What are the classifications of bacterial food poisoning?

Oct 09, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, bacterial food poisoning can be classified into types such as gastrointestinal food poisoning, neurotoxic food poisoning, allergic food poisoning, encephalitic food poisoning, and fulminant food poisoning. Patients are advised to receive symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. If any discomfort symptoms occur, patients should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying treatment.

Generally, bacterial food poisoning can be classified into gastrointestinal-type food poisoning, neurotoxic-type food poisoning, allergic-type food poisoning, encephalopathic-type food poisoning, and fulminant-type food poisoning. Patients are advised to receive symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal-type food poisoning

This type is commonly caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus. Main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience bile-containing vomit, significant periumbilical pain, and frequent diarrhea. Some patients may also develop fever, paroxysmal abdominal cramps, and mucoid bloody stools. Under medical guidance, patients can take medications such as norfloxacin capsules or montmorillonite powder for treatment.

2. Neurotoxic-type food poisoning

This type is usually caused by Clostridium botulinum infection and has an abrupt onset, primarily manifesting with neurological symptoms. Initial symptoms include general fatigue, weakness, headache, and dizziness. This may progress to blurred vision, double vision, dilated pupils, and ophthalmoplegia. Severe cases may present with difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as upper airway obstruction and aspiration pneumonia. Under medical supervision, patients may be treated with medications such as mecobalamin tablets or amoxicillin capsules.

3. Allergic-type food poisoning

This type mainly occurs when patients consume foods containing allergens, leading to food allergy. Symptoms may include skin itching, redness, swelling, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur. Patients should follow medical advice to use antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride capsules.

4. Encephalopathic-type food poisoning

Patients may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue; in severe cases, coma may occur. Under medical guidance, patients can be treated with medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules.

5. Fulminant-type food poisoning

Fulminant-type food poisoning refers to a sudden outbreak of illness within a short period after eating contaminated food. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, double vision, ptosis (drooping eyelids), and limb paralysis. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as atropine sulfate tablets or racemic hyoscine butylbromide tablets for treatment.

If patients experience any discomfort, they are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

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