Food Poisoning Treatment for Children Questions and Answers

Food poisoning can range from very mild symptoms to severe symptoms that could require medical attention. Symptoms can also vary depending on the germ that was ingested along with your food. Food poisoning can come from food or beverages, as long as they are ingested into the stomach. Symptoms are not always immediate and may take hours or days to fully develop. Some of the common symptoms of food poisoning include upset stomach, stomach cramps, fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you are experiencing symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting, it is important to drink water to stay as hydrated as possible and avoid further complications. If you are experiencing more serious symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, high fever of 102F or more, unable to keep liquids down with frequent vomiting, indications of dehydration such as feeling dizzy upon standing, dry mouth and throat or little to no urination, or diarrhea that has lasted for more than three days you should seek medical treatment from your doctor.

Recovery from a bout of food poisoning will be dependent on several factors. First of all, not all food poisoning symptoms show up right away. Some germs cause the person who has ingested them to get sick within the matter of a few days while others may only show symptoms of food poisoning a few days after the fact. Mild cases of food poisoning can clear up on their own in a matter of a few hours to several days. In extreme cases, individuals may need to be hospitalized to be closely monitored for changes in their symptoms or condition. Illnesses from food poisoning can cause long-term health problems, including death if not treated. Infections that are the result of foodborne germs can lead to health issues such as chronic arthritis, nerve and brain damage and kidney failure.

In cases of food poisoning that require medical attention, yes, a pediatrician can help treat kids for food poisoning. The pediatrician will get a detailed history of the illness, most likely from the parent depending on the age of the child, that will include how long they’ve been sick, what the symptoms have been and what foods were eaten prior to getting sick. The doctor will most likely also want to perform a physical exam to check for signs of dehydration. The pediatrician may want to perform additional diagnostic tests such as a blood test, stool culture or examination for parasites, depending on the symptoms and health history to confirm the diagnosis and help identify the cause. In the case of an organism being found in the stool sample, the local health department may be informed to try to find the source of the parasite and determine if it is linked to an existing outbreak.

Food poisoning is preventable by following some easy guidelines on personal hygiene while preparing and cooking food, as well as proper handling and thorough cooking of all food. While preparing, cooking and serving food, it is important that you keep your hands clean and your hair off your face. Washing your hands prior to starting food prep, after using the washroom and when changing from handling raw meat to other foods is a key easy step in the prevention of food poisoning. Keep your hair, whether long hair on your head or facial hair for the men, neatly tied back or tucked under a hair net to avoid it falling into the food. Ensure your workspace is kept clean, with dirty dishes being put in the sink or dishwasher, and raw meat kept away from any other foods. Eating raw foods, under-cooked meat and eggs, and food that has been left uncovered can all lead to food poisoning. Fruits and vegetables should also be thoroughly washed before serving.