FitSugar

Yet Another Recall: Olives

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

As if we haven't had enough of recall madness, yet another item has been recalled.

The FDA has put out a release announcing the recall of olives made by Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli S.r.l, of Bari, Italy. The reason for the recall? Apparently the olives may be contaminated with the deadly bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. C. botulinum, which can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness. What's more? Charlie Brown and Co. initiated a recall of these olives on March 27, 2007 but to date, the company has not contacted importers with specific instructions on the recall so the FDA had to step in.

The olives are sold under the following brands: Bonta di Puglia, Cento, Corrado's, Dal Raccolto, Flora, Roland and Vantia, and have codes that start with the letter "G" and are followed by 3 or 4 digits. All sizes of cans, glass jars and pouches of Cerignola, Nocerella and Castelvetrano type olives are affected.

Symptoms of botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. If you have further questions you can contact the Charlie Brown Company at 011-039-080-7839073 or by email (charliebrownbari@yahoo.com).

Grazie!

Botulism immune globulin (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:02:36 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Botulism Immune Globulin

Treats an infection called infant botulism in infants under 1 year of age. Botulism is a type of food poisoning caused by a bacteria that lives in soil and in contaminated food. The bacteria (toxin) gets into the body when a person eats infected food. Then the toxin grows inside the intestines and causes illness.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Your child should not receive this medicine if he or she has had an allergic reaction to any type of immune globulin. This would include medicines given after a kidney transplant. Other types of immune globulin include Respigam®, RhoGam®, BabyRho®, or immune globulins to prevent hepatitis, tetanus, or chickenpox.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your child's exact dose and tell you when it should be given. This medicine is usually given only once after your child becomes ill with botulism.
This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your child's veins. A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this medicine.
Your child will need to be watched after receiving this medicine to check for side effects. Some side effects from this medicine can occur hours or days after your child receives it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Vaccines and other shots may not work as well if your child receives them during treatment with botulism immune globulin. This effect may last up to 5 months. Talk to your child's doctor about the best immunization schedule for your baby.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your child's doctor knows if the baby has diabetes or kidney disease.
This medicine is made from human blood products. Many people are worried about getting AIDS, hepatitis, or West Nile Virus from a blood transfusion. The risk of this happening is rare. Blood banks test all donated blood for AIDS, hepatitis, and West Nile Virus.
Children may get botulism from eating honey, but most people can eat honey safely without getting infected. Babies are more likely to get infected from eating honey because their intestines are more sensitive to the bacteria.
Do not feed honey to any child under the age of 12 months. Do not use honey on a bottle nipple or pacifier to make the baby take it easier. Do not put honey on your nipples if you are breast feeding your baby. Even a small amount of honey could cause the baby to develop botulism.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your child's face or hands, swelling or tingling in his mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Fewer than 8 wet diapers in one full day.
Increased sensitivity to light.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting.
Severe drowsiness, fussiness, or crying.
Trouble breathing or swallowing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Chills, fever, or pain.
Mild skin rash.
Snoring or noisy breathing.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4792

Botulism

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:50:47 -0700

Illustrations

Bacteria

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria may enter the body through wounds, or they may live in improperly canned or preserved food.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Clostridium botulinum is found in soil and untreated water throughout the world. It produces spores that survive in improperly preserved or canned food, where they produce toxin. When eaten, even tiny amounts of this toxin can lead to severe poisoning.

The foods most commonly contaminated are home-canned vegetables, cured pork and ham, smoked or raw fish, and honey or corn syrup. Botulism may also occur if the organism enters open wounds and produces toxin there.

Infant botulism occurs when living bacteria or its spores are eaten and grow within the baby's gastrointestinal tract. The most common cause of infant botulism is eating honey or corn syrup.

Clostridium botulinum also occurs normally in the stool of some infants.

Approximately 110 cases of botulism occur in the U.S. per year. The majority are in infants.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear between 8 - 36 hours after consuming contaminated food.

In adults, symptoms may include:

Abdominal cramps
Breathing difficulty that may lead to respiratory failure
Difficulty swallowing and speaking
Double vision
Dry mouth
Nausea
Temporary lack of breathing
Vomiting
Weakness with paralysis

Symptoms in infants may include:

Constipation
Weakness, loss of muscle tone
Weak cry
Poor feeding and weak sucking
Respiratory distress
Alertness, despite weakness

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. There may be signs of:

Speech impairment
Muscle function/feeling loss
Eyelid drooping
Absent or decreased gag reflex
Absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes
Paralyzed bowel
Urine retention with inability to urinate

Blood tests can be done to identify toxin. A stool culture may also be ordered. Lab tests can be done on the suspected food to confirm botulism.

