Symptoms of Salmonella sp. , also known as salmonellosis, are usually similar to any other gastroenteritis, including vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever. Therefore, the only way to know that the symptoms are due to infection by the bacterium is through laboratory tests, in which the isolation of the bacteria is made in the vomit, feces or the food that has been consumed.
Salmonella sp. it is a type of bacteria that can be transmitted through the consumption of food contaminated with animal feces, which can happen when eating an undercooked egg or when washing your hands before cooking, for example.
Intestinal infection caused by Salmonella sp. it is strong and dangerous as it can spread quickly to other organs. In addition, if the infection is caused by Salmonella typhi , there is the development of typhoid fever, which is a serious disease and which, when left untreated, can result in complications such as hemorrhage, coma and even death. Learn to recognize the symptoms of typhoid fever.
How do I know if I have Salmonella sp.
If you think you may have gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella sp. , select the symptoms you are experiencing:
- 1. Constant diarrhea Yes No
- 2. Bloody stools Yes No
- 3. Abdominal pain or frequent cramps Yes No
- 4. Nausea and vomiting Yes No
- 5. General malaise and tiredness Yes No
- 6. Fever below 38º C Yes No
- 7. Loss of appetite Yes No
These symptoms can appear up to 10 days after the consumption of the contaminated food, such as egg and raw chicken meat, for example and usually remain for about 5 to 7 days, until the complete recovery of the patient. They can also vary in intensity according to the amount of contaminated food eaten and the level of contamination of the food.
How to confirm the diagnosis
Symptoms during an infection with Salmonella sp. they help the doctor to confirm that you have gastroenteritis, however, the only way to confirm that the infection is being caused by Salmonella sp. is to do a stool test, in which a stool sample is sent to the laboratory, in order to identify which bacteria are present.
In addition to the stool examination, it is possible to do a microbiological analysis of the vomit, if it has occurred and it is possible to collect it, or through the analysis of the food that has been consumed and it is suspected that it is the cause of the infection. Identifying the bacteria that is causing gastroenteritis helps the doctor to better tailor treatment, allowing you to select the best antibiotic to eliminate the bacteria. Understand how to treat an intestinal infection.
When to go to the doctor
In general, poisoning caused by Salmonella sp. you do not need to be hospitalized, but if the symptoms persist for more than 3 days, you should see a doctor, as it is possible that the contamination was due to severe forms of the disease, in addition to the risk of dehydration. In these cases, in addition to drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration and control the symptoms of the disease, treatment also includes the use of antibiotics.
It is important to remember that children, pregnant women and the elderly are more sensitive to intestinal infections, and should be taken to the doctor as soon as symptoms are identified.
