🔹 What is Food Poisoning? (फूड पॉयजनिंग क्या है?)

 

Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

(By Dr. Kamlesh Agrawal – MD Medicine, Radha Krishna Hospital, Kota & Baran)

Best Physician and Doctor in Kota & Baran

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🔹 What is Food Poisoning? (फूड पॉयजनिंग क्या है?)

Food poisoning occurs when a person eats contaminated food containing bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins.
फूड पॉयजनिंग तब होती है जब हम दूषित भोजन खा लेते हैं, जिसमें बैक्टीरिया, वायरस, परजीवी या टॉक्सिन होते हैं।

Most cases are mild but sometimes it becomes serious, especially for children, elderly, pregnant women, and patients with chronic diseases.

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🔹 Common Causes (कारण)

• Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus

• Viruses: Norovirus, Rotavirus

• Parasites: Giardia

• Toxins: Contaminated food, spoiled milk, stale sweets

• Improper food handling: Unhygienic kitchens, street food

• Unwashed vegetables or fruits

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🔹 Symptoms (लक्षण)

Symptoms usually appear within 1–12 hours after eating contaminated food.

• Nausea & vomiting

• Loose motions / diarrhea

• Stomach cramps

• Fever

• Weakness & dehydration

• Headache

• Loss of appetite

गंभीर मामलों में:

• High fever

• Bloody diarrhea

• Severe dehydration

• Low urine output

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🔹 When to See a Doctor? (डॉक्टर कब दिखाना चाहिए?)

Seek urgent care if:

• Vomiting for more than 12 hours

• Diarrhea more than 8–10 times/day

• Blood in stool

• Very low urine output

• High fever

• Signs of severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, sunken eyes)

Children, elderly and pregnant women need early treatment.

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🔹 Diagnosis (जाँचें)

At Radha Krishna Hospital, the following tests may be done:

• CBC

• Stool routine & culture

• Serum electrolytes

• Kidney function tests

• Urine routine

• Ultrasound if abdominal pain is severe

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🔹 Treatment (उपचार)

1. Rehydration (सबसे ज़रूरी)

• ORS every 15–20 minutes

• Coconut water / lemonade

2. Medicines

• Anti-emetic (for vomiting)

• Antibiotics only if bacterial infection suspected

• Probiotics

• IV fluids if dehydration is severe

3. Diet

• Light meals: Khichdi, dal-rice, curd, bananas

• Avoid milk, spicy food, oily food, outside food

• Avoid raw salads temporarily

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🔹 Prevention (बचाव)

• Always wash hands before eating

• Avoid stale food

• Ensure proper refrigeration

• Drink clean RO or boiled water

• Avoid uncovered street foods

• Cook food thoroughly

• Maintain kitchen cleanliness

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🔹 Key Message

Food poisoning is common but preventable and easily treatable with timely care.
If symptoms persist or dehydration appears, don’t delay medical help.