Food poisoning is an acute disease, the development of which is associated with eating food contaminated with pathogens or their toxins, as well as contaminated with other substances of non-microbial origin or containing poisonous ingredients. Food poisoning in adults requires immediate treatment, which should begin with the first symptoms and signs, because in many cases, pathology can threaten the patient's life.
Symptoms of food poisoning in adults
The manifestations of poisoning can be different, depending on many factors:
- the type and quantity of the product eaten;
- type of pathogens or toxins;
- general condition of the body, etc.
As a rule, the first signs are observed after a couple of hours after the use of the poison product. At the same time, the development of the disease can be dangerous not only for the patient himself, but also for people around him, if the poisoning is caused by infectious factors. Therefore, if possible, patients with symptoms of poisoning should be isolated, and when helping them to comply with safety measures.
So, in most cases, the clinical picture of food poisoning consists of the following symptoms:
- elevated body temperature (the temperature during food poisoning in adults does not always rise or slightly increases);
- pain in the abdomen, more often acute, cramping;
- nausea;
- vomiting (single, multiple);
- increased salivation;
- a frequent liquid stool, often containing the remains of undigested food, mucus, and blood.
- headache;
- strong weakness.
In severe cases, patients may experience:
- visual impairment;
- muscle weakness or pain;
- hallucinations;
- coma;
- paresis;
- paralysis;
- fainting condition, etc.
First aid for food poisoning
The first thing to do when the initial symptoms of food poisoning, - to wash the stomach . With an easy degree of poisoning, this procedure, which allows you to get rid of the poisonous substances in the stomach, is one of the main medical measures at home. It is recommended to hold it as far as possible before the arrival of an ambulance, if the victim is conscious. For gastric lavage:
- Drink at least a half-liter of liquid (not water, but a weak solution of potassium permanganate or soda).
- Using a spatula, a spoon or a finger, press down on the root of the tongue for the appearance of a vomiting reflex.
- Repeat these actions until a clean wash water appears from the stomach.
- After cleaning the stomach to prevent dehydration should be consumed more liquid - purified or mineral water (alkaline without gas), unsweetened tea, compote of dried fruits, dog-boiled broth, etc.
Medicines for food poisoning in adults
To eliminate intoxication and prompt removal of toxins from the body during food poisoning in adults, drugs from the sorbent group are recommended:
- Activated carbon;
- Sorbeks;
- Enterosgel;
- Atoxyl, etc.
Such medicines can also be prescribed:
- rehydration solutions - to compensate for fluid losses associated with frequent stools and vomiting (Regidron, Reosolan, Hydrovit, etc.);
- antispasmodics (No-shpa, Drotaverin, etc.);
- antidiarrheal agents (Loperamide, Imodium, Uzara, etc.);
- antibiotics or intestinal antiseptics - in the infectious nature of poisoning (Ciprofloxacin, Ftalazol, Interix, etc.);
- probiotics (Lactobacterin, Normugut, Symbioflor, etc.).
It should be understood that not only medicines help get rid of the effects of poisoning. Compliance with a special diet is of the utmost importance.