The number of precautions we must take with our children is countless, no matter their age. Of course, as they grow, the types of care we must provide change, our concerns become different, and the dynamics of raising them also change more and more. But when we talk about nutrition, we are talking about a type of care that is a concern from a baby’s very first day of life until they become adults, as it is the foundation for the healthy growth of that child1. That’s why one of the topics that most frightens mothers and fathers is food poisoning in babies and children. After all, how do you deal with this problem? Is it possible to prevent it? What should be done in extreme cases? Before we can answer these questions more accurately, we first need to understand what food poisoning is.

What is Food Poisoning?

By definition, food poisoning2 is an illness that occurs when we ingest foods that may contain organisms such as viruses and bacteria that are harmful to our body. In general, this illness happens to those who eat foods that have been left out in the open air for too long without any refrigeration or protection. But this is not a rule, as food can be spoiled in many other ways. Food poisoning in babies and children can have somewhat stronger effects than in adults, because of the fragility of a child’s immune system, which is still developing. The same can be said for the elderly and pregnant women, since both have weakened immune systems. The illness usually lasts 2 to 3 days and is much more common in the summer, when foods spoil due to high temperatures.

Symptoms of Food Poisoning

This illness typically presents symptoms similar to those of a stomach virus, which is why these two illnesses are often confused. The main difference between them is that a so-called stomach virus is an intestinal infection that presents the same symptoms, but often requires medication and takes a little longer to resolve, about a week. The main symptoms of food poisoning are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramps

All these symptoms commonly appear in those who develop this illness and gradually decrease as the body expels the harmful organisms and returns to stability.

Foods That Cause Food Poisoning

It is not possible to say that a certain food will cause food poisoning in babies and children, but there are certainly foods that are more likely to contain harmful organisms, mostly due to their exposure to the sun or to outside environments. These foods include:

  • Seafood
  • Raw eggs
  • Undercooked meats
  • Various types of sauces
  • Canned foods
  • Cheeses

We can conclude, then, that the best way to prevent food poisoning in babies and children, or even in adults, is to avoid eating these types of foods when there is suspicion that they were not properly stored or are past their expiration date3.

How to Treat Food Poisoning?

The treatment for food poisoning is very simple and usually does not require any medication; rest and fluid intake are the main ways to fight the illness. Eating light foods that do not put much strain on the stomach will also help the body fight the illness more easily. If the person’s condition does not improve in 2 or 3 days, it is necessary to visit a doctor so that they can assess possible complications that the illness may bring.

ATTENTION: Certain foods that help stop diarrhea may be harmful and delay the healing process, as they prevent the body from expelling the organisms.

Possible Complications

Although rarer, there are some cases of food poisoning that require a slightly more aggressive treatment, usually due to a stronger bacteria in the body. The symptoms of complications that the illness can cause are usually:

  • Bloody stools
  • Vomiting with blood
  • Fever above 38°
  • Severe diarrhea that does not improve after a few days
  • Dehydration
  • Weakness

Only a doctor can provide the correct diagnosis so that these symptoms are relieved and the illness is properly treated. For children and babies, it’s always important to see a pediatrician so that they can receive treatment tailored specifically for them. The doctor may refer the child to an infectious disease specialist if necessary. As we can see, food poisoning in babies and children is something that can happen quite easily, but that does not mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously or treated properly. It is always important to be aware of everything involving your child’s nutrition, from the foods and drinks they consume to their bowel movements. All of this can influence their growth or indicate a problem. And even though it is not possible to have 100% control and completely prevent food poisoning from occurring, there are ways to reduce the risk and also to treat it in case it happens. The important thing is to be vigilant and know what you are dealing with, as this makes it easier to treat the child, and also helps calm both mother and father.