Every now and then, the news of several people getting Salmonella poisoning hits the news. A number of people – often in different states – will get sick from it, and a few may even die as a result of food contamination. In nearly every case, some type of food will be recalled because it was found to be the source of spreading these potentially harmful bacteria to humans.
Getting infected with Salmonella has become an ever-growing concern because it is being seen in the news every few weeks, it seems. The time between first hearing of a possible spread of the bacteria on food and the time when it is actually traced to a specific food product can be several days, and this time frame causes people to get worried.
Salmonella infections are responsible for a number of illnesses, including Salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and typhoid fever. Most illnesses that come from food are from this type of infection. It can also be obtained through contact with animals. Although there are more than 2,000 types of Salmonella bacteria, only a few cause any problems in humans.
Signs of Salmonella infections can start appearing between 12 to 72 hours later. The CDC reports that as many as 1.2 million people become sick from the bacteria annually, and 23,000 of these people will need to be hospitalized. About 450 people will die from it each year.
This potential severity of the illness makes it very necessary for people to be on the watch to determine if they might be a victim. Once the symptoms start, they will usually only last from four to seven days. Knowing what the symptoms are will enable you to recognize the possibility, and receive treatment if necessary.
1. Abdomen Pain
If you become ill from Salmonella bacteria, one of the first signs you will likely experience is abdomen pain. This may be associated with diarrhea, but that may come a little later. The muscles in your abdomen will recognize the bacteria and seek to get rid of them as fast as possible. This is going to result in considerable cramping and pain.
The severity of the illness depends on the strength of your immune system. The people who will be affected the most are those who are very young, the elderly, and those who have a compromised immune system.
The pain can be severe enough that it is sometimes confused by doctors as appendicitis. If taken to a hospital, a stool or blood sample will be taken to determine the presence of the Salmonella bacteria. This is done in order to eliminate other possible causes.
In some cases, the bacteria may pass from the intestines to the blood stream. When this occurs, antibiotics are needed to prevent major organs from becoming infected. In an outbreak in 2013 and 2014, the Salmonella bacteria were discovered to be resistant to antibiotics.
2. Body Chills
Because of the infection, there is also going to be a fever. When the body temperature rises, body chills will usually be experienced. This may result in some shaking from the seeming cold, but it can be dealt with by putting on more clothes or getting under some blankets. The chills may come and go and the individual may alternate feeling cold with being hot at times. Body chills can be expected as long as the fever persists.
3. Dehydration
Once the diarrhea starts, there is a danger that dehydration may occur. In most cases, it will not require any specialized medical treatment. Some people, however, will have diarrhea so severely that they must be hospitalized to ensure that they retain enough fluids. This occurs once the person is not able to take in fluids orally. They will be given fluids intravenously. When enough fluids are lost, the individual will likely be weak and dizzy. Other symptoms include having a dry mouth and tongue, able to only pee in small amounts, and having sunken and dry eyes.
4. Fatigue
Another symptom that may be experienced with Salmonella is fatigue. This can be expected with the pain in the abdomen, fever, and the other symptoms that may occur about the same time. Dehydration will also cause you to be tired. It is a symptom of not having enough fluids. You may become tired enough that you simply want to lie down and take it easy. Family members may also find that you may be irritable, too, so rest and sleep may be good, if you can get away from the kids. Once the symptoms are gone, your energy levels will return.
5. Fever
Many people who become infected with Salmonella will not have any symptoms at all, not even a fever. About 70 percent of those infected will get a fever, but, in most cases, it will not get any higher than 102. If the fever becomes higher than this, it is time to contact a doctor. It may be possible that the bacteria have passed into the blood stream, and a diagnosis needs to be made. Other symptoms that indicate a doctor should be seen include fainting, feeling confused, a rapid heart rate, a stiff neck, and difficulty breathing. Anti-biotics tend to make the diarrhea last longer.
6. Loss of Appetite
Along with the cramping in your abdomen, diarrhea and possible vomiting, you will probably also have a loss of appetite. While your body is seeking to purge your system of the bacteria, it will likely also let you know that you should not be eating any more food. It is a good idea to let your stomach rest for a while, but you might want to eat simple foods like crackers and other soft foods. Be careful to ensure that you are getting enough fluids or you risk becoming dehydrated – which may lead to being hospitalized. With the intestinal issues, you should not eat or drink for 24 hours.
7. Diarrhea
With Salmonella poisoning, diarrhea can be expected to accompany the abdominal pain. The diarrhea can last up to 10 days, but most people will not have it for more than seven. Rarely, will there ever be blood in the stool. If the person is vomiting along with the diarrhea, which may occur, there is an even greater danger of dehydration with children and seniors. The Salmonella bacteria is in the stools, so care needs to be taken to wash hands carefully to avoid passing the infection to others, or to avoid getting it from infants or children. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to becoming dehydrated, and should see a doctor, because Salmonella can pass to the baby. Anti-diarrhea medications are only apt to prolong the diarrhea.
8. Headache
Salmonella poisoning can typically be referred to as a miserable experience. On top of the other unpleasant symptoms, the person may get a headache. This may be initiated by the fever. Not everyone will have a headache along with the other symptoms, but if you get one, it will further add to your desire to lie down and rest. In most cases, the symptoms will go away after seven days, but some people may have symptoms for up to 10 days. Avoiding salmonella involves keeping your hands clean when handling food, especially raw meat. Avoid eating raw milk, raw meat, and raw eggs.
In some cases, salmonella bacteria can lie dormant for many years after poisoning. This can lead to many health problems, including arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and more. It is referred to as reactive arthritis.