Treatment

Botulinus antitoxin is given.

Breathing trouble requires hospitalization. The health care team will establish a clear airway and provide supportive therapy. A tube may be inserted through the nose or mouth into the windpipe to provide an airway for oxygen. A breathing machine may be needed.

Intravenous fluids can be given when the patient has swallowing difficulties. A feeding tube may be inserted in the nose.

Cases of botulism are reported to state health authorities or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by health care providers so that the contaminated food can be removed from stores. Antibiotics are often given, but have not been shown to always be beneficial.

Expectations (prognosis)

Prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of death.

Complications

Aspiration pneumonia and infection
Respiratory distress
Long-lasting weakness
Nervous system problems for up to 1 year

Calling your health care provider

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you suspect botulism.

Prevention

NEVER give honey or corn syrup to infants younger than 1 year old -- not even just a little taste on a pacifier.

Prevent infant botulism by breastfeeding, if possible.

Always throw away bulging cans or off-smelling preserved foods. Sterilize home-canned foods by pressure cooking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

Keep foil-wrapped baked potatoes hot or in the refrigerator, not out in room temperature.

Review Date: 8/16/2007

Reviewed By: Arnold L. Lentnek, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000598

Infant botulism

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:56:09 -0700

Overview

Definition
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Infant botulism is a potentially life-threatening disease in which the bacteria Clostridium botulinum grows within the baby's gastrointestinal tract.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Clostridium botulinum is a spore-forming organism that is common in nature. The spores may be found in soil and certain foods (such as honey and some corn syrups).

Infant botulism occurs mostly in young infants between 6 weeks and 6 months of age. It has been reported to occur as early as 6 days and as late as 1 year.

Risk factors include swallowing honey as a baby, being around contaminated soil, and having less than one stool per day for a period greater than 2 months.

Symptoms

Breathing stops or slows
Constipation
Eyelids sag or partially close
Infant appears "floppy"
Infant doesn't gag
Loss of head control
Paralysis that spreads downward
Poor feeding and weak suckling
Respiratory failure
Tired all the time (lethargy)
Weak cry

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. The doctor may note decreased muscle tone, a missing or decreased gag reflex, missing or decreased deep tendon reflexes, and eyelid drooping.

A stool sample from the baby may be examined to check for the botulinum toxin or bacteria.

Electromyography (EMG) can be done to help tell the difference between muscle and neurological problems.

Treatment

Botulism immune globulin is the main treatment for this condition. Infants that receive this treatment have shorter hospital stays and less severe illness.

Any infant with botulism must receive supportive care during their recovery. This includes:

Ensuring proper nutrition
Keeping the airway clear
Watching for breathing problems

If breathing problems develop, breathing support, including the use of a breathing machine, may be needed.

Antibiotics do not appear to help the baby improve any faster, and are not needed unless another bacterial infection such as pneumonia develops.

The use of human-derived botulinum antitoxin may also be helpful.

Expectations (prognosis)

Full recovery is expected with early recognition and supportive treatment. Death or permanent disability may result in complicated cases.

Complications

Respiratory insufficiency can develop, requiring assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation).

Calling your health care provider

Since infant botulism can be life threatening, go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) immediately if your infant has symptoms of botulism.

Prevention

Theoretically, the disease might be avoided by preventing exposure to spores. Since honey and corn syrup are sources of Clostridium spores, they should not be fed to infants less than 1 year old.

Review Date: 10/8/2007

Reviewed By: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001384

Food poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:48:57 -0700

Overview

Definition
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention
References

Illustrations

Food poisoning

Antibodies

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Food poisoning is the result of eating organisms or toxins in contaminated food. Most cases of food poisoning are from common bacteria such as Staphylococcus or E. coli.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Food poisoning can affect one person or it can occur as an outbreak in a group of people who all ate the same contaminated food.

Food poisoning tends to occur at picnics, school cafeterias, and large social functions. In these cases, food may be left out of the refrigerator too long or food preparation techniques may not be clean. Food poisoning often occurs from eating undercooked meats, dairy products, or food containing mayonaise (like coleslaw or potato salad) that have sat out too long.

