Stomach ache after eating? This could be due to Clostridium perfringens!

Have you ever had lunch and then felt like you were going to throw up in the afternoon, with severe stomach cramps and diarrhea ? Sometimes we think, "Oh, maybe the food was a little too spicy." But, that's not always the case. Sometimes, the cause can be food poisoning caused by a bacteria called Clostridium perfringens . Let's talk about this in detail today.

What is Clostridium perfringens?

Simply put, Clostridium perfringens is a type of bacteria . C. perfringens food poisoning is a disease that occurs when we eat food contaminated with this bacteria. Most of the time, it is not that serious. However, it can cause stomach cramps and watery diarrhea. These symptoms usually subside after a day or two.

However, if this `C. perfringens` bacteria infects wounds , it can cause serious conditions like gas gangrene and anaerobic cellulitis . But today we are talking about food poisoning .

How common is Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?

In fact, food poisoning caused by `C. perfringens` is more common than you might think . There are many such cases reported in Sri Lanka as well. Especially during festivals, in restaurants, and when eating out , the chances of such things happening are high. Even in a country like America, it is said that about a million people fall ill with this bacteria every year.

What are the symptoms of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?

The main symptoms of this are:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Watery diarrhea

Most of the time , you won't see vomiting or fever . This is where it differs from some other food poisonings. These symptoms start between 6 and 24 hours after you eat the contaminated food.

Why does this happen? What are the causes? (What causes Clostridium perfringens?)

The reason for this is the bacteria called `Clostridium perfringens` mentioned earlier. When we eat food that contains this bacteria, that bacteria produces toxins in our digestive system (gastrointestinal tract) , that is, in the intestines. This toxin causes inflammation in our intestines, that is, a condition called enteritis, which causes diarrhea and stomach cramps.

How do you get Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?

You can get food poisoning from C. perfringens if you eat food that has been out for an hour or two. The C. perfringens bacteria can make spores . These spores are like a protective suit for the bacteria. This allows the bacteria to survive extreme temperatures. These spores cannot reproduce, but they can remain in the food after it has been cooked. Then, if the food is left at a temperature between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius (40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for an hour or more without being reheated or refrigerated , the spores can reactivate and start to reproduce rapidly.

Imagine, you cooked a meat stew and put it aside. After a while, it goes off the heat. That's when this bacteria finds the best environment to grow.

What foods can be contaminated with C. perfringens?

The bacteria `C. perfringens` is most commonly found in :

• Gravies
• Red meat - beef, pork
• Poultry - chicken, turkey

Fish and vegetables contain less of it. This risk is especially high in meats that are cooked in large quantities, if they are not properly cooled or reheated . Imagine what would happen if you cooked a large pot of meat at home, cut it into smaller pieces, and the middle was not heated properly.

Can this cause complications?

Complications from C. perfringens food poisoning are rare . However, there is a small risk of serious complications, which can occur very rarely. These include:

• Dehydration: Diarrhea can cause you to lose water faster than you can drink. Drinking water and soups can help prevent dehydration, especially if the diarrhea is not severe. However, if you have persistent diarrhea or vomiting, you should see a doctor to get help to rehydrate.
• Sepsis: If the bacteria C. perfringens gets into your bloodstream, it can quickly destroy your blood cells, causing a condition called sepsis . Sepsis is the body's life-threatening response to an infection. However, this is a very, very rare complication of food poisoning. Don't be too alarmed by this, but it's good to be aware.

How do you diagnose this?

Doctors often diagnose food poisoning based on your symptoms . If they need to do a test, they will ask you to provide a stool sample . The sample is sent to a lab to be tested for C. perfringens, as well as other germs that can make you sick. Sometimes, when a large number of people get sick at once, health officials will test the food to try to find the source of the bacteria.

How is treatment done?

There is no specific treatment for food poisoning caused by C. perfringens. It usually resolves on its own within a day or two. The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

If you have a very bad case, your doctor may give you antibiotics , but most of the time they are not necessary.

How to avoid this? (Prevention?)

To avoid food poisoning, take these precautions when heating, storing, and serving food:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food, before eating food, and after preparing food and after eating.
• Wash food preparation and eating utensils, such as cups, spoons, forks, and cutting boards, thoroughly before and after use.
• Before eating, cook food thoroughly to a safe temperature (145°F to 165°F, depending on the type of meat).
• Keep food below 4 degrees Celsius (40°F) and above 60 degrees Celsius (140°F). This is called the "temperature danger zone." Bacteria grow quickly in these temperatures.
• Put meat, fish, and poultry in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible.
• Don't leave cooked food out for more than two hours. In our country, which has a hot climate, even an hour is sometimes too long.
• Avoid eating food that has been left out for more than an hour without being heated. Be especially careful with food served at buffets and parties.

Remember the saying, "When in doubt, throw it out!" If you have even the slightest doubt about whether a food is good or not, it's best not to eat it.

What happens if this happens to me? (What to expect?)

C. perfringens food poisoning is usually not serious . Even without treatment, you should feel better within two days.

How do I take care of myself? (How do I take care of myself?)

Whether you have diarrhea or vomiting, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration . Fluids that can help you stay hydrated include:

• Water
• Sports drinks - but choose ones with low sugar content.
• 100% fruit juice with water added (fruit juice high in sugar can increase diarrhea)
• Broth
• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) - These are available at the pharmacy, such as Jeevani.

What to eat/drink?

If you have diarrhea, avoid eating or drinking things that can make it worse or cause dehydration . These include:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Caffeine- containing drinks (coffee, tea)
• High-fiber foods - These can increase diarrhea.
• Milk and dairy foods - Some people have difficulty digesting these when they have diarrhea.
• Oily, spicy foods

Simple foods like the BRAT diet can help to calm your stomach down. That is:

• Banana
• Rice (like with a steamed rice broth)
• Applesauce (cooked and mashed apples - if it is difficult to find in our country, boiled apples are better)
• Toast (toasted bread - without butter)

But it's not a good idea to continue this BRAT diet, because it doesn't provide all the nutrients you need. When you feel a little better, start eating regular, light meals.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, or if you have persistent diarrhea or vomiting, see a doctor.

When should I go to the ER?

If you have these serious symptoms, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) :

• Confusion, loss of consciousness
• Dark-colored urine or less pee than usual - these are signs of dehydration.
• Dizziness, weakness, or light-headedness
• Sudden or extreme shortness of breath
• High heart rate (you feel like your heart is beating fast)
• Low blood pressure (you may feel faint)

Don't ignore these.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

When you see a doctor, it can be helpful to ask questions like these:

• What could be the reason for this situation for me?
• How do I maintain my body's water level (hydration)?
• What new or worsening symptoms should I watch for?
• When should I follow up with you again?

Take-Home Message

`C. perfringens` food poisoning is common. It can be an unpleasant experience, but it is usually not a serious condition . Drink plenty of fluids. If you do not feel better after a few days, do not hesitate to see a doctor. We can go a long way in avoiding such illnesses by being mindful of food safety . So, do not forget to follow safe practices when preparing, storing, and eating food.