FOOD BORNE & FOOD

RELATED ILLNESSES

Characteristics,
causes, and
treatments

WHAT ARE FOODBORNE AND

FOOD RELATED ILLNESSES?
Foodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods
or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes, or
pathogens, can contaminate foods, so there are many
different foodborne infections.
Foodborne illness outbreaks in childcare often happen when a
food handler touches food with unwashed or improperly
washed hands. If the bacteria or virus gets into a childs
mouth and is swallowed, the child then becomes sick.
In addition, poisonous chemicals, or other harmful
substances, can cause foodborne diseases if they are present
in food.
Unlike foodborne diseases, food-related illnesses, such as
food allergies or diabetes, may have genetic or environmental
factors that causes an intolerance in the child.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BODY AFTER THE MICROBES

THAT PRODUCE ILLNESS ARE SWALLOWED?
After they are swallowed, there is a delay, called the
incubation period, before the symptoms of illness
begin. This delay may range from hours to days
depending on the organism and on how many of
them were swallowed. During the incubation period,
the microbes pass through the stomach into the
intestine, attach to the cells lining the intestinal
walls, and begin to multiply there.

Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

WHAT CAN CONSUMERS DO TO PROTECT

THEMSELVES FROM FOOD ILLNESS?
Cook: Cook meat, poultr y, and eggs thoroughly. Using a
thermometer to measure the internal temperature of meat is good
way to ensure that it is cooked to kill bacteria.
Separate: Dont cross contaminate one food with another. Avoid
cross contaminating foods by washing hands, utensils, and cutting
boards after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultr y and
before they touch another food.
Chill: Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so refrigerate
leftovers promptly if they are not going to be eaten within four
hours.
Clean: Wash produce. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables in running
tap water to remove visible dirt and grime.
Report: Report suspected foodborne illnesses to your local health
department. Often calls from concerned citizens are how outbreaks
are first detected.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

SPITTING UP REFLUX
Spitting up is sometimes associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. If your babys stomach is
full or his position is changed abruptly, especially
after a feeding, the stomach contents- food mixed
with stomach acid- press against the valve at the top
of the stomach called the lower esophageal
sphincter. When it is not fully developed or it opens
at the wrong time, the stomach contents move back
or reflux into the esophagus. Reflux is mainly a
messy problem, not a serious one. Suggestions
include keeping the baby in an upright position up to
an hour after feeding.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

GAGGING EXTRUSION REFLEX

Every baby is born with the extrusion reflex, an automatic
response that makes the baby push his tongue forward when
an object is touched to it. As long as there is a strong
extrusion response, a baby cant use his tongue to move food
from the front to the back of the mouth to swallow. This is a
mechanism that protects against potentially harmful material
including food a baby isnt ready to chew and swallow. The
baby will gradually learn to tolerate solids as he sucks his
fingers, toys, and other objects. Its common for babies to go
through a stage of repeatedly gagging themselves with their
fingers and even throwing up a bit. This is all part of the
complex process of learning to eat.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

VOMITING
An isolated incident of vomiting is nothing to worry about
as long as the child is not unduly distressed and has no
other symptoms such as a stomachache, earache,
dizziness, diarrhea, or fever (a temperature above 100.4
F). If the babys occasional vomiting changes to forceful
vomiting of fairly large amounts after every feeding, or if
he is losing or failing to gain weight, or if the child vomits
persistently for an hour, vomits after a fall or head injury,
or has other symptoms, or if theres blood or greenish
bowel in the vomit, get help immediately.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

DIARRHEA
Children can have acute and chronic forms of diarrhea.
Causes include bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications,
functional bowel disorders, and food sensitivities. The
condition is defined as when infants or children have
excessive stool and where the output is changed from its
normal consistency.
Medications to treat diarrhea in adults can be dangerous for
children and should only be given with a doctors guidance.
The main treatment for diarrhea in children is rehydration to
replace lost fluid quickly. After this a normal diet can resume
only if there is no vomiting associated with the diarrhea.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

DIARRHEA
Each bowel consistency provides an indication as to
the cause of the diarrhea:
Watery diarrhea usually occurs as a result of
intolerance to sugar often lactose (found in cows
milk) or sorbitol ( found in non-citrus juices).
Mucousy stools can be caused by a viral or bacterial
infection.
Oily stools are a sign that fats are not being digested
properly.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

