Treatment for salmonella infection is not always necessary because symptoms usually go away on their own in about five to seven days. But sometimes there are persistent or severe problems that develop and must be dealt with through medical care. Your doctor can perform a physical exam to look for troubling signs and test for specific antibodies that indicate underlying problems. There is no vaccine for salmonella. The goal is to treat the underlying symptoms or problems caused by the salmonella bacteria.
Medication
Salmonella bacteria can cause intestinal problems, particularly diarrhea. Antidiarrheal medications may be given to relieve stomach cramping, but only when necessary because the medication can prolong the infection. People are advised to make changes to the diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Binding foods that firm bowel movements include bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. People should also avoid milk products. Fever and aches that accompany symptoms can be relieved by acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Rehydration
Salmonella symptoms may also include nausea. People may be too sick to drink enough liquids when also suffering from diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may cause dehydration, so a rehydration process is used. The patient may be given intravenous fluids to help return the body to normal. The IV solutions contain water, mineral salts, sugars and proteins. There are also rehydration drinks that include water, salts and sugar to replace the fluids, according to the Physicians' Desktop Reference.
Antibiotics
In some cases, salmonella bacteria can infect the bloodstream and invade organs throughout the body. This can lead to serious problems such as meningitis if the bacteria enter the brain or spinal cord. Infections may also cause inflammation to the lining of the heart chambers and to the bone and bone marrow. Doctors give patients antibiotics if they suspect the bacteria has infected the bloodstream. These treatments usually help the person fully recover.
Arthritic Treatment
In rare cases, salmonella infection may result in reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome. Symptoms include painful joints and difficulty in urinating. There may also be eye irritation. People who have been infected with salmonella may increase their risk of developing reactive arthritis, according to the National Institutes of Health. This type of arthritis may last for months or years and become a chronic disorder. To relieve symptoms, physical therapy is often recommended. This may improve muscle strength and movement. Strong anti-inflammatory medicine may have to be injected periodically when joints become inflamed.
