Salmonella infection is an illness caused by the salmonella bacteria that can be found in water, animal feces, soil, and raw meat or eggs. Many people who ingest the bacteria do not develop salmonella disease. However, infants and children are more prone to develop symptomatic infections. Of the 50,000 cases of salmonella infection in the United States reported each year, one-third are patients who are 4 years old or younger, according to KidsHealth.org. Identifying the symptoms and long-term effects of a salmonella infection can aid in the selection of the proper treatment for salmonella disease.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of a salmonella infection, reports the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Salmonella bacteria typically affect the lining and tissues of the digestive tract. Once these tissues become damaged, the absorptive function of the intestines is compromised. The irritation to the lining causes the food and water in the intestine to pass much more quickly through the patient. This increases the frequency of the patient's defecation, and makes the feces more watery.
Fever
Patients often develop a fever 12 to 72 hours after infection with the salmonella bacteria, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The fever can be mild but in severe cases can become extremely high. In patients with high fever, the use of antipyretic medications may be necessary. In milder cases, the fever lasts four to seven days and resolves without treatment, notes the CDC.
Headache
Headache can be a symptom of a salmonella infection, reports KidsHealth.org. The headache usually develops three days post-infection and can cause distress to the patient. Intense headaches can be treated with pain relievers such as ibuprofen. The headache usually disappears without the need for further medical treatment.
Reactive Arthritis
Severe salmonella infections can increase the patient's risk of developing reactive arthritis, or Reiter's syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. The bacteria can cause the immune system to damage joints within the body. Reactive arthritis can cause eye irritation, painful joints and painful urination. Reactive arthritis usually occurs in patients with weak immune systems after they have been exposed to the salmonella bacteria.
Typhoid Fever
Certain strains of the salmonella bacteria can cause typhoid fever. Typhoid fever has the same initial symptoms of a non-typhoid salmonella infection, but these symptoms will persist much longer than normal. Patients will develop abnormal swelling of the liver and spleen and a rose-spotted rash. In severe cases, patients can develop chronic pneumonia and potentially dangerous meningitis.
