Children sometimes eat food that has gone bad, not knowing it can make them sick. A bout of food poisoning is usually mild, with gastrointestinal symptoms and fever. When you figure out your child's symptoms and realize she has eaten something that has gone bad, especially if others in your family have the same symptoms, give her plenty of water and try to ease her symptoms.
Food Poisoning Origins
Different bacteria cause symptoms of food poisoning in children. These include shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Clostridium botulinum.
The last bacterium -- botulinum -- causes more serious neurological symptoms, especially in infants. All the other bacteria cause gastrointestinal symptoms commonly associated with food poisoning. For some children, symptoms are so mild and go away so quickly, the children are treated at home by their parents. Other children develop more serious symptoms, requiring additional treatment, according to the Encyclopedia of Children's Health website. Infants and very young children are especially vulnerable to food poisoning, so they may develop more severe symptoms.
Gastrointestinal
If a child eats or drinks something that has spoiled, symptoms can include abdominal cramping, fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. This often occurs if the food was not refrigerated within two hours of preparation.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea caused by food poisoning is watery and sometimes bloody, according to the Children's Hospital of Colorado website. Make sure she receives enough liquids to prevent dehydration. These liquids should be clear and include water, an oral rehydration solution or diluted sports drinks. She can also drink clear sodas. Avoid milk, caffeinated sodas, fruity beverages and citrus juices. Give her the liquids frequently in small quantities she is able to tolerate.
Fever
Your child could come down with a mild fever. If she is also vomiting, treating the fever with acetaminophen may not help -- she will bring it right back up. As with the diarrhea, try to keep her hydrated with small, frequent sips of clear fluids. While she is ill, your goal is to make her as comfortable as possible until the food poisoning works its way through her system.
Warning
Food poisoning is usually mild, but if your child's illness becomes more severe -- unable to sweat due to dehydration, excessive blood in her vomit or stool, high fever -- get medical attention for her right away.
