Food poisoning and the risk of dehydration

The body’s response to food borne toxins is swift and drastic. It wants to get rid of them as quickly as possible, and its methods are vomiting and diarrhea. They’re effective, but they carry a cost: they also rid the body of a considerable amount of fluid, and put the victim at risk of dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when your body is losing more fluids than you’re taking in. Dehydration can lead to serious problems, and needs to be responded to immediately. The loss of fluids interferes with the body’s ability to perform essential functions, such as maintaining temperature, maintaining adequate blood volume and transporting food and oxygen to all the body’s tissues.

Mild to moderate dehydration causes some or all of these symptoms:

• Decreased output of urine
• Urine is dark yellow
• Lack of tears
• Dry mouth, and a sticky sensation in the mouth
• In children, irritability, decreased activity, and sometimes sleepiness
• Headache
• Dizziness, lightheadedness

If you or a loved one suffers an attack of food poisoning, and you see any of these symptoms, you should provide fluids, especially water, to replace the fluids being lost. Small children, the elderly, and those with other serious medical conditions are especially at risk for serious complications of dehydration, and for anyone in these categories, you should immediately contact your health care provider.

If dehydration is not treated promptly, it can lead to drops in blood pressure seizures, delirium, and loss of consciousness.

Always consult your health care provider. If you believe you need to seek legal help, a Casey Gerry foodborne illness attorney may be able to help you recover for your expenses and injuries.