Gastroenteritis involves infection in the stomach and intestines which causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. If related to food, it is commonly the result of food poisoning. Always bear in mind that a food allergy can trigger symptoms similar to gastroenteritis but there is not actual infection.
Various pasta sauces can contain milk, tomatoes and fish that can trigger an allergic reaction. If the individual develops stomach pain after consuming pasta sauce, a doctor should be consulted to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.
Close look on food poisoning
Gastroenteritis that develops after consuming pasta sauce that is most likely due to food poisoning. After the individual consumes pasta sauce that has been contaminated with an infectious organism, the stomach and intestinal lining can end up infected and inflamed.
Pasta sauce can become contaminated during the manufacturing process or during the preparation before it is served from contaminated cookware or utensils. If the pasta has been refrigerated and reheated several times, the individual is at risk for developing food poisoning.
What are the symptoms?
The type of organism that contaminated the pasta sauce can determine the severity and longevity of the symptoms. Most of the symptoms can manifest within a few hours after consuming the contaminated pasta sauce. The usual symptoms of gastroenteritis due to food poisoning include the following:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Appetite loss
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach pain
A doctor should be consulted if there is blood in the stool or vomit since this is an indication of a serious underlying condition.
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction to one or more of the components used in pasta sauce can trigger inflammation in the digestive tract. The pasta sauces can contain dairy, fish and tomatoes. Remember that these foods can instigate an allergic reaction.
If an individual is allergic to one of the ingredients in the pasta sauce, the immune system overreacts to the proteins, thus instigating the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies. These allergy-triggering agents can cause the production of histamine in the intestines which can cause the typical symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Management of gastroenteritis
The main issue when managing gastroenteritis is maintaining proper hydration. Take note that the condition can lead to excessive diarrhea and vomiting that can deplete the essential fluids in the body that can result to dehydration.
It is vital to increase the intake of clear liquids and eat foods that are bland and promote bulk-forming stool such as white rice, white bread, bananas, apple sauce and plain yogurt. If the symptoms of dehydration such as dry skin, dry mouth and lethargy are observed, a doctor should be consulted right away.