Measures to Handle Food Poisoning at Home

Food poisoning often occurs after consuming contaminated food or drinks, spoiled or rotten food, as well as food containing preservatives or additives. The primary cause of food poisoning is the consumption of food that is not hygienic. So, what should you do when experiencing food poisoning?

Causes of Food Poisoning

• Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Food containing harmful additives such as preservatives, coloring agents, flavoring agents, etc.
• Food that naturally contains toxins or has been contaminated by environmental pollutants.

Types of Food Poisoning and Symptoms

According to research experts, food poisoning can be classified into two types: acute poisoning and chronic poisoning.

Acute Poisoning occurs immediately after eating, exhibiting symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Food poisoning can be very dangerous if the patient shows severe digestive symptoms, dehydration, infection, or additional symptoms such as:

• Nervous system disorders: Especially blurred vision, double vision, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, muscle paralysis, seizures, headaches, dizziness.
• Cardiovascular disorders: Low blood pressure, arrhythmia, difficulty breathing.
• Presence of blood or mucus in stools, low urine output, pain in areas other than the abdomen (such as chest, neck, jaw, throat).
• Weakened immune system: Particularly in young children under 2 years old, the elderly, people on immunosuppressive medications (commonly used for joint diseases, cancer, allergies), the malnourished, individuals with peptic ulcer disease, liver disease, or pigment disorders.

Typically, acute food poisoning symptoms will appear within minutes, hours, or within 1-2 days after ingesting contaminated food. Severe food poisoning can lead to death, while milder cases can cause fatigue and exhaustion both physically and mentally. Therefore, protecting oneself is the first necessary step to consider, including being equipped with important knowledge about first aid steps when experiencing food poisoning.

Chronic Poisoning is a form of poisoning that does not show clear symptoms and does not manifest immediately after eating. In this form, toxins accumulate in various parts of the body, affecting metabolic processes and, over time, leading to cancer and other serious diseases.

How to Handle Food Poisoning

When inducing vomiting in children, adults must be careful to avoid injuring the child’s throat.

What to do when experiencing food poisoning? If symptoms occur within 6 hours after consuming contaminated food, the affected person should be induced to vomit to expel all ingested food.

You can induce vomiting by: Using a feather to tickle the throat, drinking a glass of warm salted water (2 tablespoons of salt in 1 cup of warm water), or drinking plenty of water and then inducing vomiting to stimulate the response.

However, when inducing vomiting in children, adults must be careful to avoid injuring the child’s throat. The child should lie with their head down, tilting their head to one side while inducing vomiting to expel the food. Do not let the child lie on their back while vomiting, as this can cause choking and potentially lead to death. During the vomiting process, always have a cloth ready for cleaning. Clean the child’s mouth after vomiting and use a soft cloth to wipe it clean.

If you exhibit symptoms of acute poisoning, you need to take measures to expel the toxins.

In cases where poisoning occurs after consuming contaminated food beyond 6 hours, the toxins have partially absorbed into the body, and you should handle it as follows:

• Use neutralizing agents: If the poisoning is due to acids, alkaline substances such as 1% soap solution or 4% magnesium oxide can be administered, 15ml every 5 minutes. However, absolutely do not use saline to avoid the formation of CO₂ which can perforate the stomach in patients with a history of peptic ulcers. If the poisoning is due to alkalis, a mild acid solution such as vinegar or sour fruit juice may be given.
• Use mucosal protectants: such as flour, rice flour, milk, egg whites, or rice porridge to prevent the absorption of toxins by the stomach and intestines.
• Use precipitating agents: If there is metal poisoning (lead, mercury, etc.), egg whites, milk, or 4 to 10 grams of sodium sulfate can be used.
• Use detoxifying agents: For individuals with heavy metal poisoning or acid poisoning, they can drink a combination of detoxifying agents such as activated charcoal or magnesium oxide.

Note: In all cases of poisoning, the affected person should be taken immediately to a medical facility for a doctor to provide an appropriate and timely emergency treatment plan.

Care should be taken in choosing and preparing food to prevent food poisoning.

Preventing Food Poisoning

To effectively reduce the risk of food poisoning, you can apply the following methods:

• Consume fresh meat, fish, fresh vegetables, uncracked eggs, and avoid old eggs.
• Avoid eating packaged canned food; if necessary, ensure to cook it thoroughly before consumption.
• Do not consume butter, milk, or dairy products that have been stored for too long.
• Fresh meat and fish should be placed in clean bags and stored in the freezer. Once thawed, consume all at once and do not refreeze.
• Food stored in the refrigerator should not be consumed after 1-2 days, as bacteria may proliferate.
• Dispose of food with unusual odors.
• Avoid eating fish or meat that is spoiled or beginning to spoil.
• Be cautious when eating while traveling.
• Maintain personal hygiene.