Food poisoning

Food poisoning or gastrointestinal (acute gastroenterocolitis) is a health problem caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water by bacteria (Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, Staphylococcus, Clostridium), viruses (rotaviruses) or their toxins, or by fungal or toxic components found in certain plants (one-me-may manioc) and chemicals. Contamination can occur during handling, preparation, preservation and / or storage of food.
In children and elderly, food poisoning can be a serious illness.
Treatment
Patient with food poisoning should get some rest and drink plenty of fluids. In cases of greater fluid loss and dehydration risk, should be given medicines to control nausea and vomiting, as well as delivering the replacement of fluids and salts intravenously.
The treatment of bacterial infections food includes the use of specific antibiotics.
Prevention
The prevention of food poisoning is directly linked to sanitation, care in food preparation and basic hygiene, such as washing hands before meals and after using the bathroom.
The major difficulty is that the prevention of contaminated food do not show signs of the micro-organism. Unlike in general appearance, taste and smell are usually absolutely normal.