A remedy for dehydration. What to do if you are dehydrated

Fluid loss can develop in all people, but it is especially dangerous for infants and the elderly.

In this article we will look at how to protect your body from dehydration with frequent diarrhea, vomiting and other phenomena.

Feces during diarrhea consist almost entirely of water, so a person loses a large amount of fluid and salts. As a result, the blood supply to organs and tissues is disrupted and the functioning of the entire body malfunctions.

During diarrhea, the digestion process is disrupted. Vitamins and important microelements do not have time to be absorbed into the blood and the body begins to suffer from vitamin deficiency and a lack of mineral salts. Such a deficiency can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the heart and nervous system.

In addition to impaired digestion in the intestines poorly digested food gets in, and thereby promotes the development of pathogenic microflora.

The result of this process is poisoning of the body.

Symptoms of mild dehydration

Mild dehydration is characterized by loss of water up to 3% of body weight. It does not pose a danger to the body and is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • a person feels constant thirst;
  • dry skin and mucous membranes are observed;
  • a person refuses to eat;
  • saliva has a viscous consistency;
  • the amount of urine discharge is significantly lower than normal;
  • weakness and lethargy are observed.

As dehydration develops, these symptoms include headache, bluish and pale skin, urine discharge is dark in color, heaviness in the stomach and heartburn are observed.

Moderate symptoms

This degree is characterized fluid loss up to 9% of body weight and can develop within two days. Symptoms:

  • there is loose stool mixed with food consumed;
  • frequent vomiting;
  • the patient becomes restless;
  • rapid heartbeat, pulse indicators are constantly changing;
  • mucous membranes become dry;
  • skin loses elasticity;
  • there is lethargy and apathy;
  • blood circulation in tissues is disrupted.

Severe symptoms

Severe dehydration develops with fluid loss of more than 10% of weight person. The symptoms are the same as for moderate degrees, but more pronounced:

  • the skin and mucous membranes are very dry;
  • there is no secretion of tears;
  • strong thirst;
  • In infants, the fontanelle sinks and there is crying without tears;
  • an extremely small amount of urine is released, and it is dark in color;
  • blood pressure drops;
  • heart rate and respiratory rate are increased;
  • increased body temperature due to lack of sweating;
  • loss and confusion;
  • in severe cases, death is possible.

For moderate to severe dehydration urgent hospitalization required sick.

Dangers and Consequences

Loss of fluid is very dangerous, as it damages vital organs. The brain consists of 85% water. Even minor fluid losses can have dangerous consequences. The loss of fluid affects the brain cells that are responsible for neutralizing toxins.

The capillaries of the brain perform a protective function. If there is a lack of fluid, this function is impaired, and various diseases can occur (Alzheimer's disease, parkinsonism, sclerosis).

The immune system suffers from lack of water.

This contributes to the development of chronic ailments (lupus, bronchial asthma, infertility and bronchitis).

When dehydrated, obesity can develop. People often confuse hunger with thirst. The body begins to accumulate nutrients for energy. Unused energy turns into fat.

Dehydration changes the composition and consistency of the blood. As a result of its thickening, the flow to the organs is disrupted, and atherosclerosis may develop.

Features in children, pregnant women and the elderly

The child’s body contains more fluid and water-electrolyte metabolism occurs faster. Children develop symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, retraction of the anterior fontanelle, vomiting and high fever.

In pregnant women, fluid loss is dangerous and requires emergency medical attention.

In elderly patients, dehydration leads to pathologies of the cardiovascular system, intestinal motility disorders, swelling of internal organs, clouding of consciousness and hallucinations. Elderly people should drink at least two liters of water a day, and in case of pathological processes the volume should be increased.

How to avoid?

To prevent loss of fluid in the body, with diarrhea and vomiting it is necessary to ensure sufficient water consumption. When vomiting, liquid should be supplied frequently and in small portions.

In a medical institution, the water-salt balance is replenished with the help of special medications.

How to treat?

First aid

Treatment with medications is most effective for mild to moderate severity. To do this, use drugs that restore water and electrolyte balance (Regidron, Hydrovit, Regidron Bio). The dosage and frequency of use depends on the individual characteristics of the body, age and body weight of the person. A similar solution can be prepared at home.

If dehydration occurs in newborns, breastfeeding should not be stopped. A nursing mother should also monitor her diet to ensure that the baby receives all the necessary microelements and water.

Severe degrees of dehydration are treated only in a medical facility by intravenous infusion of the necessary solutions.

When should I see a doctor?

Immediate medical attention required infants and elderly people. In case of persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea mixed with blood, loss of consciousness, high fever, seizures, severe dry skin and mucous membranes, you must call an ambulance.

Medicines

Regidron

The drug is available in powder form for preparing a solution. It contains microelements necessary for the body. The contents of the package are dissolved in boiled and cooled water. The resulting solution must be drunk throughout the day.

