Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonella bacteria are the most commonly reported cause of food poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40,000 salmonella poisoning cases are reported in the United States each year. The number of children under five diagnosed with salmonella poisoning each year is five times that of people of any other age.
Nontyphoidal salmonella is usually responsible for salmonella poisoning. Nontyphoidal salmonella is carried by chickens, cows and various reptiles. When food containing salmonella bacteria is ingested, it can cause salmonella poisoning.
Salmonella bacteria usually live in the intestines of animals, people and birds; food becomes infected when it is contaminated with feces. Foods that commonly become contaminated with salmonella bacteria include:
  • Fruits and vegetables: May be irrigated with contaminated water or infected by coming into contact with raw meat.
  • Raw eggs: May be contaminated by infected chickens.
  • Raw meat and poultry: May be contaminated by feces during butchering.
Food can also become contaminated with salmonella bacteria when people neglect to wash their hands after:
  • Changing a diaper
  • Handling infected pets, particularly birds and reptiles
  • Using the bathroom.

Symptoms: Salmonella Poisoning

Depending on the severity of the salmonella poisoning, salmonella bacteria can cause a variety of symptoms. One of the most common salmonella-induced illnesses is gastroenteritis, which is typically caused by eating raw meat, or meat that has not been well cooked. Symptoms of gastroenteritis linked to salmonella poisoning include:
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting.
In some cases, salmonella poisoning can also cause typhoid fever, especially if you've recently traveled outside the country. Early symptoms of typhoid fever mirror the gastroenteritis symptoms associated with nontyphoidal bacteria. In the second week, however, additional symptoms may include:
  • Constipation
  • Enlargement of the spleen and liver
  • Rose-colored skin rash
  • Slowing of the heartbeat.

Signs of Salmonella Poisoning

Signs of salmonella poisoning become evident within three days following consumption of contaminated food or liquid, and sometimes within just hours. Because several illnesses can cause similar symptoms — such as vomiting — it's important to see your doctor immediately if you suspect salmonella poisoning.
For an accurate diagnosis of food poisoning, salmonella bacteria presence in a stool or blood sample may be analyzed by your doctor. If the symptoms of salmonella poisoning become severe, it's imperative to call 911 and seek emergency attention right away.

Treating and Preventing Salmonella Poisoning

Treatment for salmonella poisoning often involves controlling the symptoms to prevent dehydration and further complications. Health care providers may prescribe medications including:
  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-diarrheals
  • Fever-reducing medications.
To help prevent salmonella poisoning, it's important to take precautions, such as:
  • Cooking meat, poultry and fish to a safe internal temperature
  • Separating raw meat and poultry from other foods in the refrigerator and during preparation
  • Washing hands, especially after diaper changes, using the restroom, preparing food and cleaning up pet feces.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r
Keep reading

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c
Keep reading