What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that develops within the intestines after a person comes in contact with the salmonella bacteria, which is usually found in foods contaminated with infected animal feces. Any food can contain the salmonella bacteria, and foods like meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods have been linked to the illness in recent years.
The bacteria thrives in warm conditions, so salmonella easily spreads during warm summer months or when foods are undercooked or left unrefrigerated for too long. Because of this, it’s critical to prepare and store foods properly.
Each year, about 1.2 million people contract salmonella, with about 450 people dying as a result of the infection. Anyone can contract salmonella through foods, but certain groups are more at risk for severe consequences. Those at a higher risk include:
- Infants
- People with compromised immune systems, including those with cancer, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.
- The elderly
Symptoms
Salmonella can be serious and life-threatening, but most people will recover within four to seven days without hospitalization or treatment. Most people with salmonella develop the same symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps — Pain and tightness in the abdomen may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea — Runny and loose stools will develop within 12 to 72 hours of infection.
- Fever — A fever is when your body temperature rises above its normal range, and is a biological response that helps the body clear infection. Average normal body temperature is 98.6°F, but an individual may have a normal temperature that is slightly higher or lower.
Treatment Options
People usually recover on their own from salmonella. However, when severe diarrhea is present, the infection can spread to the bloodstream from the intestines, and then blood can carry the infection to other parts of the body. When this occurs, the patient is hospitalized while he or she receives:
- Antibiotics — These medications, which can be delivered intravenously or orally, can kill the bacteria causing the infection in people with severe cases. Typically, antibiotics are only provided for those with compromised immune systems, who have severe cases or who are suspected of having salmonella bacteria in their bloodstreams.
- Anti-diarrheals — Anti-diarrheals may ease the cramping associated with diarrhea, but they can lengthen the time salmonella-related diarrhea is present.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of salmonella, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat salmonella.