Salmonellosis is most often caused by contact with water or food contaminated with the Salmonella bacterium. The disease can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and is often classified as food poisoning. Some symptoms appear within 2 to 48 hours and can last up to 7 days. Generally, the infection goes away on its own, but complications can sometimes arise. Read on to treat this disease and avoid contracting it in the future.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing Salmonella Poisoning
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Salmonellosis is usually caused by ingesting raw eggs or meat contaminated with the bacterium. There is an incubation period ranging from a few hours to two days, followed by symptoms that are usually classified as gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. The most common signs of this intoxication are the following:
- He retched.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Blood in the stool.
Step 2. Know when to go to the doctor
While salmonellosis does not usually pose a serious health risk, some people with weak immune systems, such as people with AIDS, sickle cell disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, are at increased risk of developing complications. Children and the elderly are also more likely to experience severe negative reactions. If the symptoms do not seem to subside and the sufferer falls into a high-risk category, a visit to the doctor is recommended as soon as possible. Immediate medical attention is also needed when you or the person you are caring for have the following symptoms:
- Dehydration, which leads to a reduction in the amount of urine and tears, dry mouth and sunken eyes.
- Signs of bacteremia, an infection that develops when the Salmonella bacterium enters the bloodstream by infecting tissues in the brain, spinal cord, heart, or bone marrow. The presence of a sudden fever, chills, tachycardia, and a seriously ill appearance are signs that the infection has begun.
Step 3. Get tested to diagnose the infection
Your doctor will want to look into your symptoms; in most cases he will advise you to drink plenty of fluids and rest until the ailments are gone, as salmonellosis is often self-limiting. If the doctor determines that an examination is necessary, he will take a stool sample to have it analyzed and check for the presence of the bacterium.
- They may also order a blood test to make sure the disease has not progressed to bacteremia.
- They may also decide to prescribe antibiotics if the infection has spread beyond the digestive tract.
- If the dehydration starts to get particularly severe, you may need to be hospitalized to give you the fluids intravenously.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Salmonellosis
Step 1. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
Fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea can lead to a great risk of dehydration. It is important to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes by drinking water, herbal teas, juices and broths. Even if you don't feel like drinking much, this is the best way to allow your body to regain energy and get through the worst phase of symptoms.
- Eating a popsicle, ice cubes or some sorbet is a way to assimilate water and sugar at the same time.
- Drink plenty of water, especially after severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- Babies can drink a rehydrating solution such as Pedialyte, to replenish fluids and electrolytes.
Step 2. Take anti-diarrheal medications
Loperamide (Imodium) helps relieve cramps associated with diarrhea triggered by salmonellosis. Be aware, however, that this medicine can also prolong diarrhea.
Step 3. Eat light foods when trying to recover from intoxication
Salty or spicy foods can further irritate the already sensitive digestive system due to salmonellosis. Also avoid high-fat foods, as they can disrupt the digestive tract.
Step 4. Apply an electric warmer or hot pack
Place it on your abdomen to reduce cramps; For this purpose, a hot water bottle or a hot bath are also perfect.
Step 5. Rest and give your body time to heal
If you overdo the activities, you can extend your recovery time. The body naturally fights against the Salmonella bacterium and heals faster if you don't put too much stress on it. Take a few days off from work or school if you are experiencing diarrhea and vomiting.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Infections
Step 1. Cook food of animal origin thoroughly
Do not eat or drink foods or drinks that contain unpasteurized milk or raw eggs. This is the most common way to get salmonellosis. Don't hesitate to return undercooked beef, poultry, or eggs to the restaurant kitchen if you're eating away from home.
- Salmonella occurs very often in animal products, but vegetables can also be contaminated. Make sure you wash all the vegetables thoroughly before cooking them.
- Wash your hands and work surface after coming into contact with raw beef, eggs, or poultry.
Step 2. Wash your hands after handling animals and their feces
This is another vehicle of infection. Healthy reptiles and birds can carry the bacterium, which can also be found in the feces of dogs and cats. Whenever you touch an animal or its feces, you need to make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 3. Prevent the children from touching the reptiles and chicks
For example, young chickens, lizards and turtles are also healthy carriers of Salmonella, which is found on their snouts. A child who cuddles one of these animals could come into contact with the bacterium. Since children's immune systems have a harder time fighting infection than adults, it is best to prohibit them from approaching animals that could potentially infect them.
Advice
- Wash your hands after going to the bathroom to reduce the chances of contracting or passing on the bacterium Salmonella.
- To avoid the risk of intoxication, do not eat undercooked beef, poultry and eggs and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- It is best to wear gloves when touching reptiles, amphibians and / or their habitat. Wash your hands thoroughly if you can't use gloves.
- Remember to only eat well-cooked eggs, as raw eggs can carry the infection.
Warnings
- When you contract salmonellosis, you become a carrier of the bacterium and are contagious until you get rid of the infection completely.
- Beware of cross-contamination between cutlery used to handle raw meat, poultry, and the surface you work the food on.
- Do not store fresh fruits and vegetables near raw meat, as the blood that escapes from them could contaminate the vegetables and increase the risk of transmission of the bacterium.
