Food Poisoning in Children

Food poisoning occurs when bacteria grows in a food source and then is consumed. Eating the contaminated food can cause the person to become very sick as the body tries to expel the bacteria from the body. Usually, food poisoning is mild and may just result in a day or two of illness. Sometimes, food poisoning can be severe and may require hospitalization. Children may be more susceptible to food poisoning as their immune systems are still developing.

Causes

• There are several types of bacteria that are known for causing food poisoning. These include Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter and E. Coli. These bacteria can contaminate food that isn't stored or cooked properly. Consuming raw foods like uncooked cookie dough containing eggs are common ways of contracting food poisoning. Because younger children don't necessarily know to check expiration dates or wash fruit before they eat it, they may be able to pick it up more easily. Bacteria may also be introduced to food by food preparers not washing their hands or cook surfaces not being properly disinfected after preparing raw meat.

Symptoms

• Food poisoning is often difficult to detect because its symptoms are pretty generic and common to many other common viruses that kids are susceptible to. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever and cramping are all common symptoms of food poisoning. One telltale sign that your child may be suffering from food poisoning is if people who he recently ate with also get sick. Call your daycare or school to check if any other kids have become sick. Symptoms may show up within a few hours of consuming contaminated food, or it can take several days.

Diagnosis

• Your child's pediatrician will perform a physical exam and ask questions about his symptoms and about food eaten recently. If food poisoning is suspected, the doctor may conduct tests on urine, stool or blood samples. Explain to your child that the doctor is going to look for any germs. The doctor can examine these samples under a microscope to determine the type of bacteria that is causing your child's illness.

Treatment

• Most often, the treatment for food poisoning is to just let it run its course. Most children with healthy immune systems can fight the bacteria on their own. Usually, the course of food poisoning is painful but short. If the child has become dehydrated due to excessive vomiting or diarrhea, she may be admitted to the hospital for a fluid IV. Otherwise, parents are encouraged to make sure their child drinks plenty of water in order to replenish fluids, though this can be difficult when she isn't feeling well. Make it seem like a treat by giving her as many popsicles as she wants. By melting slowly, there may be less of a chance of popsicles upsetting her stomach.

Prevention

• There are many ways to help prevent food poisoning. Practice sanitation by washing your hands before and after preparing foods. Teach your child good hygiene by showing him how to wash his hands and wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Pay attention to expiration dates on perishable foods and remove anything that your child may be tempted to grab from the refrigerator. Make sure you cook all meats to the recommended temperature in order to kill any existing bacteria, and keep younger children at a safe distance when preparing raw meat.