Diagnosis and treatment of food poisoning in childhood
Oishi, T.; Saitoh, A.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 70(8): 1400-1405
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 22894081 Document Number: 661154
There are a few characteristics of food poisoning in childhood compared to the one in adulthood. First, it is necessary to obtain detailed history from caregivers because pediatric patients cannot tell exact food taking history and their symptoms. Second, children, especially in infants and toddlers, have higher extracelluar fluid component in their body compared to adults and have a higher chance to be dehydrated by the symptoms of food poisoning including vomiting and diarrhea. Thus, evaluation and management of dehydration is important for children. Finally, it is critical to understand the treatment indication for children with each infection causing food poisoning given the treatment can be beneficial, or not beneficial, or sometimes harmful.