Salmonella poisoning occurs when someone eats food that has been contaminated with the salmonella bacteria. Salmonella lives in the intestines of many humans and can contaminate food via feces. People who have salmonella poisoning typically develop a fever, diarrhea, cramping, and nausea that can last up to 72 hours. This condition will typically resolve itself on its own.
Step 1
Drink plenty of fluids. The main health risk that salmonella poisoning creates is dehydration, from the diarrhea and the vomiting. Drinking as much water as possible is the best treatment to avoid dehydration.
Step 2
Take anti-diarrhea medications. Medications such as loperamide (also known as Immodium) can be purchased over the counter. Take the maximum recommended dose while you are experiencing diarrhea caused by salmonella (the actual dosing may vary depending on the product you are using).
Step 3
Take antiemetics. The most readily available antiemetic is bismuth, commonly found in Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol. This will help relieve the nausea and vomiting that salmonella can cause.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about antibiotics. If your salmonella poisoning isn't going away or if you develop a high fever, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infections and to prevent the bacteria from going into the bloodstream (a condition known as sepsis).
Step 5
Consume peppermint. Consuming peppermint in the form of teas or lozenges is thought by some to be effective against food poisoning, for its ability to relieve nausea. Some studies (according to eatmoreherbs.com) state that it can slow the growth of salmonella.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Loperamide
- Bismuth
- Antibiotics
- Peppermint lozenges or tea