The frequency and dosage of the drug depend on the weight and age of the patient.

Hydrovit

The composition includes sodium and potassium salts, silicon dioxide. Available in bags with and without strawberry flavoring. Approved for use from infancy. Side effects may include allergies and vomiting. The drug is contraindicated in case of high potassium content in the body, frequent vomiting and renal failure.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of the product should be agreed with the attending physician.

ethnoscience

Rehydration solution. It is necessary to dissolve 5 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and take until symptoms disappear completely.

Lemon water. To replenish vitamins and microelements, add a few slices of lemon, a spoonful of honey, a little salt and pepper to a glass of clean water. Mix everything and take throughout the day.

Water and barley. Take some barley, add water and boil for a few minutes. Allow the solution to cool and strain. Add honey and lemon juice.

This drink can be consumed 5-6 times a day.

Diet

Diet for dehydration should completely replenish fluid reserves. It is necessary to consume more meat and chicken broths. Include foods rich in sodium and potassium in your diet (tomatoes, potatoes, nuts, bananas, green vegetables and citrus fruits). It is not recommended to drink tea, coffee, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, fried, spicy and smoked foods.

You need to eat small portions up to five times a day.

Sample menu for the day

  • Breakfast 1: oatmeal with water, lightly brewed tea.
  • Breakfast 2: dried fruit compote, crackers, 1 banana.
  • Lunch: vegetable soup, steamed meatballs, compote.
  • Afternoon snack: green tea with mint, unsalted cookies.
  • Dinner: rice with steamed meatballs, compote.

Drinking regimen

For normal functioning of the body, you need to drink 2.5 liters of water per day. Less consumption leads to weight loss, thirst, nausea and increased body temperature. Excessive water consumption also negatively affects the condition of organs and tissues. Too thin blood threatens pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, and diluted gastric juice disrupts digestion. Frequent trips to the toilet also disrupt kidney function.

Compliance with precautionary measures and preventive measures will ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the human body.

It is important not to self-medicate and seek help from a specialist in a timely manner.

Dehydration is a side effect of poisoning when the body tries to get rid of toxins through diarrhea and vomiting. Try to control your condition and maintain water balance at home. Severe food poisoning and associated gastroenteritis may require medical attention to prevent complications caused by prolonged dehydration.

Steps

Part 1

Restoring water balance

    Monitor symptoms at home. In most cases, food poisoning can be treated without medical attention. Symptoms may appear several hours after poisoning and last several hours or days, and in some cases longer.

    • If you are exposed to lightly contaminated food or certain types of contaminants, symptoms may not appear for several days or even longer. If symptoms appear late, problems may last for days or even weeks.
    • For chronic symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, especially in the case of hematemesis or hematokesia, that is, the presence of blood in vomit or loose stools, respectively.
    • Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, increased sweating, and high fever.
  1. Drink water little by little. You may need about an hour to let your stomach settle, but after that you should start drinking fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink small sips of liquid that is easily absorbed by your body, and try to drink as much as possible throughout the day.

    Drink sports drinks with electrolytes. Among other things, with diarrhea and vomiting, the body loses the electrolytes it needs. A good way to restore electrolyte balance is to drink decaffeinated sports drinks (not energy drinks) as soon as your stomach can handle them.

    • There is another product on the market that helps restore fluid and restore electrolyte balance for both adults and children. These are rehydrating fluids with electrolytes.
    • Relatively new types of sports drinks include Gatorade and Powerade. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what is best for you.
  2. Try drinking pure sparkling water. Sometimes a small amount of gas helps with nausea.

    • Try sipping ginger ale or other carbonated drinks over ice.
  3. When you're ready, start drinking the clear broth. Sip small amounts of clear chicken, vegetable, or beef broth once your stomach is calm enough to prevent nausea and vomiting.

    • Broth is a good way to restore fluid reserves and provide the body with the nutrients it needs.
    • Switch to soft, low-fat and easily digestible foods. These foods include salted crackers, toast, and gelatin. However, stop eating solid foods if they cause nausea.
  4. Avoid drinks that contribute to dehydration. Some drinks are not recommended when you are sick and trying to rehydrate. Some fluids help remove water from body tissues and thereby contribute to dehydration.

    • During illness you should not drink alcohol.
    • Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, Coca-Cola and energy drinks.
    • Fruit juices and drinks contain carbohydrates and low sodium, and they can worsen an upset stomach.
    • Avoid dairy products, spicy and spicy drinks until your condition improves.

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For the normal functioning of our body, which consists of 70% water, it is necessary to constantly monitor its level of hydration. If there is not enough fluid in the body, the water-salt balance will be disrupted and dehydration will occur. It can manifest itself as a mild feeling of thirst, and in severe forms it can be fatal. Dehydration is especially dangerous in hot weather, when fluid actively evaporates from the body. Our simple homemade recipes and useful tips will help you protect yourself from dehydration and prevent unpleasant consequences.

