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Avoiding food poisoning
continued from page 2
Treatment
Children, especially young babies, cannot cope with losing too much fluid or salts through diarrhoea. If prolonged, this can rapidly lead to dehydration, low blood pressure and shock. In severe cases, if not treated properly, it can even be fatal. If a baby or young infant develops persistent diarrhoea, always seek medical advice, as they can become dehydrated very quickly. Older children with vomiting and/or diarrhoea are best treated with plenty of fluids in the form of rehydrating electrolyte solutions. Several are available over the counter - ask a pharmacist for advice.
Most doctors now feel that a child with diarrhoea is better off eating a light diet rather than being starved. Although food may pass through to cause diarrhoea motions, some nutrients will be absorbed, and the child will tend to feel less ill - recovery seems to be quicker, too. Offer a light diet (eg Bio yoghurt, thin soup) but avoid fruit and dairy products other than yoghurt, as these can make your symptoms worse. Infective food poisoning can produce temporary lactose (milk sugar) intolerance.
Contact your doctor for further advice if the diarrhoea continues for more than a day. If your child develops a high temperature, abdominal pains, passes blood or becomes excessively drowsy, seek medical advice straight away.
Adults
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Bottled mineral water or plain water that has been boiled and cooled is best if you are unsure of the quality of your tap water. An electrolyte solution (available from chemists) will help to replenish body salts.
When visiting tropical regions, ask your GP about taking antibiotics (on private prescription) and anti-diarrhoea medication with you for use in an emergency. Over the counter anti-diarrhoea medications such as loperamide help to slow down the over-activity in the colon that causes diarrhoea. This helps to improve bowel function by increasing fluid absorption, reducing painful spasms, and returning stool passage to normal.
Bio yoghurt or supplements containing live cultures of probiotic bacteria (eg lactobacilli) can also aid recovery by boosting local immunity.
Caution! Oral contraceptives are less reliable if you have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours. Continue taking the pill but use additional precautions such as condoms for the rest of the cycle.
Treatment
Children, especially young babies, cannot cope with losing too much fluid or salts through diarrhoea. If prolonged, this can rapidly lead to dehydration, low blood pressure and shock. In severe cases, if not treated properly, it can even be fatal. If a baby or young infant develops persistent diarrhoea, always seek medical advice, as they can become dehydrated very quickly. Older children with vomiting and/or diarrhoea are best treated with plenty of fluids in the form of rehydrating electrolyte solutions. Several are available over the counter - ask a pharmacist for advice.
Most doctors now feel that a child with diarrhoea is better off eating a light diet rather than being starved. Although food may pass through to cause diarrhoea motions, some nutrients will be absorbed, and the child will tend to feel less ill - recovery seems to be quicker, too. Offer a light diet (eg Bio yoghurt, thin soup) but avoid fruit and dairy products other than yoghurt, as these can make your symptoms worse. Infective food poisoning can produce temporary lactose (milk sugar) intolerance.
Contact your doctor for further advice if the diarrhoea continues for more than a day. If your child develops a high temperature, abdominal pains, passes blood or becomes excessively drowsy, seek medical advice straight away.
Adults
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Bottled mineral water or plain water that has been boiled and cooled is best if you are unsure of the quality of your tap water. An electrolyte solution (available from chemists) will help to replenish body salts.
When visiting tropical regions, ask your GP about taking antibiotics (on private prescription) and anti-diarrhoea medication with you for use in an emergency. Over the counter anti-diarrhoea medications such as loperamide help to slow down the over-activity in the colon that causes diarrhoea. This helps to improve bowel function by increasing fluid absorption, reducing painful spasms, and returning stool passage to normal.
Bio yoghurt or supplements containing live cultures of probiotic bacteria (eg lactobacilli) can also aid recovery by boosting local immunity.
Caution! Oral contraceptives are less reliable if you have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours. Continue taking the pill but use additional precautions such as condoms for the rest of the cycle.
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Created: 10/07/2003 Updated: 31/01/2007
This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational
purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a
substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or
hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or
that of a child, please consult your family's health provider
immediately and do not wait for a response from our
professionals. For the full Disclaimer,
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