Salmonella Symptoms in Humans

Salmonella is a bacterial strain, which when ingested via contaminated food and water causes food poisoning. This type of food poisoning caused by salmonella is referred to as salmonellosis. The worst part with this bacteria is that it can foul any type of food items. Salmonella food poisoning is a worldwide problem, affecting millions of people every year. In the United States alone, approximately 500 people die every year because of the medical conditions caused by salmonellosis. Overall, incidences of food poisoning are much higher in crowded regions having poor sanitation.

The root cause for food poisoning by salmonella is lack of hygiene and sanitation. In a healthy individual, the body manifests infection symptoms after invasion by millions of salmonella. However, some people suffer from food poisoning even in a small number. After infection, there is an incubation period of about 12 hours to three days. Salmonella symptoms in humans are not very serious themselves, but prolonged condition can lead to medical complications. Thus, timely treatment and following self-care tips are of utmost importance to avoid worsening of the condition.

Salmonella Infection Symptoms

Humans (as well as pets) infected by salmonella remain as carriers of this deadly organism and pass them out in feces. The bacteria when comes in direct contact with food items or at the time of processing again contaminates the foods, rendering them unpalatable for human consumption. If by any chance, people ingest these fouled foods, poisoning symptoms are manifested. This way, salmonella transmission takes place from an infected individual to another. Discussed below are some of the noticeable salmonella symptoms in humans:

• The first notable signs of salmonella food poisoning are nausea and dizziness. Within 12 - 48 hours of ingestion, the patient feels an urge to throw up.
• As the incubation period is over, the affected person manifests vomiting, forcing the stomach to empty with pressure. The frequency of vomiting may increase with passing time.
• Nausea, vomiting and other gastroenteritis symptoms are associated with abdominal cramps and passing of loose stools. Diarrhea symptoms may range from watery feces to bloody stools.
• Some people with salmonella food poisoning report of moderate fever and chills. Weakness, headache, muscle pain and fatigue are present in all patients with salmonellosis.
• In severe cases, salmonella enters into the bloodstream, resulting in bacteremia, after which it may invade the internal tissues of the body, causing a condition called septicemia.

The duration of salmonella poisoning symptoms vary from one person to another, depending upon factors, like overall fitness, age, extent of ingestion and type of strain. Symptoms are severe and manifested for an extended period in children, older citizens and those who have underlying health problems. If vomiting and diarrhea persist for a longer period, patients are at a risk of developing dehydration complications.

Even if salmonella symptoms in humans are profound, correct diagnosis is crucial to provide further treatment. This is because, there are several medical problems that mimic the symptoms of salmonella infection. Salmonellosis is suspected, if many people are showing the same gastroenteritis signs, that too after eating the same food. Once in a hospital, the physician will perform stool analysis and culturing of the feces as an appropriate testing medium. Salmonella food poisoning is confirmed after identifying the same strain from the medium.

The correct treatment method for salmonella symptoms in humans is debatable. While some physicians prescribe antibiotics for killing salmonella, others are against prescription of medications considering that salmonellosis is a self-limiting condition. Nevertheless, administration of antibiotics is imperative for people who have a compromised immune system.