Food poisoning can be caused by:

Bacillus cereus
Botulism
Campylobacter
Cholera
E. coli enteritis
Fish poisoning
Listeria
Mushroom poisoning
Staph aureus
Salmonella
Shigella
Yersinia

Botulism is a very serious form of food poisoning that can be fatal. It can come from improper home canning.

Infants and elderly people have the greatest risk for food poisoning. You are also at higher risk if:

You have a serious medical condition, such as kidney disease or diabetes
You have a weakened immune system
You travel outside of the U.S. to areas where there is more exposure to organisms that cause food poisoning

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have to be especially careful.

Symptoms

The symptoms from the most common types of food poisoning generally start within 2 - 6 hours of eating the food. That time may be longer (even a number of days) or shorter, depending on the cause of the food poisoning.

Possible symptoms include:

Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea (may be bloody)
Fever and chills
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness (may be serious and lead to respiratory arrest, as in the case of botulism)

Signs and tests

Your health care provider will examine you for signs of food poisoning, such as stomach problems and dehydration. Your provider will also ask about foods you have eaten recently.

Tests to find the cause may be done on your:

Blood
Leftover food
Stool
Vomit

Even if you have food poisoning, however, these tests may not be able to prove it.

In rare but possibly serious cases, your doctor may order one or more of the following procedures:

A thin, tube-like tool placed in the anus to look for the source of bleeding or infection (sigmoidoscopy)
A test to measure electric impulses in the muscles (electromyography) to check for botulism
A test of fluid from the spine (lumbar puncture) if you have signs of a nervous system disorder

Treatment

You will usually recover from the most common types of food poisoning within a couple of days. The goal is to make you feel better and avoid dehydration.

Don't eat solid foods until the diarrhea has passed, and avoid dairy products, which can worsen diarrhea.
Drink any fluid (except milk or caffeinated beverages) to replace fluids lost by diarrhea and vomiting.
Give children an electrolyte sold in drugstores.

If you have diarrhea and are unable to drink fluids (for example, due to nausea or vomiting), you may need medical attention and intravenous fluids. This is especially true for young children.

If you take diuretics, you need to manage diarrhea carefully. Talk to your doctor -- you may need to stop taking the diuretic while you have the diarrhea. NEVER stop or change medications without talking to your doctor and getting specific instructions.

For the most common causes of food poisoning, your doctor would NOT prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can make diarrhea last longer and keep the organism that caused the poisoning in your body longer.

If you have eaten toxins from mushrooms or shellfish, you will need medical attention right away. The emergency room doctor will take steps to empty out your stomach and remove the toxin.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most people fully recover from the most common types of food poisoning within 12 - 48 hours. Serious complications can arise, however, from certain types of food poisoning.

Complications

Dehydration is the most common complication. This can occur from any of the causes of food poisoning.

Less common but much more serious complications include:

Arthritis (Yersinia and Salmonella)
Bleeding disorders (E. coli and others)
Death (from mushrooms, certain fish poisonings, or botulism)
Kidney problems (Shigella, E. coli)
Nervous system disorders (Botulism, Campylobacter)
Pericarditis (Salmonella)
Respiratory distress, including the need for support on a breathing machine (botulism)

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

Diarrhea lasts for more than 2 - 3 days.
There is blood in your stools.
You are on diuretics and have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
You have diarrhea and are unable to drink fluids due to nausea or vomiting.
You have a fever over 101°F.

Call 911 if:

Bleeding is excessive or your stools are maroon or black.
You are short of breath or having trouble breathing.
You have any nervous system symptoms such as weakness, double vision, difficulty speaking, or paralysis.
You have signs of dehydration (thirsty, dizzy, lightheaded, faint).
You have trouble swallowing.
You may have poisoning from mushrooms, fish, or botulism.
Your heart is racing, pounding, or skipping.

Prevention

To prevent food poisoning, take the following steps when preparing food:

Carefully wash your hands and clean dishes and utensils.
Use a thermometer when cooking. Cook beef to at least 160°F, poultry to at least 180°F, and fish to at least 140°F.
DO NOT place cooked meat or fish back onto the same plate or container that held the raw meat, unless the container has been completely washed.
Promptly refrigerate any food you will not be eating. Keep the refrigerator set to around 40°F and your freezer at or below 0°F. DO NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish that has been refrigerated uncooked for longer than 1 to 2 days.
DO NOT use outdated foods, packaged food with a broken seal, or cans that are bulging or have a dent.
DO NOT use foods that have an unusual odor or a spoiled taste.

