The Boomerang Effect

When a disease is food borne it can affect any part of the body and especially pregnant women and people with low immune systems. The disease Listeriosis manifests because of a bacterial infection that is ingested through contaminated food where the organism travels to the intestines, causing severe infection. It is therefore advisable to avoid foods that may have the listeria bacteria like raw vegetables that have not been washed properly, infected meat, unpasteurized milk, processed foodstuffs sold under unhygienic conditions, etc. A newborn baby or even an unborn baby can contract the infection from the mother though breastfeeding is not a problem.

Symptoms

The general symptoms include acute persistent diarrhea, fatigue, disorientation, nausea, pain in the muscles, cramps and fever. But if this persists and manifests within the central nervous system, the signals may include all of the above and more can be added like an extremely stiff neck, acute headache, seizures, inability to comprehend things around and a loss of balance. It is extremely important for pregnant women to avoid eating contaminated food as it can weaken the immune system causing a problem for both mother and child. This can result in a potentially fatal problem for both mom and baby during and after the birth, miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery.

When you think of people with weak immune systems who do you think of – just children, or adults as well? Here are a few of the categories:

-AIDS and HIV patients have a high-risk rate

-People suffering from diabetes or kidney disease

-Anyone over the age of 60

-People on a cocktail of medication

-Patients undergoing chemotherapy

Tests and Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually conducted with a blood test to determine the cause and the extent of the problem. Sputum and urine samples or even spinal fluid may be tested, depending on the severity. If there is a mild case, the patient may not require rigorous treatment. The serious cases will have to undergo a very extensive course of antibiotics. If the individual is not responding to oral medication, he/she may be hospitalized to be monitored with intravenous medication. During pregnancy it is imperative to treat the condition immediately so that the infection does not reach the baby through the placenta. However, if the baby displays any symptoms after birth, treatment will be provided with a combination of antibiotics.

Beware

There are many reasons why people are prone to food borne illnesses today. The most important one is bad hygiene. If you purchase edible items from a restaurant, you need to make sure that the place is free of any germs. Of course, no one knows what goes on in the kitchen and if you are prone to tummy upsets, perhaps it is best to eat at home. The objective is to make sure that every single item is washed thoroughly so that you do not get the bug again, or again, or again. Treatments are available, but at the end of the day, everyone has to ensure that he/she does his/her bit so that the problem does not recur..

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women\’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.
http://www.womenscenter.com/

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women\’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.
http://www.womenscenter.com/

Author Bio: Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women\’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.
http://www.womenscenter.com/

Category: Medicines and Remedies
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