FOOD POISONING IN CHILDREN

Apr 28 2009

Food poisoning is a disorder of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria or chemicals in foods. The classical form of food poisoning is caused by staphylococci (called “staph”), the same germs that cause boils and impetigo. The germs enter the food during its preparation. If the food is not properly refrigerated, the germs multiply hourly, contaminating the food with a toxin (poison) given off by the germs. The foods in which staph germs grow best are pastries and other starchy foods ordinarily served cold; salads; cold chicken; ham and beef in gelatin; whipped cream; and custards. Since staph germs and their toxins are odorless and tasteless, the contaminated food smells and tastes normal.

A variety of germs other than staph also can cause food poisoning of a milder nature. Two more serious conditions that are sometimes classified as food poisoning are botulism and dysentery.

Signs and symptoms

Eating contaminated food causes vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea within one to six hours. The child may or may not have a fever. Symptoms last 12 to 24 hours.

Food poisoning is usually considered when a number of people who have eaten the same food become ill within hours of one another. Food poisoning can occur after picnics, parties, or eating out in a cafeteria or restaurant where foods have been prepared in advance and improperly stored.

Home care

Home treatment is the same as for any vomiting and diarrhea. When a child has both diarrhea and vomiting, treat vomiting first by restricting the child’s diet to clear liquids only. Once the vomiting stops treat the diarrhea by limiting or not reintroducing solid foods – especially those with roughage, fruits (except bananas and apples), vegetables, butter, fatty meats, and peanut butter. Do not give the child milk, since milk may further aggravate diarrhea.

Encourage the child to drink plenty of clear liquids: tea, water, flavored gelatin water, and commercial mineral and electrolyte mixtures.

Precautions

• Do not prepare food that requires refrigeration for your child’s lunchbox or for a picnic if refrigeration will not be available.

• A child with diarrhea and vomiting needs plenty of clear liquids to avoid dehydration (a serious loss of body fluids).

• Do not give anti-diarrheal medications to children, since side effects are common and can be dangerous.

• Isolate an infant from children who are ill with vomiting and diarrhea.

• If there is blood in the stools, high fever, prostration (extreme weakness or collapse), or severe or prolonged diarrhea (more than two to three days), call your doctor.

Medical treatment

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required so that the child can be given intravenous fluids. Local health departments can investigate food poisoning outbreaks and trace the source of food poisoning by testing suspected foods.