Dehydration is a process in which the body loses more fluid than it receives. Every cell of the human body needs oxygen and water for normal functioning. No one is immune from dehydration, but children, the elderly and patients with chronic diseases are at risk.

The most common causes of dehydration:

  • heavy physical activity in the heat,
  • diarrhea,
  • vomit,
  • increased sweating,
  • frequent urination.

The symptoms of this disease vary depending on the severity of its manifestation. Signs of mild to moderate dehydration:

  • dry mouth,
  • headache,
  • thirst,
  • rare urination,
  • dry skin,
  • fatigue,
  • muscle spasms,
  • dizziness,
  • constipation,
  • general weakness.

Symptoms of severe or chronic dehydration:

  • strong thirst
  • confusion,
  • sunken eyes,
  • dry skin with loss of elasticity,
  • practically no urination,
  • severe dry mouth,
  • rapid breathing,
  • low blood pressure,
  • cardiopalmus,
  • faintness or loss of consciousness.

If treatment is not started in time, dehydration can lead to a number of serious health complications. For severe forms of dehydration, you should immediately consult a doctor; for moderate dehydration, you can take preventive measures at home. Below we publish useful tips and home recipes for treating this disease.

The first and most important rule as a measure to prevent dehydration in hot weather is to increase the amount of fluid consumed. Doctors' advice for treating dehydration at its first symptoms also begins with recommendations to increase the water content in the body.

A person needs to drink enough water throughout the day, even if he does not feel thirsty. On average, a healthy man in a temperate climate should drink about three liters of water per day, and a woman - about two liters of water per day.

In addition to regular water, it is useful to include more broths and soups in the volume of fluid consumed as a measure to prevent dehydration. With their help, you can replenish lost minerals and vitamins. They are also effective in treating dehydration. To make broth or soup even healthier, add zucchini, radishes or celery. Chicken and meat broths are considered the most nutritious. In the hot weather, treat yourself to fruit ice, which is easy to prepare yourself. To do this, just pour freshly squeezed juice into an ice tray and put it in the freezer to cool.

At the forefront of dairy foods useful in the fight against dehydration is yogurt - one of the most effective remedies against vomiting and diarrhea. This product is a real “spring” of electrolytes. In addition, yogurt is easy to digest and soothes the stomach. Homemade recipes for dehydration often include yogurt dishes. On hot days, it is useful to consume it several times a day and preferably without sweet fillers. It is better to add non-calorie foods such as low-fat cottage cheese or regular boiled rice with a little salt to yogurt.

Buttermilk, or the skim cream obtained from butter production, is another great remedy for dehydration recognized by the ancient teachings of Ayurveda. Buttermilk is rich in minerals, which are lost in the body due to excessive sweating. To prevent dehydration, drink this dairy product several times a day, or instead drink a cup of kefir mixed with dry ginger.

When the body is dehydrated, it is very important to quickly restore lost fluid and minerals. There is one simple way to achieve this using a rehydration solution. You can prepare it yourself using a home recipe:

  • Add half a teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar to four glasses of water.
  • Stir the solution thoroughly until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
  • Drink the resulting solution several times a day until you fully recover from dehydration.
  • If you do not want to prepare the solution yourself, then you can purchase a similar product at the pharmacy.

Homemade recipes using barley and water are no less useful. Such solutions help to quickly return a dehydrated body to its normal state. The nutrients contained in barley replenish the minerals lost due to dehydration. Here is one simple recipe:

  • Bring the water with barley to a boil.
  • Let the resulting solution cool and then strain it.
  • Add a little honey and lemon juice.

Another simple way to restore a dehydrated body is lemon water. In addition to hydration, lemon juice fills the body with energy and gives a boost of vigor. Making lemon water at home is easy:

  • For one glass of water you need to take half a lemon.
  • Add a teaspoon of honey, half a teaspoon of ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.
  • The resulting drink must be consumed regularly for one month.

Many fruits contain a considerable amount of liquid, and, therefore, they can become good protectors of the body from dehydration. At the first symptoms of dehydration, try to eat more juicy vegetables and fruits. According to the results of many studies, such foods hydrate the body twice as effectively as a glass of ordinary water.

Watery fruits and vegetables contain minerals, sugar, salts and work in a similar way to isotonic drinks that athletes drink. Fruits and vegetables that should be included in every person's diet are watermelon, grapefruits, melon, strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, grapes, papaya, zucchini, spinach and tomatoes. Eat them as a snack, make them into fruit or vegetable smoothies, or add them to salads.

