The main goal of treatment for food poisoning is to
keep the individual from becoming dehydrated. A loss
of 20%of a person’s body fluid is fatal, and 10-15% is
serious.
In food poisoning, huge amounts of both water
and electrolytes can be lost quite rapidly. Vomiting and
diarrhea in infants and young children require especially
prompt professional treatment because small
children can become dehydrated within hours.
Mild cases of food poisoning can usually be
treated at home, especially if they are not accompanied
by a fever. Dehydration in infants and children can be
prevented or treated by giving them oral rehydration
solutions such as Pedialyte, Infalyte, Naturalyte, Oralyte,
or Rehydralyte.
These are available in supermarkets
and pharmacies without a prescription. Oral
rehydration solutions have the proper balance of
salts and sugars to restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
They can be given to young children in small sips
as soon as vomiting and diarrhea start.
Children may
continue to vomit and have diarrhea, but some of the
fluid will be absorbed. In the past, parents were told to
withhold solid food from children who had diarrhea.
New research indicates that it is better for children
should to be allowed to eat solid food should they
want it, even though diarrhea continues.
Older children and adults who are dehydrated can
be given oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks such
as Gatorade. Adults and older children with food poisoning
should avoid drinking coffee, tea, and soft drinks,
especially soft drinks that contain caffeine, as these
liquids promote dehydration.
Over-the counter medications
to stop or slow diarrhea such as Kaopectate, Pepto-
Bismol, or Imodium will not shorten the duration of the
disease, but may give the individual some control over
his or her bowels.Consult a physician before giving these
over-the-counter medicines to children.
Individuals of all ages who are seriously dehydrated
need to be treated promptly by a medical professional.
In the case of severe dehydration, the individual may be
hospitalized and fluids given intravenously (IV; directly
into the vein). Drugs may also be prescribed to stop
persistent vomiting.
Although bacteria cause many
cases of food poisoning, antibiotics are not routinely
used in treatment. Some studies have shown that antibiotics
are necessary only in about 10%of cases.
Individuals who think their food poisoning symptoms
are caused by chemicals or natural toxins should
seek emergency medical care immediately. These types
of food poisoning are too serious to try to treat at home.
