Cures for Salmonella

Salmonella is bacteria that can potentially contaminate such foods as eggs, poultry, beef and raw fruits and vegetables. Salmonella is responsible for causing most food-borne illnesses, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Symptoms of a salmonella infection usually begin within 12 to 72 hours following exposure to the bacteria. They include fever, chills, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. Symptoms usually last four to seven days. The disease often will run its course without requiring treatment. However, it can be dangerous for small children, elderly people or people with chronic health conditions. If salmonella enters the blood stream, it can be especially harmful.

  The symptoms of salmonella are similar to those of other types of food poisoning or stomach viruses. A stool sample analysis is required to diagnose a salmonella infection.

Antibiotic Treatment

• When a salmonella infection becomes severe, consult your doctor about treatment with antibiotics. Choices include ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim and ampicillin. In some cases, the salmonella infection may be difficult to treat because the bacteria has built up a resistance to antibiotics.

Other Treatments

• Severe diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may require intervention with IV fluids. Salmonella infection may trigger Reiter's syndrome in some people. Symptoms include severe joint pain, eye irritation and pain when urinating. Reiter's syndrome is usually treated with corticosteroids, arthritis medications and physical therapy.

  Consult your doctor about using antidiarrheal medications to treat a salmonella infection because, according to the Mayo Clinic, they may actually prolong the diarrhea symptoms,