Bananas deserve special attention. This is an excellent fruit to use in the treatment of dehydration, since along with the loss of fluid, the body also loses a lot of potassium. And bananas contain a lot of this microelement. In addition, this fruit will help restore the functionality of tight muscles that function poorly when there is a lack of water in the body. It is useful to eat two bananas during the day or make smoothies and cocktails from them.

Doctors' advice for protecting against dehydration:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather.
  • Rest in a cool place.
  • Carry a bottle of water with you.
  • In hot weather, avoid drinking sparkling water, sugary drinks and coffee.
  • Don't drink alcohol.
  • Don't eat a lot of sweets and sugar.
  • If you spend a lot of time in the heat, wear breathable clothing made from organic materials.
  • If you are dehydrated, consume juicy fruits and liquid foods.
  • If dehydration occurs during exercise, drink sports drinks that contain electrolytes.

By adhering to all these rules, you will always feel healthy, cheerful and full of energy!

Food poisoning– a non-contagious disease that occurs as a result of eating food containing harmful microorganisms or substances toxic to the human body.

Food poisoning is a collective concept, as it can be caused by a number of different reasons, but the mechanism of development of the disease, as well as its manifestation, are similar. All types of food poisoning are characterized by: general intoxication, inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, as well as frequent development of dehydration.

Types and classification of food poisoning

There are 2 main groups of food poisoning:

  1. Food poisoning of microbial origin
  • Toxic infections (Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, E. coli, Bac. cereus, Str. faecalis, etc.)
  • Toxicoses
    • Bacterial (toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, Cl. botulinum.)
    • Fungal (toxins produced by fungi Aspergilus, Fusarium, etc.)
  • Mixed
  1. Food poisoning of non-microbial origin
  • Poisoning caused by poisonous plants and animal tissues:
    • Plants that are poisonous by nature (henbane, belladonna, fly agaric, etc.)
    • Animal tissues that are poisonous in nature (organs of fish - barbel, pufferfish, Marinka, etc.)
    • Plant products that are poisonous under certain conditions (green potatoes containing corned beef, raw beans, etc.)
    • Products of animal origin that are poisonous under certain conditions (caviar, milk, liver of some fish during spawning - mackerel, burbot, pike, etc.)
    • Poisoning due to chemical impurities (pesticides, nitrates, compounds introduced into the product from packaging materials, etc.)
  1. Food poisoning of unknown cause.

Toxic infection – an acute disease that occurs after eating food containing a large number of living microorganisms. The causative agents of toxic infections actively multiply on food products; when they enter the human body, the harmful effects are determined both by the microbe itself and by the toxins that are released after its death.

The main pathogens of food poisoning: Proteus mirabilis, P. vulgaris, E. coli, Bac. cereus, Str. Faecalis, as well as little-studied Hafnia, Pseudomonas, Klebsiela, etc.

Toxicoses– an acute or chronic (in the case of fungal toxicosis) disease in which the development of the disease occurs due to the action of a toxin that has accumulated on food products. The pathogen itself enters the body in small quantities. For example, when cheese is aged for a long time, only staphylococcal toxin without a living microorganism can be preserved.

General mechanisms of food poisoning development

Food poisoning agents can produce toxins both in food and in the human body. Also, when the pathogen is destroyed, an additional portion of various toxic substances is released in the gastrointestinal tract. When toxins enter the human body, the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines is primarily affected, which is manifested by an inflammatory reaction and disruption of intestinal motor activity. This is accompanied by pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea and vomiting. After toxins begin to enter the blood, general intoxication of the body develops, which is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms (headache, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, etc.).

Symptoms and signs of food poisoning


The first symptoms of poisoning

How long does it take for poisoning to appear?

Regardless of the factor that caused the poisoning, the manifestations of the disease are similar and can be divided into 3 main groups of symptoms:

  1. Symptoms of inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa (symptoms of gastroenterocolitis)
  2. Symptoms of intoxication
  3. Symptoms of dehydration

Symptoms of gastroenterocolitis

Symptoms arise as a result of the damaging effects of microbes and their toxins on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

  • Stomach ache
  • Discomfort in the abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Vomit

Symptoms of intoxication

Intoxication occurs as a result of toxins entering the blood, which leads to various disorders in many organs and systems. Intoxication reflects the body's response to infection. The severity of the patient's condition is largely determined by the degree of intoxication.

Main symptoms of intoxication:

  • General weakness
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Increased body temperature
  • Pain in muscles and joints
  • Lethargy
  • Nausea
  • Vomit

How to determine the degree of intoxication?



