Poisoning by seafood
The definition of "seafood" unites marine and oceanic inhabitants not belonging to the group of fish: cephalopods (squid, octopus), molluscs (scallops, mussels, oysters), crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, lobsters, shrimps). This group also includes less popular echinoderms and algae.
Source: depositphotos.com
The listed representatives of the marine and oceanic fauna are widely represented on sale and are in stable demand due to their high taste characteristics and unique chemical composition. They contain calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, iodine, and are a valuable source of protein, vitamins, essential amino acids and omega-3,6-polyunsaturated fatty acids. To a large extent, their demand is due to their low calorie content (≈ 85 Kcal per 100 g of product).
A feature of seafood is its quick spoilage, most often caused by violation of storage and transportation standards.
How does seafood poisoning happen?
The most popular shrimp, mussels, octopus and squid are most often sold frozen, which makes it difficult to assess the freshness of the product at the time of purchase. Often they are offered for sale in brine, which serves to mask the characteristic signs of a stale product.
Seafood is industrially produced, which is why it is not only harvested naturally, but also raised on specialized farms. Vietnam and China are major suppliers of cultured shrimp, mussels, squid, where growth stimulants, hormones, dyes and antibiotics are actively and uncontrollably used in the food industry.
When purchasing seafood, it is necessary to carefully evaluate their characteristics, since they can cause significant harm to health.
Seafood poisoning is possible in a number of cases:
- expired shelf life;
- leaky packaging (a bag with a frozen product collapsed, when squeezed, air comes out of it; drips from brine are visible on the plastic container);
- violation of storage and transportation standards, in particular, defrosted or frozen (with a large amount of ice glaze) product;
- the use of prohibited dyes, growth stimulants and other substances in the manufacture of the product;
- high content of toxic salts of heavy metals (mercury, lead) that got into seafood at the stage of preliminary industrial processing or in the process of life;
- the use of ready-made dishes from spoiled mussels, shrimp, squid, etc. with masked signs of spoilage (spices, vinegar, spices);
- the use of seafood in large quantities by children under 3 years old.
Poisoning symptoms
Signs of poisoning appear, as a rule, a few hours after eating low-quality seafood:
- acute sudden onset of the disease;
- sharp pains in the abdomen and stomach;
- nausea, vomiting;
- liquid multiple stools;
- general weakness, headache, dizziness;
- rise in body temperature.
The duration and severity of symptoms of the disease are different depending on the degree of poisoning.
Source: depositphotos.com
First aid for seafood poisoning
- Gastric lavage, for which it is necessary to drink 0.5–1.5 liters of warm water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate and induce an emetic urge by pressing on the root of the tongue. It is advisable to repeat this procedure several times.
- Saline laxatives (Magnesium sulfate) - used only in the absence of stool.
- Enterosorbents (Enterosgel, Polyphepan, Polysorb according to the scheme or Activated carbon at the rate of 1 tab. Per 10 kg of body weight).
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration: saline solutions (Rehydron, Hydrovit, Normohydron) or salt-free (tea, water, rosehip decoction), up to 2-2.5 liters per day for adults.
In case of seafood poisoning, it is not recommended to take antiemetic and antidiarrheal drugs, since this will slow down the elimination of toxins from the body.
When is medical attention required?
It is necessary to consult a doctor if, against the background of first aid, negative dynamics is observed, there is no effect from the measures taken, or the following threatening symptoms appear:
- indomitable vomiting and diarrhea;
- persistent fever (body temperature above 38.5 ºС);
- lowering blood pressure;
- a sharp decrease or complete absence of urination;
- the appearance of blood in feces and vomit;
- neurological symptoms (double vision, sharp headache, poor coordination, confusion, convulsions).
Poisoning with seafood is especially dangerous for children, pregnant women and the elderly, in this case, immediate seeking qualified help is mandatory.
Possible consequences
With a mild course of the disease, the symptoms of seafood poisoning disappear after 1-2 days, in severe cases, recovery occurs in a week or later. The process of normalization of the digestive tract takes up to 2-3 weeks after the disappearance of complaints.
The consequences of seafood poisoning can be acute pancreatitis, nephritis, inflammation of the organs of the hepatobiliary zone (liver and biliary tract).
The consequence of dyspeptic disorders can be dehydration of the body, electrolyte imbalance. In rare cases, death is possible.
Prevention
To prevent seafood poisoning, you must:
- purchase products only in specialized retail outlets;
- not to purchase products with an expired or illegible label;
- avoid purchasing unreasonably cheap seafood;
- not to purchase products that have been repeatedly frozen (which can be judged by the disproportionate thickness of the ice glaze);
- be wary of buying ready-made products prepared with a lot of spices, marinade;
- eat seafood immediately after cooking, do not store for a long time at home.
YouTube video related to the article:
Olesya Smolnyakova Therapy, clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy About the author
Education: higher, 2004 (GOU VPO "Kursk State Medical University"), specialty "General Medicine", qualification "Doctor". 2008-2012 - Postgraduate student of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, KSMU, Candidate of Medical Sciences (2013, specialty "Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology"). 2014-2015 - professional retraining, specialty "Management in education", FSBEI HPE "KSU".
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