DIARRHEA
Acute diarrhea is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic
infection. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to functional disorders
such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. A
few of the more common causes of diarrhea include:
Bacterial infections
Viral infections
Food intolerances
Parasites
Reaction to medicines
Intestinal diseases
Functional bowel disorders/ Irritable bowel syndrome
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants,
leading to dehydration in just a day or two. Signs of dehydration
in children are:
Dry or sticky mouth, dry, cool skin
Few or no tears when crying
Eyes that look sunken into the head
Soft spot on top of baby's head that looks sunken
Lack of urine or wet diapers for 6 to 8 hours in an infant (or
only a very small amount of dark yellow urine)
Lack of or very small amount of dark yellow urine for 12 hours
in an older child
Lethargy, irritability, fatigue or dizziness in an older child
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

ROTAVIRUS
In the US, rotavirus accounts for about 20%of all cases of
childhood gastroenteritis. Rotavirus infection is linked to
approximately 100 childhood deaths from diarrhea each year.
Rotavirus is most active in the winter and spring October
May- though infection can occur at any time during the year.
Vaccines to protect against rotavirus are now available and
are given between 2 and 8 months of age.
Simple hygiene is the best defense against the illness.
Parents and others involved in childrens care must not only
wash their own hands but must continually teach children how
important it is to wash hands before handling food and after
using the toilet to curb the spread of this and other
sicknesses.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

CONSTIPATION AND SOILING

Constipation is defined as a reduced water content in the
stool and is caused by insufficient water in the colon.
When the childs bowel movements are very hard,
difficult, or painful to pass, s/he is constipated. It can
happen if child doesnt eat enough fiber, doesnt get
enough exercise, doesnt drink enough liquids or avoids
the urge to poop. It is one of the most common disorders
in Western Society, affecting children and adults alike.
Soiling is when liquid or formed poop leaks into the
childs underwear. It usually happens when a big, hard,
blockage of poop from constipation is blocking the
rectum.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

CONSTIPATION AND SOILING

Never give laxatives, suppositories, enemas, or other
bowel medications to a child without a doctors note/
prescription. Treatment may include:
Starting with a clean-out to clear the impaction from the
rectal vault.
Adding more fluids (especially water) and fiber rich foods
to childs diet.
Making sure the child gets lots of exercise
Giving the child medicines by mouth to help soften the
stools.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

APPENDICITIS
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The
appendix is a small pouch attached to your large
intestine. It usually occurs when the appendix
becomes blocked by feces, a foreign object, or rarely,
a tumor.
It can be very hard to diagnose appendicitis in young
children. Typically, the first symptom is pain around
the belly button. The pain becomes increasingly
sharp and severe. The child may have reduced
appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a low grade fever.
It usually affects kids and teens after age 11.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

WHAT ARE ALLERGIES?

Allergies reflect an overreaction of the immune
system to substances
that usually cause no
reaction in most
individuals. Theses
substances can trigger
sneezing, wheezing,
coughing and itching.
Allergies are not only
bothersome, but many
have been linked to a
variety of common and
serious chronic
respirator y illnesses such
as sinusitis and asthma.

Allergies usually get into the body 4 ways:

1) Inhaled through the nose and lungs
2) ingested by mouth
3) Injected
4) Absorbed through the skin
Doctor s diagnose allergies in three steps:
1) Per sonal and medical histor y: the
doctor will ask questions about the family
histor y, possible medications, and
lifestyle.
2) Physical examination: the doctor will
pay special attention to the ear s, nose,
throat, eyes, chest, skin and exhalation.
3) Tests to determine your allergens: the
doctor may conduct a skin test, patch
test, or blood test

Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

COMMON ALLERGIC DISEASES ARE:

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Allergic asthma
Drug allergy
Latex allergy
Insect sting/ bite
Hives/ skin allergy
Eczema/ skin allergy
Conjunctivitis/ eye allergy
Food allergy

FOOD ALLERGY
Food allergy is a reaction of the bodys immune system to
something in a food or an ingredient in a food- usually a
protein. They are most prevalent in very young children and
frequently outgrown after childhood.
The eight most common food allergens are milk, eggs,
peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and crustacean shellfish.
Food allergies are characterized by itching or swelling of lips
or tongue, tightness of the throat with hoarseness,
gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea, occasional chest tightness, decreased blood
pressure, itching of the eyes, wheezing, skin irritations such
as rashes, hives and eczema, isolated sneezing and runny
nose.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

