Food poisoning is a serious condition and it’s very important that you get to the doctor as soon as possible if you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from it. However that said, it is possible to treat or at least manage some of the symptoms at home while you wait for medical aid. Here we will look at some ways to do that.
Immediately After
If you suspect that you might have eaten something dodgy, then you can use activated charcoal to lessen or prevent the issue. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has tiny air pockets in it which make it absorbent in the way of a sponge. This allows it to literally absorb some of the bacteria it comes into contact with so they can’t get through the stomach lining and then passes through the system.
Failing this you may begin to notice the initial signs of food poisoning which vary but can include serious headaches, diarrhoea, vomiting, tiredness, gas and nausea.
Treating the Symptoms
After you’ve seen the doctor you may be given a course of antibiotics to take. In the meantime there are some ways you can help to ease the symptoms of food poisoning. These include getting lots of rest, which allows your immune system to focus on combating the bacteria with antibodies.
Likewise it is very important to make sure you get lots of water and keep hydrating. If you are repeatedly being sick which is common with food poisoning, then there will be a high chance of dehydration. Make sure then that you drink lots of water, and if necessary drink some sugary tea or a sports drink to replace your sugar and salt.
You might find that limiting the patient’s diet to just fluids can help to combat feelings of nausea, while at the same time making vomiting a little less traumatic. As the condition starts to subside, dry foods like crackers and bread can be useful.
Meanwhile you are also likely to suffer diarrhoea which is one of the main hallmarks of food poisoning. You can address this with a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications which can help you to feel a little more human. You might also want to try an over-the-counter electrolyte replacement supplement unless you are using those isotonic sports drinks. Likewise analgesics can help to combat any headache symptoms, but stick to paracetamol rather than ibuprofen which is harsh on the stomach.
Prevention
Of course prevention is always better than a cure, and if you can avoid eating the wrong thing in the first place this will be vastly preferable to treating the symptoms and having an awful few days. Always make sure your food is wrapped and that you get it from a trustworthy source. Wash your hands after dealing with any raw meat, and make sure to wash all chopping boards and knives immediately after using them so that you don’t spread the germs.