Bacterial Food Poisoning – Ways of Getting Affected

Food poisoning is caused by the consumption of contaminated foods which contains disease causing agents like bacteria or virus or by the consumption of foods like mushrooms which contain toxins. Of the different types of food poisoning, bacterial food poisoning is the most common type.

Bacterial Food Poisoning – Two Types Of Poisoning

Bacterial food poisoning, which is caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water can happen in two different manners. In the first type of food poisoning, the bacteria affects the intestines directly. This will lead to inflammation of the intestines making the proper absorption and digestion of food particles a difficult process. This finally leads to the condition of diarrhea. Another type of bacterial food poisoning is caused by the action of exotoxins. Exotoxins are harmful chemical agents which are secreted by the body cells along with the growth of the bacteria. Even if the bacteria responsible for the food poisoning is killed, the exotoxins present in the body will still be able to produce conditions of illness in the individual. The common symptoms of food poisoning by bacteria includes diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort. The types and symptoms of the food poisoning will vary with the strain of bacteria involved.

Salmonella Poisoning Symptoms – Moderate to Life Threatening

Salmonellosis is the food poisoning caused by a kind of bacteria known as Salmonella. This kind of food poisoning can occur by the consumption of contaminated dairy products, peanut butter, raw meat and fishes like shrimp. Fever, headache, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea are the common salmonella poisoning symptoms. A person will usually experience salmonella poisoning symptoms at moderate levels. The condition is seen to go away after 4 to 7 days, by taking proper rest and by consuming enough amount of fluids. But for some individuals, like those having a weak immune system or those who are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, salmonellosis might turn out to be a life threatening condition. In such cases, high levels of medical attention is required to deal with salmonella food poisoning.

Shellfish Poisoning – Poisoning by Toxins

Shellfish poisoning, which is another kind of food poisoning is caused by the action of toxins. The toxins are formed in the shell fish by the consumption of small marine organisms known as dinoflagellates. Shellfish poisoning can happen due to the consumption of fishes like lobsters, crabs, clams and oysters which contain the toxin. This kind of poisoning produces a variety of symptoms, which can start from a few minutes to even several hours after the consumption. The symptoms can be mild like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes the situation may worsen and conditions like respiratory problems, seizures, paralysis and even death of the individual may occur. Therefore, quick and timely treatment should be provided so as to avoid complications.