AVOIDING FOOD ALLERGIES

In the US, labeling laws require that specific common
allergens, must declared in plain English words on
the label. Avoiding an allergen requires carefully
reading food labels on packages, discussing
ingredients with others, and understanding how to
avoid cross contact (contamination of an otherwise
safe food through contact during preparation) with
an allergen. Care about using shared utensils, fryers
and cookware is needed.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

CHILDHOOD DIABETES
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does
not make or properly use insulin, a hormone that is
needed to convert glucose (sugar) and other food into
energy. People with diabetes have increased blood
glucose (sugar) levels due to an absence of insulin or
failure to respond to insulins effects. Inadequate
insulin results in high concentrations of glucose that
build up in the blood and spill into the urine, causing
an forceful urination of sugar and the bodies lost of
its main source of fuel.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

CHILDHOOD DIABETES
Type I Diabetes: an autoimmune disease in which the immune
system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the
pancreas that regulate blood sugar. Onset can occur at any
age, but it most often occurs in children and young adults. A
diabetes management plan for young people includes insulin
therapy, monitoring of blood sugar, healthy eating and
physical activity.
Type II Diabetes: Type II diabetes usually develops slowly and
insidiously in children. Symptoms may be similar to those of
type I diabetes. A child or teen can feel very tired, thirsty, or
nauseated and have to urinate often. The cornerstone of
diabetes management for children with Type II is healthy
eating, with portion control, and increased physical activity.
Hybrid or mixed Diabetes: Some children have elements of
both kinds of diabetes given that more children are
overweight. Insulin injections and oral diabetic medication is
needed alongside healthy eating and physical activity.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

HELPING CHILDREN MANAGE DIABETES

Helping children manage diabetes The healthcare
provider team, in partnership with the young person
with diabetes and caregivers, can develop a personal
diabetes plan for the child that puts a daily schedule in
place to keep diabetes under control. The plan shows
the child how to:
Follow a healthy meal plan
Get regular physical activity
Check blood glucose levels regularly
Take all diabetes medication as prescribed

Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
Lactose intolerance means that you cannot digest foods that
consists of lactose (sugar found in milk and foods made with
milk). If lactose is not digested, it can cause gas and stomach
cramps. After eating foods with lactose, you may have gas,
diarrhea, and swelling in your stomach.
The doctor will check for lactose intolerance by conducting blood
and breath tests and stool test.
If foods have lactose in it, words on the label will include: butter,
cheese, cream, dried milk, lactose, milk, milk solids, powdered
milk and whey. Lactose is in ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, cream,
butter, some cheeses, cottage cheese and yogurt. It is also added
to some boxed, canned, frozen foods, bread, cereal, lunch meats,
salad dressings, mixes for cakes, cookies, pancakes, and
biscuits, and frozen dinners.

If you are lactose intolerant, you may need to eat other foods
to get the calcium you need such as broccoli, tofu, turnips,
collards, sardines, or canned salmon with bones.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

FEEDING THE SICK CHILD

The following tips will help you and the child in your care feel
better and hasten the childs recovery by feeding her or not
feeding her certain things:
1. When a child is sick, she is normally not hungry therefore
she wont eat as much as she normally does.
2. Anyone who is sick needs liquids more than they need
regular food to replace what is lost by diarrhea, vomiting
and sweat.
3. Dont give your sick child any food or liquids you wouldnt
ordinarily give. Most childhood illnesses are not so serious
that you need to discard all the rules or create bad food
habits just because the child is sick.
Elbirt, P. Dr. Paulas Good Nutrition Guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. (2001).

FEEDING THE SICK CHILD

4. Feed the flu: A child will recover more quickly if given small
amounts of carefully chosen bland food throughout the
illness such as applesauce, eggs, potato, banana, rice,
crackers and pasta. Avoid sugary foods.
5. A vomiting child still needs water. Dont keep fluids away
from a child because she is vomiting. She needs fluids even
if every time you give some, she throws up.

Elbirt, P. Dr. Paulas Good Nutrition Guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. (2001).