What is salmonellosis? Discover its typical symptoms and what is the most appropriate medical treatment for its cure.
Now that the good weather is beginning and the heat is also beginning to tighten, it is a great idea that, when we go to the beach or the pool to spend a day in the sun and we take food to eat, we pay special attention to certain food products, with the aim of preventing and avoiding salmonellosis.
Salmonellosis, as you surely know, is a gastrointestinal infection caused by salmonella, a bacillus made up of a group of bacteria, which live in the intestines of infected humans and animals.
Symptoms of salmonellosis
The symptomatology that causes salmonellosis in many cases is quite clear, since it produces:
- Cramps and stomach and abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- Headaches.
- Chills and high fever.
- Blood in the stool.
These symptoms are experienced by infected people 8 to 72 hours after initial infection.
In larger cases, more diarrhea can occur, which causes the person to be immediately hospitalized, because salmonella can pass from the intestines to the blood and endanger his life.
How is salmonellosis contracted and spread?
It is normal for the salmonella bacteria to reside inside the intestines of human beings, which is eliminated through the feces. However, it is common for humans to become contaminated by consuming contaminated water or food.
We find salmonella mainly in meat from cattle, in raw poultry, and sometimes in dirty fruits and vegetables. For this reason, it is always advisable to wash these last foods well before consumption, and cook them well.
Treatment for salmonellosis
It is advised to treat dehydration by replacing fluids and electrolytes. However, in severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluid administration may be advised. In addition, your doctor may recommend:
- Antibiotics: especially in those cases in which the specialist suspects that the bacteria has entered the bloodstream, in a serious case or when the patient’s immune system is compromised.
- Antidiarrheal: help relieve colic, and treat diarrhea associated with this infection.
