health care
provider.
What should I do? As noted, there is
no specific treatment for food poisoning. You may not feel like
eating for a day or two,
but it is important to remember that clear liquids can help in
the healing process. You should also try to avoid all dairy products
for a couple of days, as this may irritate your stomach. In the
event that the above simple remedies do not help, you may need
to see your doctor.
How is it diagnosed? Usually, your
health care provider will take a very accurate history, but it
is important for you to confirm
if others have the same exposure and symptoms. A culture of the
stool may be obtained with prolonged cases and an antibiotic may
be prescribed on the basis of these results. Anti-nauseant medications
may be prescribed in order for the patient to orally rehydrate
himself. Inpatient hospitalization is usually not required for
treatment.
How can I prevent this? As you move
outside to cook and dine, it is important to follow some simple
rules. Be sure that all
foods are appropriately stored in a cool environment until ready
for cooking. Be sure to wash platters that have had uncooked meats
on them prior to serving the finished product. Make sure that
your hands and utensils are washed after handing uncooked meats.
Be sure to check on and follow temperature and time recommendations
for grilling of meats. All of these recommendations require good
common sense.
Should I seek medical attention? Food
poisoning is usually not life threatening and usually the remedies
recommended above will
take care of the situation. People at risk for complications are
the very young and very old. Also, people with several underlying
medical conditions or that have poor immune systems may require
more aggressive treatment. As always, in the event that you are
unsure about what to do, seek medical advice from a qualified
health care professional.
