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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Allergies, poisoning, injuries… The foods we eat can pose health risks. What are they and how can we avoid them? Doctissimo takes stock with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director.
Cooking is usually a friendly moment, which can turn into a nightmare. Whether it is due to an injury or an allergy, during its preparation or at the time of its tasting, the meal can end up in the emergency room. How to avoid this? Dr. Gérald Kierzek reminds us of the good reflexes.
The cuts
When cutting a baguette, opening oysters or slicing an avocado, it is possible to seriously injure your hand.The cuts in these cases are usually deep, it is even possible to cut the tendons” confirms Gérald Kierzek. A hand wound should always be shown to a doctor. There are also emergency services that specialize in this type of injury.
Poisonings
“Raw seafood and fish can cause food poisoning and severe allergies” recalls the emergency doctor.”Especially if they are not fresh or poorly stored, because they can then contain dangerous bacteria or parasites”. Some people may also develop serious allergic reactions to fish or shellfish.
Meats are not left out.Undercooked meats, especially chicken and pork, can contain pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli.” underlines the medical director of Doctissimo. “Consuming unfit meat can therefore lead to food poisoning or parasitosis.”.
Finally, unpasteurized dairy products are also a source of danger. “These products can cause food poisoning” insists the doctor. “They can also contain dangerous bacteria such as listeriaparticularly risky for pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.”
Poisonings
“The gathering and consumption of wild mushrooms “Unidentified substances can lead to potentially fatal poisoning” according to Gérald Kierzek. So be careful if you start picking mushrooms in the wild. Show them to a pharmacist before consuming them, to avoid any risk.
Anaphylactic shock
“For people with allergies, accidental consumption of foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk or eggs can cause serious allergic reactions requiring emergency intervention.” “This is what is called anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening emergency, for which you should absolutely call 15.
Food contaminated with foreign bodies
In case of accidental presence of foreign bodies, such as pieces of plastic, glass or metal in food, “This can cause serious internal injuries or choking” also recalls the emergency doctor.
What measures can be taken to reduce the risks?
Dr. Gérald Kierzek gives us some advice to limit the risks. In particular:
- Respect food hygiene rules, by washing hands and cooking food thoroughly;
- Stay vigilant with risky foods, especially for vulnerable people;
- Read labels carefully if you have known allergies;
- Do not consume wild mushrooms if in doubt;
- Store food properly, especially in summer.
“And if you experience any worrying symptoms after eating, such as severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing – do not hesitate to consult a doctor quickly or go to the emergency room.” concludes our expert.