Understanding Salmonella Poisoning: Symptoms, Causes & Recovery

Salmonella poisoning, more formally known as salmonellosis, is an infection that is caused by any bacteria in the Salmonella genus. It's a common type of food poisoning that usually results in a mild intestinal illness.

Effects

• The symptoms of salmonellosis aren't caused by actual poisoning and are usually gastrointestinal in nature. This includes abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Progression

• The first symptoms of salmonellosis typically appear within three days of ingesting the Salmonella bacteria. They usually resolve without treatment within a week of their onset.

When to Seek Treatment

• Salmonellosis may require treatment for dehydration. This can occur when the patient has a decreased urine output, dry mouth or sunken eyes. Infants who don't produce tears when they cry or are unresponsive may also be dehydrated.

Severity

• Salmonellosis is usually a mild, self-limiting illness in patients with healthy immune systems. However, very young or elderly patients with compromised immune systems can experience severe diarrhea that requires hospitalization to treat.

Complications

• The most common complication of salmonellosis is a form of reactive arthritis known as Reiter syndrome. Patients with sickle-cell anemia are also more likely to develop osteomyelitis, an infection of bone marrow.