Managing food poisoning

Safwan, a 6 years old boy came to me after celebration of Bangla New Year, he came to me with acute diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and muscle cramp. His younger sister and parents also developed similar symptoms. On query he told me that he took panta, dry hilsha fry and other items as a part of celebration of new year the previous last night and following which his tummy was not behaving well. This is a typical scenario of food poisoning.
Definition of food poisoning is an acute gastrointestinal condition characterised by symptoms as headache, fever, chills, abdominal and muscular pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and prostration caused by contaminated foods and water. It usually occurs in a group of people who consume the food together.
Consumption of germs and chemical contaminated food and water typically cause food poisoning. Samonella, staphylococci, E. coli, shigella , campylobacter jejuni, rotavirus and some parasites may cause food poisoning. Contaminated meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, sea food, unwashed fruits and vegetables etc. are claimed to be the culprit. Contaminated water and drinks are also equally responsible.
Symptoms and signs are not very serious — occasional hospitalisation are needed. But proper home care is very important to tackle the episodes. Start drinking oral rehydration saline (ORS), green coconut water and plain water plenty as soon as the symptoms starts. Antibiotics are rarely needed but sometimes anti emetic may be needed. If dehydration and electrolyte imbalance occurs, hospitalisation is advised.
To prevent such problem proper food and health hygiene to be maintained.

The author is working in the department of Paediatrics of Community Based Medical College Hospital (CBMC), Mymensingh. E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com