Symptoms


Degree of intoxication

Lightweight Average Heavy
Weakness Minor Moderate Pronounced
Chills Insignificant Expressed Strongly expressed
Body temperature Fine Increased to 38 °C More than 38°C or below 36°C
Pain in muscles and joints No Present in some cases Present in a significant proportion of cases
Rapid breathing No Moderately expressed Significantly expressed
Cardiopalmus No Moderately expressed Significantly expressed
Lower blood pressure No Mildly or moderately expressed Pronounced
Headache No Moderately expressed Significantly expressed
Dizziness No Occasionally Frequent
Lethargy No Weakly expressed Clearly expressed
Convulsions No Sometimes Characteristic, can be intense
Vomit Up to 5 times a day From 5-15 times More than 15 times
Chair Up to 10 times a day From 10-20 times More than 20 times

Symptoms of dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration are caused by fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea.
Main symptoms of dehydration:

  • General weakness
  • Thirst
  • Dry mucous membranes
  • Increased heart rate
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomit
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased urine output

How to determine the degree of dehydration?



Symptoms


Dehydration degree

I II III IV
Fluid loss relative to body weight
Until 3%

4-6%

7-9%

10% or more
Vomit Up to 5 times a day 6-10 times 11-20 times Multiple. Over 20 times
Loose stool Up to 10 times 11-20 times Over 20 Without an account, on your own
Thirst, dry mouth Moderately expressed Significantly expressed Significantly expressed Sharply expressed
Skin elasticity Not changed Reduced Sharply reduced Vivid expression
Voice change No Weakened Hoarseness of voice Absence
Convulsions No In the calf muscles, short-term Long lasting and painful Common seizures
Pulse Not changed Up to 100 beats per minute 100-120 beats per minute Very weak or undetectable
Arterial pressure Not changed Up to 100 mmHg Up to 80 mmHg Less than 80 mmHg.

Factors indicating food poisoning:

  • The onset of the disease is acute, sudden (from 30 minutes to 7 days, usually 2-6 hours)
  • The disease develops simultaneously in a group of people
  • As a rule, the course of the disease is short (3-5 days)
  • A clear connection between the disease and the consumption of a certain dish or product
  • Food poisoning is not transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person, and this is their main difference from infectious diseases.

The main types of food poisoning depending on the product and the causative agent of the disease and some of their features

First of all, we should separately highlight diseases such as shigellosis and salmonellosis, which are essentially infectious diseases. However, they are often considered as foodborne diseases. These diseases are somewhat more severe than banal food poisoning and require close attention, especially in treatment.

Dairy product poisoning

Poisoning with milk, kefir, butter, cheese, cottage cheese...

Possible causative agents of the disease: Shigella Sonne, name of the disease shigellosis(“urban disease”, dysentery), staphylococcus, etc.

Shigella– a bacterium, shaped like a rod with a rounded end. They live on food in the soil for up to 5-14 days. They die in direct sunlight within 30 minutes, or instantly when boiled.

Cause:

  1. There are carriers of Shigella Zone infection who hide their illness and do not want to seek medical help; if they do not comply with sanitary rules, food products are contaminated. Contamination of food products by patients occurs at various stages of collection, transportation and sale of these products.
  2. Insufficient disinfection or contamination of milk and dairy products directly at dairies and factories.
  3. Dairy products are an excellent nutrient substrate for bacterial growth.
  4. Sour cream, milk, cottage cheese, kefir, cream, and cheese come first as risk factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of general intoxication:

  • Onset is acute (1-7 days)
  • General malaise
  • Moderate headache
  • Temperature is usually normal, rising to 38 °C or higher is rare
  • Sudden loss of appetite

Symptoms of colitis (inflammation of the large intestine):

  • Cramping pain, usually on the left side of the lower abdomen
  • False urge to defecate(tenesmus)
  • Frequent, scanty stools ( rectal spit) with a large amount of cloudy mucus and streaks of blood, often more than 10 times a day

Laboratory diagnostics:

  • Shigella is isolated from stool

Poisoning with meat, chicken, eggs, protein poisoning

Salmonella is a common pathogen causing the so-called salmonellosis.

Salmonella- rod-shaped bacterium with rounded edges, mobile - has flagella over its entire surface.

Salmonella can survive in meat for up to 6 months, in frozen meat for more than six months, in eggs for up to 1 year or more, on eggshells for up to 24 days. In the refrigerator, being in meat, salmonella not only survive, but are also able to multiply (at low temperatures above zero). Salmonella at 70 °C dies within 5-10 minutes, but in the thickness of a piece of meat it can withstand boiling for several hours.

Symptoms of poisoning:

Type of patient:

  • Pallor, possible bluishness of the extremities

Symptom of general intoxication:

  • Onset is acute or acute (from 2 hours to 72 hours)
  • General malaise
  • Headache
  • temperature rise to 38°C or higher
  • Sudden loss of appetite
  • In severe cases, loss of consciousness, convulsions

Symptoms of enterocolitis (inflammation of the intestines):

  • Cramping pain, mainly above and around the navel
  • The stool is copious, watery, up to 10 times a day, greenish or dark brown in color, foul-smelling, sometimes looks like “swamp mud.”
  • There is no blood in the stool.

