What is Salmonella Gastroenteritis

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 people recover completely, but some people 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. These bacteria can spread through food that is not cooked properly, contact with animals that have the bacteria, or contact with a person’s stool. You can get this infection by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that have the bacteria.
• Drinking polluted standing water.
• Coming into contact with an animal that is carrying the bacteria, such as a turtle, bird, snake, or iguana.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

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

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 symptoms.
• Your medical history.
• A physical exam.
• A blood test.
• A stool test.

How is this treated?

This condition may be managed by:

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

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not take medicines to help with diarrhea. These medicines can make the infection worse.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Eating and drinking

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This helps prevent dehydration.
• Drink only clear liquids until your diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting is under control. Clear liquids are liquids you can see through, such as water, broth, fruit juice with added water (diluted fruit juice), low-calorie sports drinks, or non-caffeinated tea.
• Take an oral rehydration solution (ORS) as told by your health care provider. This drink is sold at pharmacies and retail stores.
• If you are not hungry, do not force yourself to eat.
• Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods in small amounts as you are able. These foods include bananas, applesauce, rice, lean meats, toast and crackers.
• Avoid:
  • Fluids that contain a lot of sugar or caffeine, such as energy drinks, high-calorie sports drinks, and soda.
  • Alcohol.
  • Foods that are greasy or contain a lot of fat or sugar.
  • Spicy foods.
• Do not prepare food for others if you have diarrhea.

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 eat or drink 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.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

General instructions

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. This helps keep the bacteria from spreading to others.
• Keep track of changes in your weight. Losing a lot of weight can be a sign of a serious problem. Ask your health care provider how much weight loss should concern you.
• Stay home from work or school as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you:

• Have a fever.
• Have diarrhea that has blood or mucus in it.
• Feel weak or dizzy.
• Have a headache.
• Have urinated only a small amount of very dark urine over 6-8 hours.
• Have weight loss.
• Have redness, irritation, or pain in your eyes.
• Have pain when urinating.
• Have swelling or a feeling of warmth in a joint.

Get help right away if you:

• Cannot keep fluids down.
• Cannot stop vomiting or having diarrhea.
• Have pain in the abdomen, and the pain gets worse.
• Have any symptoms of severe dehydration. These include:
  • Not urinating in 6-8 hours.
  • Cold and clammy skin.
  • Extreme thirst.
  • Confusion.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Difficulty waking from sleep.
• Have changes in vision or loss of vision.

Summary

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