Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is salmonellosis?
- Signs and symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of salmonellosis?
- When to see a doctor?
- Causes and risk factors
- What causes salmonellosis?
- What increases the risk of getting salmonellosis?
- Diagnosis and treatment
- What are the tests to diagnose this disease?
- What are the treatment options for salmonellosis?
- Home remedies
- What are the home remedies for salmonellosis?
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Definition
What is salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is a disease of the digestive system that arises from a bacterial infection Salmonella in the intestines. These bacteria are one of the most common causes of diarrhea.
Humans often become infected through contaminated water or food. Most patients with mild infections will recover within 4 - 7 days without treatment, and some even do not show symptoms.
In some cases, diarrhea is caused by Salmonella can also cause dehydration, so patients need medical attention as soon as possible.
Bacteria Salmonella could just flow in the blood. If it continues to develop and has spread beyond the intestine, this infection can cause life-threatening complications.
How common is salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is diagnosed more often in infants and children. Most of the patients affected by this disease live in areas with poor sanitation systems.
These factors may be supportive, because the environment around which is less hygienic can affect the quality of food and beverage hygiene.
Signs and symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of salmonellosis?
Symptoms of salmonellosis usually appear within six hours or several days after exposure to bacteria.
The most common symptom is diarrhea, which can be mild or more severe. Various other symptoms include:
- nausea and vomiting,
- stomach cramps,
- fever,
- chills,
- headaches, as well
- bloody stool.
Usually symptoms will last for two days to a week. People with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.
There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns regarding the above symptoms, please consult your doctor.
When to see a doctor?
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms.
- Diarrhea and fever more than 38 ℃.
- Diarrhea did not get better after three days.
- Bloody bowel movements.
- Prolonged vomiting that makes it difficult for you to hold onto fluids.
- Begins to show signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and throat and dizziness when standing.
Keep in mind, everyone's body is different, the reaction to infection and disease will also be different. Always discuss with your doctor about the best options for your health condition.
Causes and risk factors
What causes salmonellosis?
Most people become infected with bacteria from eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria Salmonella. These bacteria are commonly found in:
- raw meat, both red meat and poultry, the possibility of bacteria settling on if the meat is exposed to dirt during the cutting process,
- raw eggs, when the chicken that produced the eggs has been infected before, as well
- fruits and vegetables, can become contaminated when washed with exposed water Salmonella.
The bacteria in these foods will remain if not cooked until cooked.
Food can also be contaminated if someone who cooks it has just finished using the toilet or changing diapers, then immediately starts processing food without washing their hands first.
Not only through food, you can get sick if you eat directly with your hands after touching an infected pet.
What increases the risk of getting salmonellosis?
Your risk of getting salmonellosis will be higher if:
- traveling or working in areas where a salmonellosis epidemic is detected,
- work in a laboratory or come into contact with bacteria Salmonella,
- make direct contact with typhus sufferers,
- have a pet bird or reptile,
- have a weak immune system,
- have inflammatory bowel disease, as well
- use drugs that lower acid levels in the stomach such as antacids or antibiotics.
Diagnosis and treatment
What are the tests to diagnose this disease?
First, the doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the symptoms you feel. At that time, your doctor may also ask about your medical history and the foods you have eaten in the last few days.
After that, the doctor takes a sample of your stool or blood. Later, this sample will be observed in the laboratory to detect the presence of bacteria Salmonella.
What are the treatment options for salmonellosis?
Mild Salmonellosis infection does not require treatment. Most patients will recover on their own within 24 - 48 hours.
You will need to be quarantined or use a different bathroom. Washing your hands is very important to prevent the spread of germs.
While recovering, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Also replace your daily diet with foods that are easy to digest, for example you can follow the BRAT diet.
After that, you can gradually eat your normal diet again.
Also avoid foods that can trigger diarrhea. For example, dairy products can make diarrhea worse, so you should avoid milk for a few days. If the diarrhea gets worse, you will need intravenous fluids.
For more severe cases, antibiotics are usually given to kill bacteria.
However, drug administration is also based on several considerations such as how severe the symptoms are, medical history and medications taken, and age.
Home remedies
What are the home remedies for salmonellosis?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with this disease.
- Foods such as red meat and poultry should be cooked.
- Store food properly. For example: do not leave the vegetable salad mixed with mayonnaise at room temperature for several hours.
- Only drink pasteurized milk.
- Drink only bottled water when traveling.
- Avoid contact with infected people or infected animals Salmonella like a turtle.
- Wash your hands properly after using the toilet to avoid spreading disease.
- Drink water with electrolytes (for example, when exercising) until the diarrhea stops completely.
- Follow a low calorie diet after the diarrhea has completely stopped.
- Call your doctor if you are dehydrated or have symptoms that last more than 48 hours, such as high fever, acute diarrhea, yellow skin or eyes.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.