Laboratory diagnostics

  • Salmonella is isolated from vomit and feces. In the common form, from blood and urine.

Confectionery poisoning

Poisoning is mainly caused not by the microorganism itself, but by the toxin it produces.

Most often, staphylococcus gets into food products from people suffering from various purulent diseases (furunculosis, festering wounds, tonsillitis, sinusitis). Staphylococcus multiplies well in dairy products, especially in confectionery creams, etc. During their life, staphylococci release a special type of toxin - enterotoxin, which causes poisoning. Enterotoxin does not change the taste or smell of food. The toxin is resistant to heat and can withstand heating up to 100 C for 1-2 hours.

Symptoms and distinctive features of staphylococcal toxin poisoning:

  • Rapid onset of illness (30-60 minutes after eating contaminated food)
  • Nausea, the most common symptom
  • Uncontrollable vomiting
  • Severe cutting pain in the abdomen, above the navel
  • Body temperature is normal or low, rarely rises to 38-39 C, lasts several hours.
  • Lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea in 50% of cases, no more than 2-5 bowel movements per day, duration 1-3 days
  • There are no blood or mucus in the stool
  • High likelihood of development, seizures and loss of consciousness

Fish poisoning

If after visiting a sushi bar you feel general malaise, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea, it looks like you have been poisoned. The most common causative agents of poisoning in sushi bars are 1) bacteria from the group of Escherichia coli (E.Coli, Citrobacter, Enterobacter), 2) Staphylococcus aureus 3) Proteus, etc. Usually, such bacteria get into food if basic hygiene rules are not followed and improper storage. In this case, the classic development of food poisoning occurs. Symptoms: general weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

However, there are fish poisonings that become poisonous on their own under certain conditions. For example, during spawning, milk, liver and caviar of fish such as pike, perch, burbot, barbel, and beluga become poisonous, causing severe poisoning.

Poisonings that occur as an allergic reaction also occur. After eating fish, symptoms such as redness of the skin, itching, swelling of the face, burning in the mouth, headache, nausea, diarrhea may occur. This manifestation of poisoning is explained by the high content of substances in fish that cause allergy symptoms, such as histamine, etc. After the action of histamine ends, all symptoms disappear without a trace, after about 7-8 hours. But for your own safety, it is better to take antiallergic drugs (suprastin, cetirizine, etc.) and consult a doctor, because the development of a true allergic reaction to fish components cannot be ruled out.

Be careful when choosing fish:

  • It is strictly forbidden to eat fish that has lost its scales, has a swollen belly, or has cloudy eyes.

Be careful when cooking fish:

  • Fish is stored at 1 °C
  • You should not defrost fish unless you have decided what you will cook. After defrosting, fish very quickly begins to deteriorate and release dangerous toxins.

Fish poisoning is a serious disease and in most cases requires qualified medical care.


Mushroom poisoning

Among poisonings with plant poisons, mushroom poisoning occupies a leading place.
There are more than 70 species of poisonous mushrooms in Russia, 20 of which have highly toxic properties. Throughout the year, cases of mushroom poisoning occur in every 5th Russian family. The number of victims increases during the so-called “mushroom season” from May to November. At this time, severe, sometimes mass poisonings of people occur, many of which result in death. No one is safe from poisoning; sometimes even the most experienced mushroom pickers encounter this problem.

Canned food poisoning botulism

Botulism– a severe, potentially fatal infectious disease caused by botulinum toxin entering the body. It is characterized by damage to the nervous system with impaired vision, swallowing, speech and progressive respiratory depression.

Read more about canned food poisoning in the article: Botulism

Emergency care for poisoning

Do I need to call an ambulance?

Not really Why and in what cases?

Yes need!

  1. Severe symptoms of poisoning: frequent watery stools, in which a large amount of blood appears throughout the day. Life-threatening condition.
  2. The patient belongs to a high-risk group:
  • Aged people
  • Infants and young children
  • Patients with chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, etc.)
  • Pregnant
    1. In case of suspected botulism
    2. In cases of suspected shigellosis or salmonellosis.

Treatment of poisoning at home

The main task in the treatment of food poisoning is the removal of toxins from the body and restoration of water-mineral balance.

