How food poisoning is diagnosed
Cases of food poisoning are usually mild and only last a few days. If you attended a particular event and ate contaminated food, often you will hear of other friends of family members also being sick. This is usually enough for a self-diagnosis of food poisoning. If you do decide to present to a doctor, they are likely to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, a physical examination, the recent history of food consumption or any travel overseas. In more serious strains of food poisoning such as listeria and hepatitis A, a doctor can take a sample of blood, stool culture or spinal fluid to diagnose. This will help to recognize known pathogens responsible for your symptoms.
When to see a doctor
-Because some types of food poisoning can be serious, it’s important to see a doctor if:·
-Your symptoms last for longer than three to four days or vomiting that lasts continually for more than one day
-If you have any blood in your stools
-You have a temperature of over 101°F
-Inability to swallow
-If you have an irregular heartbeat or feel dizzy
-Blurred vision
Recommended Read: Food Safety Education Necessary for Older Adults
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as the aforementioned factors are a sign of further complications developing within the body.
