Let’s define Foodborne Diseases (FBD). Foodborne Diseases are infectious diseases caused by the ingestion of food contaminated with human or animal feces.
FBD is a worldwide problem, and it affects people from all walks of life. It causes various infections like diarrhea, gastroenteritis, colitis, Hepatitis A, and many more.
A diagnosis of a foodborne disease often depends on the symptoms experienced. As well as history, physical examination, or laboratory tests. History can reveal whether someone recently had consumed a suspected contaminated item. Which is usually an obvious first step in identifying potential causes.
For example, if someone recalls that he ate peanuts on the airplane flight from Dallas to Atlanta. It would be reasonable to suspect that contamination happened during their trip.
What Are The Causes Of Foodborne Diseases?
A range of factors, both environmental and dietary, can cause foodborne diseases. Foodborne illnesses are caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. Contamination can occur at any stage of food production. From, farming, harvesting, packaging, distribution, cooking, or serving.
Foodborne Diseases Examples
There are many types of foodborne illnesses. But the most common include salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.
Foodborne Diseases Symptoms
What are some foodborne diseases symptoms? These included gastric irritation in many circumstances. Food poisoning produces bacterial toxins.
FBD can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to extreme. A person may feel a mild stomach upset or experience severe diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, foodborne illness can lead to long-term health problems or even death.
Diarrhea or vomiting occurs within 2-4 hrs after ingestion and may result in death. But clinical features usually become manifest within 24 – 48 hours from ingestion. Such as rash on the skin or mucous membranes, and nausea/vomiting.
However, the “classic” symptoms of foodborne illness include fever, abdominal pain, and diarrheal stool. While this is what they sound like at a high level, it may be hard to recognize whether one or more are manifesting.
Some foodborne disease symptoms do not occur at the onset of exposure. Any signs of illness identified right after exposure to contaminants provide critical information. It assists with the preliminary diagnosis and treatment.
What are Foodborne Diseases Treatments?
Most foodborne illnesses are treatable. The initial stage of treatment for foodborne illnesses is silent. It occurs during the first 3-5 days following acute ingestion. This is when symptoms are not recognized. Nor likely to manifest, on physical examination, until some 5 – 10 days after exposure.
It is helpful if a patient is diagnosed with a foodborne illness sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis and treatment will not only remove the symptoms but avoid complications.
Foodborne Diseases And Their Prevention
While anyone can get food poisoning, certain groups of people are more vulnerable. Such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
There are ways to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Prevention of food-borne diseases and food safety are codependent on each other. It is important to practice good hygiene when handling food.