What to do? How? For what?
Perform gastric lavage
See Gastric lavage
Rapid removal from the body of contaminated food residues, microorganisms and their toxins.
Gastric lavage is most effective if performed for the first time hours after poisoning.
Cleanse the intestines if there is no diarrhea. Take a laxative or do an enema.
Saline laxatives:
  • Gauber's salt - 1 tbsp per glass of water. salt.
  • Carlsbad salt - 1 tbsp for half a glass of water. spoon
Cleansing enema - high siphon enema (10 liters of water). A siphon enema is done on the same principle as gastric lavage using a thick probe. Only the probe is inserted into the colon 40 cm.
Diarrhea is a natural process of cleansing the body of harmful substances, so you should give the body some time to remove everything unnecessary on its own. And you should not interfere with it, namely, immediately take antidiarrheal drugs.
Replace fluids and minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Fluid replacement is carried out depending on the degree of dehydration
2 ways to replenish fluid:
1. Orally (Per os) for patients with mild to moderate poisoning.
Special solutions are used:
  • Regidron
  • Citralucosol
  • Glucosolan
Regidron application:
Dissolve 1 packet in 1 liter of boiled water (temperature 37-40 C).
You should drink in small sips, 1 glass (200 ml) for 10 minutes. For best effectiveness, you should drink 1-1.5 liters in 1 hour.
The first stage of fluid replenishment lasts 1.5-3 hours, in 80% of cases it is enough to normalize the condition. However, if losses continue, correction is carried out within another 2-3 days (stage II).
At the first stage of treatment, the required fluid is calculated based on the degree of dehydration and the patient’s weight:
I degree 30-40 ml/kg
II-III degree 40-70 ml/kg
At the second stage of treatment, the required volume of fluid is determined based on the volume of fluid lost with vomiting and diarrhea in the next day.

2. Intravenous infusion:

  • trisol
  • quartasol
  • xlosol
The speed and volume of infusions depends on the degree of dehydration and the patient’s body weight:
Severe degree - 60-120 ml/kg, 70-90 ml/min
Moderate degree – 55-75 ml/kg, 60-80 ml/min
Timely replenishment of lost fluid and minerals quickly normalizes the general condition, accelerates the removal of toxins from the body, and prevents severe metabolic disorders.

Contraindications for the use of oral solutions:

  • infectious-toxic shock
  • uncontrollable vomiting
  • fluid loss more than 1.5 l/h
  • diabetes
  • glucose malabsorption
  • dehydration of II-III degree with unstable blood circulation
In case of contraindication to oral therapy, intravenous replacement therapy is performed.
In most cases, the above actions are quite enough to improve your general condition and ensure a speedy recovery. However, for concomitant chronic diseases (chronic pancreatitis, cholecystitis, etc.), treatment must be supplemented with some other drugs.

Take enterosorbent, a drug that binds toxins.
  • Filtrum:
2-3 tab. 3-4 times a day, 3-5 days course.
  • White coal:
3-4 times a day, 3-4 tablets.
  • Enterosgel:
One and a half tablespoons 3 times a day
  • Polysorb:
1 tables. Place a spoon with the top in 100 ml of water. 3-4 times a day, 3-5 days.
The drugs bind microbes and their toxins. Reduce symptoms of intoxication, improve general condition, speed up recovery.
Reduce pain
  • Duspitalin 1 cap. 2 times a day
  • No-shpa 1 tab. 3 times a day
The drugs relieve spasms that occur during poisoning, thereby eliminating pain.
Protect the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines Take astringents and enveloping agents:
  • Kassirsky powder: 1 powder 3 times a day;
  • bismuth subsalicylate - 2 tablets. four times a day.
Protects the mucous membrane from irritation and damage, helps reduce pain.
Take an antiseptic

(for severe diarrhea)

  • Intetrix: 1-2 drops. 3-4 r. per day, for 3-5 days
  • Intestopan: 1-2 t.. 4-6 times a day, duration 5-10 days
Has a detrimental effect on the causative agent of the disease. It has antimicrobial, antifungal and antiprotozoal effects.
Take enzymes
  • Mezim
  • Festal
  • Panzinorm
1 tablet 3 times a day with meals. For 7-14 days after poisoning.
As an adjuvant therapy, taking into account possible disorders of the secretion of digestive glands and insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes.
Restore intestinal microflora
  • Normaze, 75 ml per day, for 2-3 weeks
  • Bio-cocktail “NK”
During acute diarrhea, 2-3 tablespoons, 3-4 times a day, 1-2 days. After which 1-2 tbsp. 3 times a day for 1-3 months.

You can also use other eubiotics: bactisubtil (1 capsule, 3-6 times a day, before meals), linex (2 capsules, 3 times a day), bifidumbacterin forte
Duration of treatment is 2 weeks.

