Millions of people get food poisoning every year around the world. It is also the primary cause of gastroenteritis. Pathogens that infect a person and induce symptoms typically cause it. Typically, these are parasites, bacteria, or viruses. While the majority of people recover on their own, some can get quite sick. If you are wondering how long does food poisoning last, this write-up will explore all the aspects of food poisoning.
How long does food poisoning last?
When you have food poisoning, you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and flu. While the time it takes to recover from food poisoning can vary, the majority of individuals do so in a few days to a week. The factors that determine the duration of it are-
1. Type of pathogen
So, how long does food poisoning last? The precise type of pathogen that causes the sickness is one of the major factors affecting the duration. After consuming contaminated food, after effects generally begin to appear a couple of hours to days after the fact. There are several bacterias that can cause food poisoning and each type has different influences over the duration. The term of viral diseases like norovirus or rotavirus might be more limited, with side effects disappearing in 1 to 3 days.
2. Amount of contamina food consumed
The amount of contaminated food consumed is also responsible for the duration of food poisoning. For the most part, the seriousness and term of the side effects increase with the amount of contaminated food devoured. At the point when you eat a lot of contaminated food, it debilitates your resistant power and makes the infection last longer.
3. Individual susceptibility
Individual food poisoning susceptibility varies from person to person and can affect how long the disease lasts. Age, general health, and the immune system’s capacity can all have an impact on how long does food poisoning last. As a general rule, individuals who are old, and who have compromised immune systems are more inclined to extreme and extended food contamination.
Causes of food poisoning
There are many causes of food poisoning. The most important ones are-
1. Bacterial Contamination
Food poisoning is frequently brought on by bacteria. Food can become contaminated at numerous points, including during production, processing, and handling. The most frequent case of food poisoning is caused by bacteria, although only 20 of the many thousands of different bacteria are actually to blame. Numerous raw foods typically contain these germs. Usually, it takes a lot of food-poisoning bacteria to make someone sick.
2. Chemical contaminants
Chemical contaminants found in food can potentially cause food illness when consumed. Industrial chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) can contaminate food from a variety of sources. It is important to note that chemical contaminants have a heavy impact on how long does food poisoning last.
3.Viral infections
Viruses are an important additional cause of food poisoning. Norovirus and rotavirus are two typical viruses that cause food poisoning. Food, drink, or surfaces that have been polluted can spread these viruses. Fresh vegetables, ready-to-eat foods, and raw or undercooked shellfish are generally responsible for food poisoning.
4.Toxins
Even in the absence, some bacteria can still create toxins that lead to food poisoning. One popular example is Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria can multiply and create toxins when food is kept at inappropriate temperatures. Salads, sandwiches, and dairy items are frequently implicated in the spread of food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus toxins.
5. Parasitic Infections
Giardia and other parasite food poisoning symptoms typically persist 2 to 6 weeks. Usually, 1-2 weeks after exposure, symptoms appear. The duration of parasite food poisoning may vary according on an individual’s immune system, age, and pre-existing illnesses.
6. Improper food handling and storage
Food poisoning can result from improper food handling and storage by humans. Inadequate handwashing techniques, for example, might spread dangerous bacteria onto meals. Furthermore, poor temperature storage of perishable goods can encourage bacterial development and raise the risk of foodborne infections.
Treatments of food poisoning
Now that you know how long does food poisoning last and it’s causes, let’s have a look at the possible treatments that can cure it.
1. Stay hydrated
It’s essential to drink enough water if you have a food poisoning. Electrolyte-rich sports beverages can be beneficial. Fruit juice and coconut water can aid with fatigue and carbohydrate restoration. Electrolytes and fluids keep the fluid balance in your body in check. Minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium are examples of electrolytes. It’s crucial to replenish fluids after diarrhoea or vomiting to avoid becoming dehydrated.
2. Take OTC medicines
Over the counter medicines may alleviate food poisoning symptoms. You might know about the medication Bismuth Subsalicylate as Pepto-Bismol; treating queasiness and diarrhoea is utilised. The fact that these goods are typically not intended for youngsters must be noted. According to some medical professionals, using over-the-counter drugs may hasten your recovery.
3.Other medications
You might be given an antibiotic if bacteria are the cause of your disease. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to patients who have serious illness or who are at a higher risk of complications. Antiparasitics, or medications that specifically target parasites, are frequently used for parasitic infections. Your doctor might advise probiotics. With these procedures, the digestive system’s beneficial microorganisms are replaced.
4. Lemon and Garlic
Lemon contains antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects and can be eaten with hot water or combined with sugar, making it one of the finest treatments for food poisoning. There are numerous ways to utilise Garlic to treat food illness. One clove of garlic can be consumed daily with a glass of water.
Overview
This shall clear your doubts on how long does food poisoning last. The best approach to avoid contracting a foodborne illness is to use safe food handling procedures. To avoid contamination, those who harvest, handle, and prepare food must exercise caution at every stage of the process.