Other steps to take:

If you take care of young children, wash your hands often and dispose of diapers carefully so that bacteria can't spread to other surfaces or people.
If you make canned food at home, be sure to follow proper canning techniques to prevent botulism.
DO NOT feed honey to children under 1 year of age.
DO NOT eat wild mushrooms.
When traveling where contamination is more likely, eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Drink water only if it's been boiled. DO NOT eat raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit.
DO NOT eat shellfish that has been exposed to red tides.
If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, DO NOT eat soft cheeses, especially imported from countries outside the U.S.

If other people may have eaten the food that made you sick, let them know. If you think the food was contaminated when you bought it from a store or restaurant, tell the store and your local health department.

References

Diagnosis and management of foodborne illnesses: a primer for physicians. Atlanta, Ga. American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Food Safety and Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture; 2001. MMWR Recomm Rep; 50(RR-2): 1-69.

Tam CC. Campylobacter coli - an important foodborne pathogen. J Infect. 2003; 47(1): 28-32.

Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, Ny :McGraw Hill Professional; 2003.

Review Date: 2/27/2008

Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001652

Food poisoning

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:25 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
What Causes It?
Who's Most At Risk?
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Treatment Options
Prognosis/Possible Complications
Following Up
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Food poisoning is the result of eating food contaminated with bacteria or other toxins. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, and generally start 4 - 36 hours after eating contaminated food. While many cases are caused by bacteria, some cases can result from eating poisonous plants (some mushrooms, for instance) and animals (pufferfish). Food poisoning is not uncommon, especially during summer when food may not be kept cold enough to prevent bacteria from growing.

Signs and Symptoms

The typical signs of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Specific bacteria may cause these signs and symptoms:

Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum, or botulism): weakness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, paralyzed eye nerves, difficulty speaking, trouble swallowing, paralysis that spreads downward, respiratory failure, death
Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni): fever, chills, bloody diarrhea
Escherichia coli (E. coli): hemorrhagic colitis (diarrhea with very little stool and large amounts of blood). E. coli symptoms may appear as long as 3 days after eating contaminated food.
Mushroom poisoning can affect the liver, the neurological system (brain), or the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include stomach flu, delirium (confusion), vision difficulties, heart muscle problems, kidney failure, and death of liver tissue. It causes death in about half of the people affected unless treated right away.

Fish poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and headache. Specific types of fish poisoning can cause other signs and symptoms, such as:

Ciguatera: numbness or tingling around the mouth, feeling of loose teeth, impaired touch sensation of hot as cold and cold as hot, itching, muscle and joint pain, slow heart rate, low blood pressure. Caused by toxins in some fish, including grouper, snapper, mackerel, barracuda.
Pufferfish poisoning: numbness or tingling around the mouth, trouble coordinating movement, difficulty swallowing, excess saliva, twitching, loss of ability to talk, convulsions, paralysis that spreads upward, respiratory failure, death
Shellfish poisoning: numbness or tingling around the mouth or in the arms and legs, trouble swallowing, difficulty speaking. Caused by toxins in algae that are then eaten by shellfish.

What Causes It?

Usually bacteria and algae cause food poisoning. But sometimes poisonous plants and animals are the cause.

Common bacterial toxins include:

E. coli in undercooked hamburger, unpasteurized apple juice or cider, raw milk, contaminated water (or ice), vegetables fertilized by cow manure; can be spread from person to person.
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in cole slaw, dairy products (mostly soft cheeses from outside the United States), and cold, processed meats
Salmonella spp. in poultry, beef, eggs, or dairy products
Shigella spp. from raw vegetables or cool, moist foods (such as potato and egg salads) that are handled after cooking
Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) in salad dressing, ham, eggs, custard-filled pastries, mayonnaise, and potato salad. Usually from the hands of food handlers.
C. jejuni in raw milk and chicken
C. botulinum in improperly home-canned foods. In children under 1 year of age, mostly from honey but also from corn syrup.
Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) in meat and poultry dishes and gravies, mostly foods that were cooked more than 24 hours before eating and were not reheated well enough
V. cholerae in bivalve (two-shelled) shellfish (such as mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops), raw shellfish, and crustaceans (such as lobsters, shrimp, and crabs)

Common types of fish poisoning include:

Scombroid poisoning from bacteria in dark-meat fish (tuna, bonito, skipjack, mahi-mahi, mackerel) that are not refrigerated well
Ciguatera poisoning in tropical fish (grouper, surgeonfish, snapper, barracuda, moray eel) that have eaten toxic plankton
Puffer fish poisoning from the organs and flesh of puffer fish
Poisoning from shellfish that feed on certain algae

Mushroom poisoning occurs from eating wild poisonous mushrooms, especially Amanita phalloides.

