Trichinosis (Food Poisoning): Management and Treatment
What is the treatment for trichinosis?
If you have eaten raw or undercooked meat and show symptoms of trichinosis, you should contact your healthcare provider. Treatment should begin as soon as possible; failure to treat trichinosis could be fatal. Treatment is based on symptoms, the specific cause, and laboratory tests results. Milder cases may include bed rest and medications to relieve fever and muscle pain. More severe cases may include steroids to reduce muscle inflammation and heart complications.
Your doctor might prescribe:
- Drugs to rid your body of parasites, including mebendazole and albendazole
- Drugs to help with pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Drugs to help with inflammation, such as steroids
What are complications of trichinosis?
- Inflammation and damage to the heart, which could result in irregular heart rhythm and/or heart failure
- Inflammation and damage to the brain, which could result in seizures
- Inflammation and damage to the lungs, which could cause severe breathing problems
- Death (rare)
