First aid for food poisoning

Food poisoning cases are still frequently encountered in many developing countries, including Indonesia. Most cases are caused by the habit of snacking carelessly on the side of the road. Symptoms of food poisoning also usually do not appear immediately after eating, so many people do not realize that they have been sick. However, if first aid is not given immediately, food poisoning can be fatal. Learn how to deal with food poisoning below before it's too late.

Signs of food poisoning

The most common cause of food poisoning is bacteria, although it can also be caused by fungi, parasites, or viruses. These germs are eventually swallowed with food and enter our digestive tract, then produce symptoms.

Unfortunately, the germs that cause poisoning take a long time to multiply in the body, so usually the symptoms don't appear immediately.

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of food poisoning that should be given first aid immediately:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea (can even be accompanied by blood if the cause is Campylobacter or E. coli bacteria)
• Abdominal pain and cramps, usually within 12-72 hours of eating
• Dehydration, as a follow-up symptom of nausea and vomiting
• Headache

The way to deal with food poisoning will be adjusted by the cause. Because different germs, different ways of treatment. However, most cases of food poisoning are self-limiting and do not require special medical treatment.

First aid to treat food poisoning in adults

1. Treat the symptoms of nausea and vomiting

Within 6-48 hours of eating a meal, you will likely experience nausea and vomiting.

The following is first aid for food poisoning, which symptoms include nausea and vomiting:

• Avoid eating solid food until vomiting is over. It is advisable to eat light, bland foods, such as saltine crackers, bananas, rice, or bread.
• Inhale scents that can help prevent vomiting, such as eucalyptus oil.
• When the patient vomits, try to vomit with a bent body position and bowed. This is so that the food does not fall back down into the throat and make choking.
• While you still feel nauseous, don't give fried, oily, spicy, or sweet foods until your symptoms improve.
• Do not take anti-nausea medications without consulting your doctor.

2. Prevent dehydration

People with food poisoning are immediately given first aid before they actually show symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration can cause fainting, and severe damage to organs can lead to death.

Here are first aid kits to prevent dehydration due to food poisoning:

• Drink lots of fluids such as mineral water. Can start with small sips and gradually drink more.
• If vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours, take a rehydration solution or ORS that can be purchased at a pharmacy
• In case of emergency, immediately make ORS solution with 1 liter of water mixed with 6 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Immediately drink the solution water slowly

First aid for children with food poisoning

Emergency treatment for children with food poisoning is slightly different from adults. In most cases, the child's condition will get better on its own without treatment. However, if the symptoms of vomiting and wasting water do not subside, do the following first aid to prevent dehydration due to food poisoning:

1. For babies

For babies, just give them whatever they are used to. For example breast milk or formula milk. Give breast milk more often and for longer than usual. You can also give your baby an electrolyte drink from ORS following the doctor's dose according to body weight.

2. For children who are older

The first aid for food poisoning in children is to give them more fluids. You can give them mineral water, unsweetened juice, or sucked ice cubes.

• Avoid eating heavy meals for the first few hours until your child's vomiting or diarrhea improves
• feed when the child has started to calm down. The food that is given can be in the form of toast, bananas, and rice using clear vegetable sauce
• Try to take the child to rest, don't let the child go to school or play
• Don't give your child any medicine to stop diarrhea. Diarrhea is the body's way of removing bacteria that cause food poisoning. Anti-diarrheal drugs actually have unwanted side effects in children.

First aid due to food poisoning should be followed up immediately if your child is unable to hold back vomiting or shows signs of dehydration. Immediately take it to the hospital to get further help from a doctor.