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#1
08-20-2010, 11:44 AM
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What is food poisoning?
 Food poisoning refers to poisoning that occurs due to eating foods contaminated with toxins or poisonous substances secreted by some bacteria. Most cases of food poisoning are from common bacteria like Staphylococcus or E. coli. 
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#2
08-20-2010, 11:44 AM
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 Food poisoning generally occurs within 2 to 3 hours of eating or drinking infected food or water; however it may occur earlier or later. The symptoms include nausea (a feeling of vomiting), vomiting, pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea. Other symptoms are fever, cold sweats, weakness, headache and dehydration.
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#3
08-20-2010, 11:44 AM
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 Infants and elderly people have the greatest risk for food poisoning. One usually recovers from the most common types of food poisoning within a couple of days. The goal is to feel better and avoid dehydration
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#4
08-20-2010, 11:44 AM
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 For diagnosis, the doctor reviews the symptoms, examines the patient and suggests laboratory testing of a sample of stools and the suspected food if available.
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#5
08-20-2010, 11:44 AM
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 The treatment for food poisoning includes treatment of dehydration and replacing salts. Anti-vomiting and diarrhoea medications may be given. Occasionally, antibiotics may be required if the organisms are demonstrated on laboratory examination. Antibiotics are rarely needed for food poisoning.
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