How to cope with food poisoning and allergic emergencies

While food is generally a source of sustenance and nourishment, there are times when it can make us quite sick. Here's how to cope with food poisoning or severe allergic reactions.

The body can react violently to contaminated food with diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, abdominal and muscle pains, fever and chills. The symptoms, though unpleasant, can generally be soothed and usually abate within a week. Seek medical help if symptoms persist or are extreme; if being unable to keep liquids down lasts for longer than a day; or if the patient is very young or old, pregnant or has other medical conditions that make them vulnerable, such as a weakened immune system.

• Sip slowly at least two litres (eight cups) of water a day, plus 250 millilitres (one cup) for every loose stool.
• For elderly or vulnerable people, include rehydration salts, available from a pharmacist.
• When appetite starts to return, introduce small portions of plain food such as rice, bread or pasta in the first 24 hours.

Someone has been stung by a bee or eaten a peanut, triggering an extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). They may struggle for breath, be unable to speak or swallow, have a swollen face or limb, a rapidly spreading flush or rash (hives), a tight chest, feel weak or even collapse into unconsciousness. What can you do to help them?

• Call an ambulance; tell the controller what's happening.
• Have the casualty sit down, upright.
• Does the person carry an epi-pen or autoinjector of adrenaline? If so, find it and use it.
• If you see a bee stinger, draw it at once.
• If the patient becomes very pale and their pulse falters, lie them down with their knees raised above heart level. If they become unconscious and you can't perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, call for someone who can.

Remember to always ask your guests about any dietary requirements when hosting and communicate any allergies when dining out. When someone has an allergic reaction, remember, every second counts.