Who's Most At Risk?

Infants and the elderly are at greater risk for food poisoning. Other risk factors include:

Having a pre-existing medical condition, such as chronic kidney failure or diabetes
Taking antibiotic or antihistamine medicines
Having sickle-cell anemia and other problems with red blood cells
Weakened immune system
Traveling in an area where contamination is more likely

Listeriosis is most common in pregnant women, fetuses, and people with immune problems. When a fetus is infected with listeria, the fetus may be born prematurely or die.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your health care provider will examine you for signs and symptoms of food poisoning, such as stomach problems, and of dehydration. Your health care provider may also ask about foods you have eaten recently, where you may have traveled, and if you have had contact with people showing similar symptoms. Tests of your vomit, blood, and stool can identify the cause. In the case of botulism, electromyography (a test to measure electric impulses in the muscles) may be done to confirm the diagnosis. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be done to check for signs and symptoms related to central nervous system disorders.

Treatment Options

Prevention

These steps can help prevent food poisoning:

Wash your hands and clean any dishes or utensils when you are making or serving food.
Promptly refrigerate any food you will not be eating right away.
If you take care of young children, wash your hands often and dispose of diapers carefully so that bacteria can't spread to other surfaces or people.
If you make canned food at home, make sure to follow proper canning techniques to prevent botulism.
Don't feed honey to children under 1 year of age.
Don't eat wild mushrooms.
When traveling where contamination is more likely, eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Boil water before drinking. Don't eat raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit.
Always refrigerate fish.
Don't eat tropical fish caught during blooms of poison plankton.
Eat pufferfish only in specially licensed restaurants with chefs trained to cook it.
Don't eat shellfish exposed to red tides.

If others also may have eaten a food that made you sick, let them know. If you think the food was contaminated when you bought it from a store or restaurant, tell the staff and your local health department.

Treatment Plan

Treatment for most cases consists of rehydration -- replacing fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride). While experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, the person should avoid solid food but increase clear liquids. In more severe cases, a person may need help either breathing or stopping vomiting. In most cases, health care providers do not prescribe antibiotics because they may prolong diarrhea. If you have eaten certain toxins (such as from mushrooms or shellfish), your health care provider may take steps to clean out your stomach (a process called lavage, or pumping the stomach) and administer activated charcoal, which can help absorb the remaining toxin.

Drug Therapies

Depending on the symptoms and the cause of food poisoning, a health care provider may prescribe drugs, including:

Antibiotics, in certain cases
Antitoxin to neutralize toxins from C. botulinum (only given within the first 72 hours)
Amitriptyline to control the numbness and tingling from ciguatera poisoning
Apomorphine or ipecac syrup to cause vomiting and help rid the body of toxin
Atropine for mushroom poisoning
Diphenhydramine and cimetidine for fish poisoning
Mannitol for nerve-related symptoms of ciguatera poisoning

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Anyone suffering from severe food poisoning should seek conventional medical treatment. Complementary and alternative therapies are best used to strengthen the body and aid in the prevention of food poisoning. For example, animal studies have shown that certain vitamins and nutrients may be effective in protecting against some food toxins while others may actually worsen the effects of toxins. Milk thistle is an herb commonly used in Europe as a primary treatment for mushroom poisoning. Homeopathy may help in the treatment of diarrhea in children (which is sometimes caused by food poisoning) in developing countries.

Nutrition

The following general nutritional guidelines may be helpful in the case of food poisoning:

Drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration).
Drink barley or rice water (to soothe inflamed stomach or intestine).
Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the intestine. If you are traveling to an area where the food and water may be contaminated, in addition to taking the precautions above, taking probiotics both before and during your trip may help maintain intestinal health.
Apple cider vinegar is a traditional remedy that has not been studied scientifically, but may have some antimicrobial properties. Mix 2 tsp. in one cup warm water and drink several times a day.

