How to Treat Salmonella Infection
Salmonella infection is a type of bacterial infection that you can get from eating foods contaminated with the bacteria. The course of this condition can last up to 7 days. Here are some tips you may follow to treat and prevent salmonella infection.
Symptoms
Gastroenteritis and Typhoid fever are some of the conditions that you may get when infected with salmonella. Here are some symptoms you have to watch out for.
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Muscle cramps and pains
Fever of with a temperature of 38° C or higher.
Bradycardia, or a heart rate lower than the normal range
Hepatomegaly or splenomegaly
Products that are Commonly Contaminated with the Bacteria
Raw meats
Eggs
Fruits and Vegetables
Diagnosis
Stool samples are sent to the laboratory so they can determine the causative agent.
Blood samples may also be required to check if the bacteria already spread through your circulation.
Medications
Antidiarrheal, like Loperamide ( Imodium) may be prescribed to manage diarrhea.
Antibiotics are given to fight of the bacteria.
Home Care
Drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea from Salmonella can be so severe that it may lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink lots of water to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated.
For fever, consider having a tepid sponge bath if you’re too weak to go to the bathroom.
Try eating bland foods that won’t make diarrhea and vomiting worse. Avoid irritants like spicy foods and foods with too much fat and salt.
Use warm compress to ease abdominal cramps.
Prevention
Salmonella can easily be transferred to people through improper handling of foods. When preparing foods and before eating, make sure to wash your hands properly, especially after using the toilet.
Don’t eat raw or half- cooked foods. You never know how the food was prepared or where it came from. Eating raw meats and seafood will increase your risk of getting infected by salmonella.
Be sure that food containers, utensils and plates are clean before using them.
The best way to prevent Salmonella infection is by handling foods properly. Follow good hygiene habits all the time.