Senior Care in Summerlin NV
If your loved one suddenly starts to feel ill for no reason you can think of, she might be dealing with food poisoning. Here’s what you can do if you suspect that’s the case.
What Is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is any of a number of different types of illnesses that are caused by food that has been contaminated with a variety of different organisms such as viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. Some of these types of organisms are so toxic to humans that symptoms can begin within a few minutes of having eaten something that is contaminated. Contamination can occur when food is mishandled, prepared improperly, or stored improperly.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
With all the different varieties of organisms that can cause food poisoning, you’re not likely to see all of the exact same symptoms in each case. Some of the most common symptoms that you’re likely to see include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, specifically watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Dehydration
- Neurological symptoms
Even symptoms that don’t seem related should be mentioned to your loved one’s doctor. In many cases, symptoms can help to narrow down the type of organism that has caused your loved one to experience food poisoning.
Treating Food Poisoning
Mild cases of food poisoning can resolve themselves with a little bit of time. If your loved one’s symptoms are mild, keep her comfortable and give her plenty of water or clear soda or broth. Both can help to settle her stomach. It’s important to keep her hydrated, especially if she’s experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Rest can be the best thing for your loved one, so help her to sleep as much as she can. Keep tabs on her temperature and how much she’s able to drink so that you can determine if the situation is getting better on its own.
Contact Her Doctor
If your loved one is unable to keep any liquids down or has an extremely high temperature, you should
contact her doctor right away. Signs of severe dehydration, such as excessive dry mouth, dizziness, or lightheadedness, can be a sign of bigger problems. Severe neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness and tingling in the extremities, are also a cause for concern. Be sure to let your loved one’s doctor know when the symptoms began and what you’ve been doing to treat the situation at home.
Food poisoning is nothing to laugh at. Make sure that your loved one has someone with her, whether that’s you or her senior care providers, just in case the situation worsens.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME SENIOR CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.