How to relieve symptoms of crayfish poisoning

Lobster poisoning is mostly caused by using stale ingredients, undercooking, or improper cleaning. Relief should follow these principles: stop consumption and induce vomiting, replenish fluids to promote excretion, treat gastrointestinal discomfort symptomatically, adopt a light diet to aid recovery, and closely monitor changes in the condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Stop eating and induce vomiting: Immediately cease consuming lobster upon noticing symptoms of poisoning. If ingestion occurred within the past 1–2 hours, induce vomiting by stimulating the back of the throat with fingers to expel residual toxins from the stomach. Keep the head tilted forward during vomiting to prevent aspiration. Do not induce vomiting if the person is unconscious or experiencing seizures.

2. Replenish fluids to promote excretion: After vomiting, drink moderate amounts of warm water or lightly salted water—100–200 mL at a time—frequently and in small quantities. This promotes urination and bowel movements, helping to dilute and accelerate the elimination of residual toxins, while preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

3. Symptomatic relief for gastrointestinal discomfort: For mild vomiting or diarrhea, follow medical advice to take smectite powder to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, or use probiotics to regulate intestinal flora. Apply a warm compress to the abdomen to relieve abdominal pain and spasms, but avoid excessive heat that may cause skin burns. Do not self-administer painkillers, as they may mask symptoms.

4. Light diet to support recovery: After symptoms subside, eat bland and easily digestible foods such as millet porridge, soft noodles, and steamed egg custard to reduce gastrointestinal strain. Avoid oily, spicy, raw, or cold foods. Also avoid high-protein or high-fat foods immediately after poisoning, as they may worsen gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Closely monitor changes in condition: Record the onset time, duration, and severity of symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as frequent vomiting or diarrhea, high fever, worsening dizziness and fatigue, skin itching, or rashes occur.

To prevent lobster poisoning, choose live and fresh lobsters, thoroughly clean the intestinal tract before cooking, ensure thorough cooking at high temperatures, and avoid consuming lobsters of unknown origin or those showing signs of spoilage—minimizing risk from the source.