Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
SalmonellosisDefinition Return to top
Salmonella enterocolitis is an infection in the lining of the small intestine caused by the bacteria Salmonella.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Salmonella enterocolitis can range from mild to severe diarrheal illness. The infection is acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Any food can become contaminated during preparation if conditions and equipment for food preparation are unsanitary.
The incubation period is 8 to 48 hours after exposure, and the acute illness lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. The bacteria is shed in the feces for months in some treated patients. A carrier state exists in some people who shed the bacteria for 1 year or more following the initial infection.
The risk factors include:
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by diarrhea. (Antidiarrheal medications are generally not given because they may prolong the infectious process.)
Self care measures to avoid dehydration include drinking electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by diarrhea -- these are available without a prescription. Antibiotic therapy may be indicated for those with severe symptoms.
People with diarrhea who are unable to take oral (by mouth) fluids due to nausea may need medical attention and intravenous fluids, especially small children. Fever and aches can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
People taking diuretics need to be cautious with diarrhea, and may need to stop taking the diuretic during the acute episode as directed by the health care provider.
Dietary modifications during diarrhea may be helpful: restrict milk products; and give bananas, rice, apples, and toast (BRAT diet). Infants should continue to breastfeed and receive electrolyte replacement solutions as directed by your health care provider.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The probable outcome is usually good. Symptoms subside in normal individuals in 2-5 days.Complications Return to top
A complication is dehydration from diarrhea especially in young children and infants. Life-threatening meningitis and septicemia may also result. Food handlers who develop the carrier state can pass the infection along to the people who eat their food.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if blood is noted in the stools, or if your child shows no improvement after 2-3 days. Also if any of the following occurs:Prevention Return to top
Proper food handling and storage are preventive measures. Good hand washing is important especially when handling eggs and poultry.
If you own a reptile, wear gloves when handling the animal or its feces because Salmonella is easily passed from the animal.
Update Date: 11/18/2003 Updated by: D. Scott Smith, MD, MSc, DTM&H, Infectious Diseases Division and Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |