Food poisoning occurs when food that is contaminated with toxins or bacteria is consumed. Most symptoms of food poisoning occur between 4 and 36 hours after consuming contaminated food, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. When food poisoning affects your baby, it can be hard to decipher if it is from something that he ate or if it's caused from an illness such as gastroenteritis. Only a medical professional will be able to make an accurate diagnosis.
Gastrointestinal
With a baby, food poisoning is challenging because she cannot tell you her exact symptoms. Observing her behavior and looking for actual signs of food poisoning is the best way to detect if there is a problem. One of the most prominent signs of food poisoning is gastrointestinal distress. Gastrointestinal distress may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhea. Your baby may initially show signs of stomach distress by grabbing or rubbing his abdominal area -- this may be followed by vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases of food poisoning, the stomach contents may appear to be curdled after regurgitation. His diarrhea may be watery or in severe cases, may contain blood. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea can easily lead to dehydration, notes MayoClinic.com. So always promote fluid intake that contains added vitamins and minerals, such electrolyte replacement drinks.
Fever
Even though your baby may still be eating soft foods, she can contract food poisoning through cross-contamination of any infected food or food surface if it reaches her food or eating utensils. A common symptom of food poisoning in babies is fever. Anytime her temperature rises above 100.4 Fahrenheit, it is generally an indication the body is fighting off a foreign invader such as food poisoning, a virus or an infection. Initially, you can tell she has a fever when she feels warm to the touch. A temperature reading through a thermometer will determine her exact temperature. Do not administer acetaminophen or other fever reduces without consulting her pediatrician first.
Headache
If you notice that your baby is having feelings of uneasiness with her balance, is touching her head or is sensitive to the touch in or around her head, she could have a headache related to food poisoning. A headache is a frequent symptom of food poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that up to 76 million illnesses in the U.S are caused by food poisoning. Direct or cross-contamination from listeria, salmonella and toxoplasma can lead to food poisoning symptoms that often result in headaches ranging from mild to severe.
General Malaise
One of the initial signs of food poisoning in your baby could be an overall feeling of illness or malaise. He may appear to be tired, achy, lethargic and have a minimal appetite. Malaise is a common symptom of food poisoning, but if he starts to have feelings of listlessness, rapid heart rate, excessive thirst, black stools or if symptoms persist for more than a few days, seek immediate medical care. Serious complications of food poisoning in addition to dehydration may include kidney problems, and damage to the heart and nervous system, notes MedlinePlus.
