Salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Sometimes, food such as meat, poultry and eggs becomes contaminated with the bacteria. Salmonella poisoning can also occur if a person drinks contaminated water. Pet birds or reptiles can carry salmonella, so their owners could be at risk. Salmonella can cause digestive disturbances, typhoid and, rarely, serious complications throughout the body.
Digestive Symptoms
Salmonella causes digestive distress in its victims. Digestive symptoms usually begin within several hours to two days of ingesting the tainted food, according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, blood in the stools and abdominal pain. These symptoms may last up to seven days and usually clear up on their own without medical treatment. Dehydration, a complication of the diarrhea and vomiting brought on by salmonella, can be identified by sunken eyes, a dry mouth and a lack of urine. Seek medical care if you think that you are dehydrated.
Typhoid Symptoms
Typhoid is rare in the United States but common in other parts of the world. If you have traveled within the past three weeks and experience typhoid symptoms, salmonella poisoning may be to blame. These symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, include diarrhea, high fever, a rash on the chest, cough, confusion, irregular heartbeat and liver and spleen enlargement.
Other Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control, salmonella poisoning can cause a condition called Reiter's syndrome in some people. Symptoms of this condition, which may last for years, include painful joints, eye irritation and trouble with urination.
In rare cases, people may develop bacteremia, or salmonella bacteria in the bloodstream. The Mayo Clinic states that the bacteria can cause infections in the brain, heart or bones. Symptoms of a brain infection, or meningitis, include a severe headache, stiff neck, fever and confusion. A person with a heart infection, or endocarditis, may experience shortness of breath, swelling of the feet or legs, night sweats and fever. Osteomyelitis, a type of bone infection, causes swelling and redness of the infected area, pain and sudden fever. If you have salmonella poisoning and experience any symptoms of these serious complications, seek medical care immediately.
