medicall_editor Food Poisoning Symptoms in Kids While Traveling
Food poisoning symptoms in kids will occur after consuming contaminated food while traveling, but do not worry, food poisoning can be cured with the appropriate treatment.
Food poisoning is a digestive problem due to the consumption of food and drinks contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Cases of food poisoning are common and can happen to anyone, including children. Food poisoning in children is often experienced by children under the age of five (toddlers). This is because the digestive and immune systems of toddlers are not optimal to function yet. This illness can also occur during your travel in Asian and other developing countries, for example, Indonesia. In Bali, many food poisoning cases are caused by hygiene factors and often experienced by foreign tourists. This condition often makes parents worry during a family trip, therefore it’s important to learn about food poisoning symptoms in kids. Precaution and appropriate treatment can be done while traveling.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning in children is usually caused by germs that enter the child’s body through the food or drinks they consume. Food poisoning can occur if your food or drink is tainted with bacteria, viruses, parasites, and harmful substances. Bacteria that are often the cause of food poisoning in children are E. Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Some foods and drinks that are at high risk of causing food poisoning are raw meat, raw eggs, canned foods, unpasteurized milk and vegetables or fruits that have not been washed properly before consumption. Generally, food poisoning in children is caused by the habit of eating street food and unhygienic food or eating food that is processed and cooked improperly.
Food Poisoning Symptoms in Kids
Food poisoning symptoms in kids are usually characterized by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, body weakness, diarrhea, and fever. Food poisoning in children will usually heal by itself in less than two days. However, these symptoms should not be ignored as it will cause the condition to get worse. Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to food poisoning symptoms in kids and make sure to get the right treatment.
Below are some food poisoning symptoms in kids that parents should be aware of:
- Stomach ache
- Nausea followed by vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever and sweats a lot
- Blood in feces
- Feeling weak
- Dehydration such as dry mouth, reduced urine production, dizziness, and sunken eyes
What to Do When Your Child Gets Food Poisoning While Traveling
Food poisoning symptoms in children usually occur 30 minutes after consuming the food and vary depending on the cause. When a child experiences food poisoning, it must be treated immediately so the condition is not getting worse. Here’s how to deal with food poisoning in children:
- Give the child lots of water
When food poisoning occurs, children are more prone to dehydration. To prevent this, give your child lots of water to drink. Give drinks such as mineral water slowly or little by little, Mother can provide water in small amounts but frequently. If dehydration occurs, getting IV Therapy would be helpful to replace the lost fluids.
- Give the child small portion meals
Parents can start giving easily digested food such as biscuits without flavor, bananas, bread, rice, or porridge in small portions.
- Do not give over-the-counter diarrhea medicine
If your child has diarrhea, you should not give diarrhea medicine sold in drugstores. Taking diarrhea medicine will actually make food poisoning become longer to heal.
- Make sure the child gets enough rest
Dehydration and other symptoms of food poisoning can cause a child’s body to become easily tired and weak. Parents need to ensure your child is getting enough rest.
Parents can prevent food poisoning in children by making it a habit to wash their hands before eating, as well as avoid giving raw food and unpasteurized milk. Make sure fruits and vegetables are washed before serving and also don’t forget to check the expiration date, smell and taste of food before giving it to your children. Although food poisoning in children can heal by itself, parents should immediately consult with a doctor if food poisoning symptoms in kids include a high fever, bloody bowel movements, vomiting continuously for more than 12 hours, or decreased consciousness. If your child experiences serious symptoms of food poisoning, call a doctor to get further help through Medi-Call application or simply contact Medi-Call Hotline at +62 81210783387. A doctor will come directly to your location and examine your child.
If your child experiences dehydration, taking a fluid infusion / IV Therapy is recommended to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes so the healing process will be much faster, you can get IV Therapy service.
