Salmonella Gastroenteritis in Children

Salmonella Gastroenteritis in Children

• Salmonella gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Fever usually lasts for 2–3 days, and diarrhea lasts 4–10 days.
• Most children recover completely, but some may develop lasting problems, such as arthritis, irritation of the eyes, or painful urination.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by salmonella bacteria.

This bacteria can spread through food that is not cooked properly, contact with animals that have the bacteria, or contact with a person’s stool. Your child may have gotten this infection by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that had the bacteria.
• Drinking polluted standing water.
• Having contact with an animal that was carrying the bacteria, such as a turtle, bird, snake, or iguana.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in children who:

• Have a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system).
• Have contact with animals that are known to carry the bacteria.
• Have poor personal or kitchen hygiene.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Diarrhea, which may be bloody.
• Abdominal pain or cramps.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Headache.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your child’s symptoms.
• Your child’s medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Stool tests.

How is this treated?

This condition may be managed by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids. Drinking fluids is important because this infection can make your child lose a lot of fluid (dehydrated).
• Taking antibiotic medicines. These may be given if your child’s infection is severe. Medicines may help shorten your child’s illness.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Do not give your child medicines to treat diarrhea. These medicines can make the infection worse.
• If your child was prescribed an antibiotic medicine, give it as told by your child’s health care provider. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.

Eating and drinking

• Make sure your child drinks enough fluid to keep his or her urine pale yellow. Drinking enough fluid helps prevent dehydration.
• Encourage your child to drink clear fluids, such as water, low-calorie popsicles, and diluted fruit juice until the diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting is under control.
• Continue to breastfeed or bottle-feed your young child. Do this in small amounts and frequently. Gradually increase the amount. Do not give extra water to an infant.
• Keep track of how much your child drinks and urinates. If your child urinates less or less often than normal, your child may be dehydrated.
• Give your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS) as told by your child’s health care provider. This drink is sold at pharmacies and retail stores.
• If your child is not hungry, do not force him or her to eat.
• Give your child bland, easy-to-digest foods in small amounts every 3-4 hours, if your child is eating solid food. These foods include bananas, applesauce, rice, lean meats, toast, and crackers.
• Avoid giving your child:
  • Foods and drinks that are high in sugar.
  • Carbonated soft drinks.
  • Fruit juice.
  • Gelatin desserts.
  • Foods that are high in fat.
  • Spicy foods.

Food safety

• Use separate food preparation surfaces and storage spaces for raw meat and for fruits and vegetables.
• Keep refrigerated foods colder than 40°F (5°C).
• Serve hot foods immediately or keep them heated above 140°F (60°C).
• Always cook meat, eggs, seafood, and poultry thoroughly.
• Do not give your child unpasteurized dairy products.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling or preparing meat, eggs, seafood, and poultry.
• Wash your hands, food preparation surfaces, and utensils thoroughly before and after you handle raw foods.
• You and your child should wash hands thoroughly before eating.

General instructions

• Wash your hands often, and have your child wash his or her hands often. This helps keep the bacteria from spreading to others. Use soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Keep track of changes in your child’s weight. Losing a lot of weight can be a sign of a serious problem. Ask your child’s health care provider how much weight loss should concern you.
• Dispose of diapers properly.
• Clean changing tables with antibacterial cleaners.
• Keep your child home from work, school, or daycare as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if your child:

• Has a fever.
• Has diarrhea that has blood or mucus in it.
• Has weight loss.
• Feels very thirsty.
• Has little energy.
• Has dry lips or a very dry mouth.
• Is very young, and has sunken soft spots on the head (fontanelles).
• Passes little urine. This results in fewer wet diapers in infants and toddlers.
• Has redness, irritation, or pain in his or her eyes.
• Has a skin rash.
• Has pain when urinating.
• Has swelling or warmth in a joint.

Get help right away if your child:

• Cannot keep fluids down.
• Cannot stop vomiting or having diarrhea.
• Has pain in the abdomen, and the pain gets worse.
• Is younger than 3 months, and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Has signs of severe dehydration. These include:
  • Extreme thirst.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Confusion.
  • Difficulty being woken up.
  • No tears.
  • Dizziness.

Summary

• Salmonella gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It is caused by salmonella bacteria.
• Children can get this condition by eating foods or drinking liquids that have the bacteria on them or by coming into contact with an animal that is carrying the bacteria.
• Children with the condition need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Treatment for a severe case may include antibiotic medicines.
• Follow the health care provider’s instructions for taking medicines, eating and drinking, handling food in a safe way, and calling for help.