Prevention of intestinal infections in children

Article written by MSc Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Eating out is becoming more and more popular. However, not all food is good, and there is the potential for contaminated food to affect a child's health and, in some cases, cause food poisoning.

Also known as infectious diarrhea, gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system. People are also known as "stomach flu", but this is not a medical term.
In case of mild diarrhea, the child only needs adequate rehydration and electrolytes. But if the child has a serious intestinal infection, it should be examined and treated according to the doctor's prescription.

Here are some types of food poisoning based on pathogenic organisms:
Campylobacter enteritis: A bacterial infection that causes gastrointestinal problems. Cholera: Caused by contaminated water, which can lead to diarrhea and dehydration. E. coli enteritis : Caused by E. coli bacteria, the infection can become serious in some cases. Staphylococcus infection: Mild bacterial infection causing vomiting and diarrhea. Salmonella infection: A common bacterial infection causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

Wash hands: When children are outdoors, with or without their parents, they tend to touch everything - things that harbor bacteria. Bacteria enter the child's body through the mouth and cause intestinal infections. Frequent hand washing with soap and water will help prevent bacteria.

Ensure food quality: Ensure that your child avoids eating outside food that is uncertain about hygiene and quality. Always encourage children to eat only cooked, home-cooked foods. Food at the stalls is made in bulk and can be kept for a long time before being served. This leads to food contamination. Limit sweets: Limit sweets in your child's diet. Even during festivals, children need to be encouraged to eat healthy. Parents need to monitor their child's sugar levels, as too much can also cause diarrhea. Avoid eating sweets made with colorants/additives/taste enhancers. When making sweets at home, avoid using artificial sweeteners, and instead use natural sweeteners like jaggery, fruit, honey, dates and figs, instead of sugar. Limit canned juice: Don't let your child use too much canned juice. These juices contain artificial sweeteners and flavors. Children should be offered fresh juice instead. For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiency causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption,... If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
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