For specific types of food poisoning:

Alpha-lipoic acid -- Several reports indicate that alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant commonly found in broccoli, spinach, and beef, may be helpful in the treatment of Amanita (mushroom) poisoning, especially when combined with milk thistle (Silybum marianum). It is important to receive medical treatment if you suspect mushroom poisoning. Do not try to self-treat.
Vitamin A -- Studies with rats seem to show that vitamin A offered some protection against salmonella. Rats infected with Salmonella appeared to eliminate the bacteria from their bodies faster when pretreated with vitamin A than with placebo, according to one study. They also gained more weight and had a greater immune response than rats given placebo.
Calcium phosphate -- One animal study suggests that rats receiving calcium phosphate supplements may be protected from Salmonella poisoning. Researchers theorize that calcium phosphate helps boost Lactobacillus, the good bacteria found in the intestine, which helps fight off Salmonella.

Supplements to avoid:

Fish oil -- In a study of mice infected with the bacteria Listeria, animals that regularly consumed diets rich in fish oil had significantly more bacteria in their spleens than animals that consumed diets rich in lard or soybean oil. Until researchers can determine what these results mean to humans, people with Listeria infection should avoid foods containing fish oil.

Herbs

Various herbs have been used traditionally to treat different types of food poisoning, though in most cases scientific studies on their effectiveness are lacking.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is often used for liver disorders and is widely used in Europe to treat Amanita mushroom poisoning. Studies have shown that patients with Amanita poisoning can be effectively treated with silibinin (the primary active component of milk thistle) up to 48 hours after eating the deadly mushrooms.

Animal studies of Chinese and Japanese combination herbal remedies used for Listeria suggest they may be effective for food poisoning. A few of the active ingredients include:

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus)
Chinese cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale)
Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Peony root (Paeonia officinalis)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Seek the advice of a trained and licensed herbalist or practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine who will guide your individual treatment. Do not self-treat with these herbs. Some of these herbs should not be taken if you have heart disease or high blood pressure or take blood-thinning medication. In addition, some of these herbs interact with other herbs, supplements, and prescription medications, so it is important to make sure all your health care providers know what you are taking.

Laboratory (test tube) studies suggest that the following herbs have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, although there is no evidence they are effective for treating food poisoning in humans.

Bittervine (Mikania micrantha)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has also been used traditionally to treat diarrhea from infectious causes such as E. coli and V. cholera.

Homeopathy

No studies have examined the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for food poisoning. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual. Below are some more common remedies for food poisoning or diarrhea.

Arsenicum album -- for foul-smelling diarrhea from food poisoning or traveler's diarrhea with burning sensation in the abdomen and around the anus. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who feel exhausted yet restless and whose symptoms tend to worsen in the cold and improve with warmth. Vomiting may also occur. Arsenicum may also be used to prevent diarrhea when traveling.
Chamomilla -- for greenish, frothy stool that smells like rotten eggs. Used primarily for children, especially those who are irritable, argumentative, and difficult to console.
Calcarea carbonica -- for children who fear being in the dark or alone and who perspire heavily while sleeping. Sools have a sour odor.
Podophyllum -- for explosive, gushing, painless diarrhea that becomes worse after eating or drinking. Exhaustion often follows bowel movements, and the individual for whom this remedy is appropriate may experience painful cramps in lower extremities.
Sulphur -- for irritable and weepy children. May have a red ring around the anus and diarrhea with the odor of rotten eggs.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Most cases of food poisoning are mild and clear up on their own. However, with mushroom poisoning, up to half of people may die. With botulism, less than 10% die. Some people may need help breathing for months afterwards. More than half of poisonings from pufferfish are fatal. Death is rare in other fish poisonings, but nerve-related symptoms can continue for months.

The following are some possible after-effects of food poisoning:

After shigellosis, white blood cell problems and kidney problems
After E. coli infection, kidney problems and bleeding problems
After botulism, long hospital stays (1 - 10 months) with fatigue and difficulty breathing for 1- 2 years or respiratory failure
After salmonellosis, Reiter syndrome (an arthritis-like disease) and inflammation of the heart lining
After campylobacteriosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome (a nerve disease)

Following Up

For a severe case of food poisoning, you may need to stay in the hospital to receive fluids and electrolytes, and so health care providers can monitor your breathing. Doctors may need to intubate (insert a tube down the throat) or connect you to a machine to help with breathing. Dialysis may be required. Cathartics (substances that help the body remove waste), enemas, and lavage may help eliminate toxins.

