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Food poisoning is one of the most common health problems experienced by children. If this happens to your baby, don’t panic just yet!
Most patients with food poisoning can return to their normal activities in a matter of weeks without any residual symptoms.
However, in some severe cases a person may have to be hospitalized. For example, due to dehydration from prolonged diarrhea and vomiting.
Dehydration itself is one of the serious complications in cases of food poisoning.
Rehydration is also one of the important therapies to treat food poisoning, namely by replenishing body fluids.
Symptoms of food poisoning in children
How do you know if your child has food poisoning? There are several symptoms that can be observed, including:
– Loss of appetite (looking pale, weak, tired and lethargic)
– Abdominal pain
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Fever
– Headaches and body aches
– In rare cases: blurred vision, trembling hands and difficulty breathing
The cause
It is important to understand that food poisoning can be caused by a variety of things, including bacteria, viruses and germs.
Well, all of them can enter the body through food consumed or liquids drunk.
Eating unclean food or drinks can allow germs to enter the body and release toxins, which can cause reactions such as diarrhea or vomiting. Hii!
Usually many people experience poisoning after eating food of animal origin. For example, meat, eggs and seafood.
In addition, food poisoning can also occur after eating unwashed fruits and vegetables.
If your child drinks dirty, unboiled and contaminated water, this can also cause food poisoning.
Foods and drinks that are often the source of poisoning
Food and drink can be contaminated with germs and bacteria through several entry points, including:
– Water contaminated by animal and human waste
– Meat exposed to germs during the distribution or marketing process
– Bacteria that infect food due to storage at inappropriate temperatures or storage for too long
– Food is contaminated by unwashed hands, so germs are transferred from hands to food.
– Persons with severe illnesses such as chronic renal failure or reduced immunity
Bacteria or germs that cause food poisoning
Food poisoning is usually caused by some of the following bacteria, namely:
1. Salmonella. This bacteria is the most common cause of food poisoning, which is mostly transmitted through unclean and undercooked food.
2. Escherichia colli. Usually this bacteria enters the food or drink with animal feces. It could also be because the food is not fully cooked
3. Listeria. Common in smoked meats, smoked seafood and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
4. Shigella. This bacterial infection often causes blood to appear in feces. Most cases occur in people who do not wash their hands before eating.
When to go to the doctor?
Although food poisoning in children is usually harmless, you should still take your child to the doctor if any of the following occur:
– If vomiting occurs repeatedly
– Diarrhea accompanied by high temperature (more than 38.30 C )
– Severe abdominal pain that does not go away despite bowel movements
– Rapid heartbeat
– Bloody stool
– Extreme thirst
– Rarely pee
– Unconsciousness or fainting
– Weak, tired and lethargic
How to prevent food poisoning at home
To avoid food poisoning, teach your children to always wash their hands before eating. Don’t forget to wash vegetables and fruits before serving.
When cooking, also ensure that the food is fully cooked. This is important to prevent contamination from bacteria and germs on the food.
But here, if the child has already experienced food poisoning, some things that Moms can do are:
– Drink as much water as possible to avoid dehydration.
– Make sure your child gets enough rest
– Avoid consuming spicy and sour foods as they can trigger prolonged diarrhea and vomiting.
So, always remember to keep yourself and your food clean!
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