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It's Summertime: Be on the Lookout for Seafood Poisoning


 

“Again, there is no known antidote,” Dr. Stommel said. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal can be useful early in the course of the poisoning. Anticholinesterase agents, atropine, and α-agonists have been effective for cardiovascular instabilities.

Scombroid, the world's most common seafood poisoning, results from toxins that build up in improperly stored fish. It's most common in members of the tuna family but can occur in other game fish. Scombroid isn't fatal; the symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and burning of the mouth and oropharynx usually subside within 12 hours.

Treatment usually consists of charcoal and histamine blockers (cimetidine or famotidine). It's advisable to block both H1 and H2 receptors.

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