Supporting Research

Beers MH, Porter RS, et al. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 18th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2006:1642-1644.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:257.

Bovee-Oudenhoven IM, Wissink ML, Wouters JT, Van der Meer R. Dietary calcium phosphate stimulates intestinal lactobacilli and decreases the severity of a salmonella infection in rats. J Nutr. 1999;129:607-612.

Duncan SH, Flint HJ, Stewart CS. Inhibitory activity of gut bacteria against Escherichiacoli 0157 mediated by dietary plant metabolites. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 1998;164:238-288.

Facey PC, Pascoe KO, Porter RB, Jones AD. Investigation of plants used in Jamaican folk medicine for anti-bacterial activity. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999;51:1455-1460.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of InternalMedicine. 14th ed. Vol. 1. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998:796-801, 876-880, 904-905.

Fritsche KL, Shahbazian LM, Feng C, Berg JN. Dietary fish oil reduces survival and impairs bacterial clearance in C3H/Hen mice challenged with Listeria monocytogenes. Clin Sci. 1997;92:95-101.

Gabriel EP, Lindquist BL, Abud RL, Merrick JM, Lebenthal E. Effect of vitamin A deficiency on the adherence of fimbriated and nonfimbriated Salmonella typhimurium to isolated small intestinal enterocytes. J Ped Gastroenterol Nutr. 1990;10:530-535.

Hatchigian EA, Santon JE, Broitman SA, Vitale JJ. Vitamin A supplementation improves macrophage function and bacterial clearance during experimental Salmonella infection. PSEBM. 1989;191:47-54.

Hruby K, Csomos G, Fuhrmann M, Thaler H. Chemotherapy of Amanita phalloides poisoning with intravenous silibinin. Hum Exp Toxicol. 1983;2(2):183-195.

Irons R, Anderson MJ, Zhang M, Fritsche KL. Dietary fish oil impairs primary host resistance against Listeria monocytogenes more than the immunological memory response. J. Nutr. 2003 Apr;133:1163-1169.

Jacobs J, Jiménez M, Malthouse S, Chapman E, Crothers D, Masuk M, Jonas WB. Homeopathic treatment of acute childhood diarrhea: results from a clinical trial in Nepal. J Altern Complement Med. 2000;6(2):131-139.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 218-220.

Murray PR, et al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 7th ed. Washington, DC: ASM Press; 1999:356-359.

Rabbani GH, Butler T, Knight J, Sanyal SC, Alam K. Randomized controlled trial of berberine sulfate therapy for diarrhea due to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae. J Infect Dis. 1987 May;155(5):979-984.

Rosen P, et al. Emergency Medicine: Concepts and ClinicalPractice. 4th ed. Vol. 3. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 1998:1931-1938, 2513-2516, 2178-2179.

Sabeel AI, Kurkus J, Lindholm T. Intensive hemodialysis and hemoperfusion treatment of Amanita mushroom poisoning. Mycopathologia. 1995;131(2):107-114.

Ullman D. Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1992: 75-77.

Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1995: 243-245.

Verma RJ, Shalini M. Ochratoxin A-induced cytotoxicity to human red blood cells and its prevention by certain vitamins. Med Sci Res. 1997;25(12):833-834.

Yonekura K, Kawakita T, Mitsuyama M, Miura O, Yumioka E, Suzuki A, Nomoto K. Induction of colony-stimulating factor(s) after administration of a traditional Chinese medicine, xiao-chai-hu-tang (Japanese name: shosaiko-to). Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1990;12(4):647-667.

Yonekura K, Kawakita T, Saito Y, Suzuki A, Nomoto K. Augmentation of host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection by a traditional Chinese medicine, ren-shen-yang-rong-tang (Japanese name: ninjin-youei-to). Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1992;14(1-2):165-190.

Review Date:
12/17/2006
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

More People Are Speaking Up About Botox

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:59:07 -0700

A good friend and I have a monthly brunch date, and I always look forward to seeing her. The last time we met up, she mentioned that she'd be coming straight from the salon. She looked fantastic - well-rested, relaxed, happy. "That is one amazing haircut," I said. It totally transformed her look. Amazing what a snip can do, I thought, and every so often I'd remark on the transformative powers of the haircut.