Normaze - lactulose included in the drug, promotes the growth of healthy microflora, thereby preventing the development of putrefactive ones.
Biococktail is an ecological, clean food product that normalizes intestinal microflora, binds, neutralizes and removes toxins from the body.
Specific treatment of food poisoning caused by Shigella:
Antibacterial drugs:
  • The drug of choice is furazolidone,
Application: 4 times a day, 0.1 g for 5-7 days
  • For moderate severity of the disease - Biseptol,
Application: 2 r. 2 tablets per day, for 5-7 days.
  • In severe cases - ampicillin,
Application: 4 times a day, 0.5 g, for 5-7 days.
Some features of the treatment of poisoning caused by salmonella:
  • Antimicrobial drugs are not indicated for the gastrointestinal form of the disease.
  • In the presence of Salmonella carriage, Salmonella bacteriophage is indicated, 2 tablets. 3 times a day, for 30 minutes. before meals, 5-7 days.
  • Those sick with salmonellosis are allowed into the team only after complete recovery.

Poisoning, treatment with folk remedies

  • Bath or sauna will help actively remove toxins from the body.
  • Dill decoction with honey. For 200 ml of water 1 tsp. dry herbs or 1 tbsp. fresh greens. Boil for 20 minutes over low heat, cool, add boiled water to the initial volume, then add 1 tbsp. l. honey. It is recommended to drink the decoction 30 minutes before. before meals 100 ml . Dill has an analgesic effect, relieves spasms, accelerates the elimination of toxins due to increased urination. Normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract. Honey relieves inflammation, has bactericidal properties, binds toxins, and contains a healing composition of vitamins and minerals.
  • Marshmallow infusion. 1 tbsp. chopped marshmallow root, pour 200 ml of boiling water, close the lid and leave for 30 minutes. Strain, drink 1 tbsp. before meals 4-5 times a day.

Althea relieves inflammation, envelops and protects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines from damage, reduces pain and discomfort in the intestines.

  • Ginger tea. Pour 1 tsp. ground ginger 200 ml boiling water, leave for 20 minutes. Drink 1 tablespoon every 30 – 60 minutes. Ginger actively binds toxins and promotes their elimination. It has antibacterial properties, eliminates spasms, strengthens the body's immune mechanisms.
  • Water with lemon juice, rosehip tea, rowan berries. Drinks contain large amounts of vitamin C, which is involved in the processes of neutralization and removal of toxins. In addition, other vitamins and minerals found in drinks well replenish micro and macroelements lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
  • During the day, instead of food, it is recommended to consume decoctions of rice and flaxseed. Prepare rice water: 1 part rice to 7 parts water, boil for 10 minutes, take 6 times a day, 1/3 cup.

Decoctions have an enveloping effect, protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation, and preventing the absorption of toxins. Flax seeds are not inferior to activated carbon in binding toxins. Decoctions normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Diet for poisoning, what can you eat?

Patients are prescribed a gentle diet. Food that can have a mechanical or chemical effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines (smoked meats, canned food, hot and spicy dishes, milk, raw vegetables and fruits) is excluded from the diet. For the first days of illness, diet No. 4 is recommended, then as diarrhea stops, diet No. 2 is prescribed, after which they switch to diet No. 13.

Diet No. 4
A diet with limited fat and carbohydrates and normal protein content. Products that have a mechanical and chemical effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa (milk, sweets, legumes), products that enhance the processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines, as well as products that stimulate gastric secretion and bile secretion (sauces, spices, snacks) are excluded.

  • Free liquid 1.5-2 liters
  • Energy value – 2100 kcal
  • Diet 5-6 times a day
  • Dishes are boiled or steamed.
  • Recommended: soups, non-concentrated broths, boiled lean fish, water porridge (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal), mashed potatoes, jelly, cottage cheese, dried white bread, cookies, tea, rosehip infusions, blueberry jelly.
  • Exclude: bakery and flour products, milk and dairy products, legumes, fruits and vegetables, sweets, fatty meats, fish, canned food, soups with cereals and vegetables.

Take enzyme preparations such as Mezim, Panzinorm 1 tablet. during meals, in order to help the digestive system that has not yet become stronger. Take 7-14.

Poisoning prevention

  • Correctly determine the suitability of a product for consumption; refuse “suspicious” products, especially if:
    • Product has expired or is about to expire
    • The seal of the packaging is broken
    • The smell, taste, color of the product has changed
    • Uncharacteristic consistency of the product (heterogeneous, layered)
    • The appearance of bubbles when stirring, sediment at the bottom, lack of transparency, etc.
  • Don't experiment with eating raw eggs
  • It is better to refrain from snacking on the go from stalls
  • During this time, put food in the refrigerator.
  • You should not defrost food in the place where you will cook it later.
  • It is good to heat-treat foods, especially meat, fish, eggs. You cannot marinate foods at room temperature.
  • Protect products from contact with insects, rodents and other animals that may be carriers of harmful microorganisms.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before eating. Wash for at least 20-30 seconds with soap, preferably under warm water.
  • Keep kitchen utensils clean. Kitchen surfaces should be wiped down both before and after cooking.
  • Be sure to wash vegetables and fruits well before eating.
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