Salmonella Poisoning In Toddlers – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Is your toddler burning with fever and suffering from abdominal cramps too? Is he showing symptoms of diarrhea as well? If you can relate your child to the above situations, then there are chances he might be suffering from Salmonella poisoning.
What is this infection? How can you treat it? Get all your answers about Salmonella poisoning right here!
What Is Salmonella Poisoning?
Salmonella poisoning or Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning caused by the Salmonella enterica bacteria. It occurs when the harmful bacteria find its way into a person’s intestine and stomach, causing disruptions in his normal digestion. The faecal matter of pets, soil, water, and raw food are the popular breeding grounds for these bacteria (1).
Causes Of Salmonella Poisoning In Toddlers?
Salmonella poisoning occurs due to the following reasons:
- It can occur due to contamination during the processing or handling of food.
- The unwashed hands of an infected person can contaminate food and spread the disease.
- If your toddler comes into any contact with the faeces of a pet suffering from diarrhea, he is likely to suffer from this form of food poisoning.
- If your toddler eats food soon after handling pet turtles, rodents or chicks, he may contract the stomach infection.
- Excessive intake of animal products like beef, egg, milk, and poultry can make your toddler prone to Salmonellosis. However, the bacteria can contaminate vegetables too.
[ Read: Food Poisoning In Toddlers ]
Symptoms Of Salmonellosis Poisoning In Toddlers?
The common salmonella symptoms in toddlers include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Headache
- Chills
The signs of the Salmonella infection usually last for four to seven days. However, it may take several months for your bowel movement to return to normal (2).
[ Read: Symptoms Of Stomach Flu In Toddlers ]
What Is The Treatment For Salmonella Poisoning?
Though, the symptoms go away on their own in most of the cases. However, in some acute cases hospitalisation is necessary. Doctors prescribe antibiotic drugs to fight the bacterial infection.
Dehydration is a common side effect of Salmonellosis. It occurs as the toddler loses a considerable amount of body fluid due to vomiting and diarrhea. Try to increase your toddler’s fluid intake to help him recover from the infection and keep the threat of dehydration at bay. Strictly avoid giving him carbonated drinks and fruit juices as these can worsen diarrhea. Mothers can either breastfeed or bottlefeed their toddlers to replenish the lost fluid.
[ Read: Common Allergies In Toddlers ]
How To Prevent Salmonella Poisoning?
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. All you mothers out there must follow these easy steps to safeguard your precious toddler from the dreadful disease:
- Avoid serving your toddler processed food.
- Cook food properly, as uncooked food is a perfect breeding ground for the Salmonella bacteria.
- If your other toddler is suffering from the disease, remember to wash your hands properly after handling his diapers or clothes to prevent dissemination of the infection.
- Dispose your pet’s faecal matter properly and ensure its hygiene before it comes in contact with your darling toddler. Also, wash your hands properly after handling pets.
- Inculcate food hygiene habits in your toddler. Wash the fruits and vegetables well before serving them raw to your toddler. Maintain a clean kitchen. Wash hands before serving and eating food.
A little effort to maintain proper hygiene on your part as a family will go a long way in ensuring the health and well-being of your toddler.
Now you know about the causes, symptoms and treatment for Salmonella in toddlers. Why wait? Go ahead and enlighten other moms!
Did your toddler suffer from the Salmonella infection? What treatment did the doctor advise? Please share your experience and advice with other moms here.
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