After the third compliment, she stopped me. "Well, it's not all the haircut," she admitted. "I got Botox last week, too." Turns out she used the haircut as a (highly effective) foil for those of us marveling at the transformation. And she's not the only one to talk about her adventures in botulism toxin: a recent study showed that only 13 percent of people kept their Botox use private. A few years ago, most people were reticent when it came to discussing their cosmetic procedures, but that isn't the case anymore. (Can you guess which celebrities have admitted to using Botox?) As for me, I have yet to want to rock the 'tox, but I wouldn't hide it if I did. If you've tried Botox, are you open about it? And if you haven't tried it, do you think you'd keep it a secret or not?

Source

Beauty Byte: FDA Orders "Black Box" Warning For Botox

BellaSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:00:51 -0700

The black box warning is one of the strongest safety actions the FDA can take . . . and it has come to Botox. Reserved for medications with known serious or life-threatening dangers, the change requires printed bold-face risk information in a black border. Not only does this increase awareness for the adverse effects, but treatment is now accompanied by a medication guide for patients at the time of toxin injection (presumably with even more warnings about this cosmetic treatment).

The decision was made on the heels of a newly approved drug, Dysport, expected to be the first real challenger to the Botox Cosmetic drug. Both are derived from the agent botulinum toxin – purified forms of the bacterial poison that causes botulism – a potentially fatal disease. These drugs temporarily reduce or halt (aka paralyze) muscle activity near the injection spot . . . but reports claim those problems can also spread to other body parts. Now, I know the choice is yours - but does a new labeling requirement change your view on this treatment?

Source

Drooling

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:04:19 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
References

Illustrations

Drooling

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Drooling is saliva flowing outside the mouth.

Alternative Names

Salivation

Considerations

Drooling is generally caused by:

Problems keeping saliva in the mouth
Problems with swallowing
Too much saliva production

Some people with drooling problems are at increased risk of breathing saliva, food, or fluids into the lungs. This may cause harm if there is a problem with the body's normal reflexes (such as gagging and coughing).

Drooling caused by nervous system (neurologic) problems can often be managed with drugs that block the action of the chemical messenger, acetylcholine (anticholinergic drugs). In severe cases, people can reduce drooling by injecting botulism toxin, getting high-energy x-rays (radiation) to the glands in the mouth that make saliva (salivary glands), and other methods.

Common Causes

Some drooling in infants and toddlers is normal and is not usually a sign of a disease or other problem. It may occur with teething. Drooling in infants and young children may get worse with upper respiratory infections and nasal allergies.

Drooling that occurs with fever or trouble swallowing may be a sign of a more serious disease, including:

Sudden drooling may occur with poisoning (especially by pesticides) or a reaction to snake or insect venom.

Other things that can cause drooling:

Certain medications
Nervous system (neurological) problems

Home Care

Care for drooling due to teething includes good oral hygiene. Popsicles or other cold objects (such as frozen bagels) may be helpful. Take care to avoid choking when a child uses any of these objects.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if:

The cause of the drooling has not been diagnosed.
There is concern about aspiration.
Your child has a fever, difficulty breathing, or holds his or her head in a strange position.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will do a physical examination and ask questions about the symptoms, including:

Is there a history of any other diseases?
Has the person had a bite or sting?
Has the person had an injury?
What medications is the person taking?
What other symptoms are present (such as fever, sore throat, facial droop)?

The tests performed depend on the symptoms that occur with the drooling.

References

Savarese R, Diamond M, Elovic E, Missis SR. Intraparotid injection of botulism toxin A as a treatment to control sialorrhea in children with cerebral palsy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2004;83:304-311.

Postma AG, Heesters M, van Laar T. Radiotherapy to the salivary glands as treatment of sialorrhea in patients with parkinsonism. Mov Disord, 2007;22:2430-2435.

Review Date: 2/6/2008

Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003048

Botox: It's All About Expressing Yourself!

GiggleSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Sarah Haskins has a lot to say about ads targeted to women. Take Botox. What is it really? Well, it's needles in your face releasing botulism and paralyzing all human expression so that asking, "Does this make my ass look big?" doesn't look any different on your face than exclaiming, "The house is on fire." That's all! Express yourself, ladies - by asking your doctor about Botox cosmetic.