Food poisoning, when not treated immediately can be fatal. It can start as a minor headache and can escalate to a more severe stage in less than an hour of non-treatment. While it can be categorized as an emergency case, there are ways you can help ease, if not stop, the effects of food poisoning. A person who is experiencing the condition should receive medical attention to prevent the most adverse effects of food poisoning. In certain cases, emergency care for food poisoning is needed and a first aid training can help lessen the rate of severity of the condition.
First aid and home remedies for food poisoning
- When the person is experiencing nausea and vomiting, let him vomit. This is the first step in removing the poison in his body. After this, the person may feel a lot better.
- Apply cold towel on the forehead to ease the headache.
- If the person is dehydrated, let the person sip water.
- The person may experience food cravings later. Make sure to avoid eating greasy or spicy food. Crackers and bread are your best options.
Call a doctor immediately when:
- The symptoms of nausea and vomiting or diarrhea last for more than 2 days.
- The person experience severe dizziness
- There is blood in the stool
- Severe dehydration
- Erratic heart palpitation
Emergency care for food poisoning
In case the condition becomes a medical emergency at home, you can do the following:
- Allow the person to drink diluted juice once the vomiting stops. In case the person cannot tolerate fluid intake, take the person to the hospital immediately.
- Severe anaphylactic reaction may occur due to food poisoning that can induce an allergic reaction. Use an epinephrine kit to prevent the adverse serious effects of anaphylaxis.
- Small children can easily become dehydrated with vomiting than adults. Make sure to take the child to a doctor to prevent more serious complications on your child’s condition.
- Take oral rehydration mixtures for fluid replacement after vomiting.
- Help the person to become comfortable as the condition may result in further agitation to the person’s behavior.
- Give paracetamol to reduce fever.
Prevention against food poisoning
Food poisoning can be prevented by taking the following measures to ensure safety in your home and kitchen especially to children:
- Sanitize your countertops, kitchen table, plates and other kitchen utensils.
- Always do the habit of checking the expiration date on the foods stored in your cupboards and refrigerator.
- Keep in mind the precautions provided in the food labels.
- Always refrigerate leftovers and throw perishable foods immediately when no longer viable for cooking.
- Rinse the fruits and vegetables well before serving.
- Wash your hands regularly.
Reference:
WebMD. Food Poisoning. Retrieved on June 18, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/food-poisoning