What to do in case of food poisoning?

Ask:

What are the signs of food poisoning and what should I do if I can't get to the hospital in time? I would appreciate your advice, doctor.

Mai Hoang ( Hanoi )

Illustrative image.

Dr. Ngo Chi Cuong, Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Medlatec General Hospital, answers:

The first signs that suggest food poisoning include abdominal cramps, loose stools more than three times in 24 hours, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms such as a high fever above 39 degrees Celsius; symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry skin, dry lips, sunken eyes, etc.

In more severe cases, symptoms may include rapid pulse, rapid breathing, lethargy, seizures, etc.

In young children, symptoms may include dry lips, dry tongue, sunken eyes, and crying without tears.

If food poisoning is not treated promptly, the condition can worsen and lead to dangerous complications such as sepsis, organ failure, electrolyte imbalance, and in severe cases, even death.

Depending on the stage, the symptoms can be treated in the following ways:

Within 4-6 hours after eating, if symptoms of food poisoning appear, the food is still in the stomach and has not yet passed into the intestines, so it is necessary to urgently expel the contaminated food from the stomach.

Common methods for inducing vomiting include tickling the throat if the patient is still conscious. Alternatively, the patient can be given a diluted salt solution (2 tablespoons of salt mixed in a glass of warm water), then tickling the throat to stimulate vomiting.

If the patient is drowsy, unresponsive, or may have seizures, vomiting should not be induced to prevent choking.

For people with food poisoning and diarrhea: They should drink plenty of water, but avoid milk. Mix 1 liter of water with 1 packet of Oresol, or if Oresol is unavailable, mix ½ teaspoon of salt with 4 teaspoons of sugar in 1 liter of water and have the patient drink it to prevent dehydration. Additionally, drinking plenty of water helps neutralize toxins in the body and limit their effects.

In cases of severe poisoning, symptoms such as frequent vomiting and diarrhea, headache, numb lips, and rashes should be immediately addressed at a medical facility for prompt emergency treatment.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/ngo-doc-thuc-pham-xu-tri-the-nao-19225020413085873.htm