Food poisoning is a grave disorder, which can throw your life off-track. Hence, we must know what can cause food poisoning in children. A little different than adults, food poisoning can children cranky. Intake of contaminated food causes food-borne illness i.e. food poisoning, and because the digestive system of infants and children is not fully developed, they are at high risk. Also, school-going children eat outside and get affected with food poisoning. This disease is prevalent in summers when the shelf life of any food item is in danger for the variable weather condition, which is the most extreme heat. Some common symptoms of food poisoning in kids is diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fever. However, these symptoms may vary due to different bacteria and different types of food and the immunity of the kid. The symptoms may start from a milder state, and on the other hand, some may exhibit severe signs.
Also Read: What Is Food Poisoning? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
One must understand here that different bacteria show different symptoms in kids in food poisoning. Following are some signs and symptoms of food poisoning in kids that we should document before consulting a doctor:
Food Poisoning In Kids Due To Campylobacter
In some cases, one may experience symptoms like watery diarrhoea, fever and headache. These are mild symptoms of food poisoning in kids. Hence, this type of bacteria primarily enters the system through the consumption of contaminated water and raw milk. In this case, essential home remedies for diarrhea and lighter medicines can help provide relief. One should understand that antibiotics should not be given to children without any doctor’s prescription.
Top Stories
Food Poisoning Due To Salmonella
In some instances, kids may start showing symptoms after consuming uncooked dairy products, eggs, seafood and even raw poultry. In such cases, the kids may develop symptoms like headache, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and weakness. All these are visible symptoms of food poisoning in children and should be reported to a doctor so that it does not increase. One must understand that kids have a weaker immune system and hence would require urgent medical care as extreme food poisoning can lead to loss of fluids at a faster rate as compared to adults.
Some simple home remedies that one can try are listed below in this video:
Food Poisoning Due To Clostridium Botulinum
In some cases, the kids are exposed to the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria through uncooked or stale pork, ham and fish. Consuming this, during summers especially, can lead to weakness, blurred vision, difficulty in swallowing and speaking. This is caused due to the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. Hence, be sure that your kid is well supplemented with water and light food during these times as digesting heavy food items, especially deep-fried, can be difficult for the child. Hence, resort to simpler foods, which are easy to digest.
Food Poisoning Due To Vibrio Cholera
When food poisoning occurs due to the intake of uncooked meat or raw seafood causing vomiting, nausea, fever and headache and diarrhoea, it is because of the bacteria named Vibrio cholera. In such cases, the kids should be given essential medication but only after consulting a doctor. Also, essential home remedies and lighter, easy-to-digest food should be given to the child. Make sure the water given to the child to during this time is boiled twice, so kill every bacteria.
Also Read: Understanding Anxiety Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Food Poisoning Due To Other Bacteria
- When transferred through contaminated facets of food and water, causing severe diarrhoea and abdominal cramps are due to E-Coli.
- Staphylococcus aureus is transferred through cakes, cream and other dairy products, and salad causing nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
- Bacillus cereus causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting. It is transmitted through starchy foods such as rice.
- When food poisoning is transmitted by the intake of potatoes, raw meat and vegetables and milk, causing stomach cramps and high fever, it is caused due to Shigella.
Read more articles on Children's Health