What Are the Treatments for Salmonella Poisoning?

Salmonella poisoning is a type of bacteria infection usually transmitted by eating foods contaminated with feces. It causes symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps in humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 40,000 cases of salmonella are reported each year in the United States. Many milder cases often go unreported. This means the actual number of infected people could be 30 or more times greater. In general, salmonella poisoning does not require any extensive treatment and usually resolves itself in a week. However, more serious cases of salmonella poisoning may require medical attention.

Self-Care Treatments for Salmonella Poisoning

• If you are suffering from a mild bout of salmonella poisoning, immediate medical attention is not necessary. Although the illness may cause severe discomfort, it generally will resolve itself within five to seven days without medication. However, it may take several months for bowel movements to regain normality.
  It is important to drink plenty of fluids during this time period to prevent dehydration. In addition, sports drinks, such as Gatorade or PowerAde, are important to include in your diet to prevent electrolyte abnormalities. Fluids sufficient in electrolytes can also be made at home as an alternative to buying sports drinks. According to FAQ.org, the drink can be made by adding one teaspoon of salt and four teaspoons of sugar to one quart of water.

  There are also some alternative home remedies that may help treat the symptoms of salmonella poisoning. Charcoal tablets can be purchased at most health food stores and can help soak up the toxins in the body. In addition, arsenicum album and nux vomica are two herbs that are recommended to treat food poisoning, like salmonella.

Medical Treatments for Salmonella Poisoning

• Medical treatment for salmonella poisoning is controversial among doctors, since the infection generally dissipates on its own without medication. Some doctors believe antibiotics speed up the recovery process, while others think they actually prolong it.

  But, in general, salmonella poisoning can be treated at home, unless it turns into a more severe form where the patient needs to be hospitalized. In this case, the salmonella has probably spread to the intestines and into the blood stream. The elderly, young children and people with impaired immune systems are most likely to suffer from this more severe form of salmonella poisoning. Serious complications can occur unless the patient is treated properly with antibiotics. A doctor will typically administer antibiotics such as ampicillin or ciprofloxacin to treat the bacteria infection. In addition, doctors may administer fluids intravenously to patients experiencing severe diarrhea in order to prevent dehydration.