Salmonella infections usually affect the intestines with symptoms appearing within in a few hours to three days after the contamination. Symptoms of the illness typically go away without medical treatment, but medical help is required when complications set in from the infection, causing more serious health problems later on. If symptoms persist, a visit to a doctor may detect a problem or alleviate any worries.
Stomach Disorders
Gastroenteritis from salmonella may result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and fever or headache. Because these symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, your doctor may take a stool sample for an accurate diagnosis. Antidiarrheal medication may relieve stomach cramping. People with diarrhea from salmonella infections usually recover completely. Long-term consequences, in some cases, are bowel habits that do not return to normal function for several months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dehydration
Dehydration can be the result of persistent or severe diarrhea. That is why people suffering from salmonella-induced diarrhea should drink plenty of liquids. Signs of dehydration may include dry mouth and tongue, decreased urine output, reduced tear production and sunken eyes, the Mayo Clinic explains. Dehydration can be treated with rehydration methods that use intravenous fluids to help hydrate the body.
Bloodstream Infections
Salmonella bacteria can enter the bloodstream and infect tissues throughout the body. Infection of the brain and spinal cord may lead to meningitis. It can also infect the lining of the heart or valves, causing endocarditis, an inflammation of membranes lining heart cavities. Infection may enter into the bones or bone marrow, leading to osteomyelitis, the inflammation of the bone and marrow. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics if they suspect salmonella bacteria have entered the bloodstream.
Typhoid Fever
In severe cases, salmonella bacteria may cause typhoid fever. The earlier symptoms are the same, but the problem may get worse within two weeks, resulting in the liver and spleen enlarging. This may lead to meningitis and pneumonia. Raised, rose-spotted skin rashes may appear on the chest to signal these underlying problems. Symptoms also include diarrhea, constipation, high fever, cough, a slowing of the heartbeat and mental confusion.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is also called Reiter's syndrome. Salmonella infection increases the risk of developing the disease. Symptoms include painful joints, painful urination and eye irritation. The disorder can last for months or years, according to the CDC. It may lead to chronic arthritis. Unfortunately, any antibiotic treatment given for the Salmonella infection will not prevent the arthritis from developing.
