What Are The Chances Of Getting Sick From Eating Food Dropped On Floor?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my 10 old ate old food from last night dinner off the floor. Should I worry

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM

I understand your concerns but don't worry. Many a times kids pick up and eat food from floor but in most cases this is not associated with any problems.

In rare cases it may lead to gastroenteritis episode. So, in case he develops any symptoms of gastroenteritis then you may give him the following:
1. Syp. Ondansetrone or Domperidone for vomiting episodes.
2. Syp. Acetaminophen for fever episodes.
3. Rehydration therapy such as lemonade, butter milk, soups , ORS etc in case of watery stools.
4. Antibiotics if any associated symptoms of bacterial infection such as blood in stools, high grade fever spikes.

Hopefully this will help you.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar