Food poisoning

A poison is a substance that can cause illness or harm the body. The most common type of poisoning is through ingestion or oral intake in the form of a medication or food. Food poisoning can be caused by eating contaminated food. Contaminants can be bacteria, chemicals, or natural toxins. Bacteria commonly associated with food poisoning are clostridium botulinum and salmonella.

Salmonella infection is caused by contaminated foods and improper or uncooked meats and eggs. This is manifested by abdominal cramps, persistent diarrhea and continuous nausea and vomiting. Insects and other household pests may be a health threat. Rats and cockroaches may contaminate food and water. Poisoning is a medical emergency because the access is through the oral cavity and digestion occur the hydrochloric acid increases putting client in serious condition.

To prevent food poisoning, many health practitioners are conducting health teachings to help clients be more aware of this hazardous crisis. Wash hands thoroughly after touching substances especially before cooking. Caution children about home safety; make sure that the food is well cooked. To eradicate the pests, use insecticides or pesticides but after using the killing substances, make sure that you dispose properly and avoid putting in shelves were condiments for cooking is there. Food poisoning happens when chemicals such as cleaning substances is accidentally being mixed in the food. Keep the house cleaning products in safe places and higher shelves so that children will not be able to reach it.

Four P's should be observing properly when handling foods. Properly cooked foods, for example boil thoroughly the meat before adding ingredients. Proper handling of food such as performing handwashing before cooking. Proper storage by not putting hot meals in the refrigerator. Proper disposal of spoiled food.

In the emergency room, gastric lavage was being perform to induce vomiting and let the food come out. This was done through a nasogastric tube insertion and asepto syringe then poured an approximately ten ml normal saline solution directly to the gastrointestinal tract. Caution! Gastric lavage should not be perform when the poisonous substance is not hazardous and cannot destroy the buccal mucosa and the client should feel no burning sensation because this can burn the esophagus and lead to life threatening instances.

For fresh and raw foods limit the intake and it is better not to consume this foods if you are not sure where the seller get this. Do not feed your baby seafoods because known from researches this can cause allergies or food poisoning. For canned foods store properly to a clean and dry place avoid exposure to direct sunlight because this will lead to botulism. Do not buy a food that does not have expiration date and manufactured date.