Salmonella enterocolitis

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Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Salmonella typhi organism

Salmonellosis

The objective of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by diarrhea. (Antidiarrheal medications are generally not given because they may prolong the infectious process.)

Self care measures to avoid dehydration include drinking electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by diarrhea -- these are available without a prescription. Antibiotic therapy may be indicated for those with severe symptoms.

People with diarrhea who are unable to take oral (by mouth) fluids due to nausea may need medical attention and intravenous fluids. This is especially true for small children. Fever and aches can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

People taking diuretics may need to stop taking them during the acute episode, when diarrhea is present. Ask your health care provider for instructions.

Dietary modifications during diarrhea may be helpful: restrict milk products; give bananas, rice, apples, and toast (BRAT diet). Infants should continue to breastfeed and receive electrolyte replacement solutions as directed by your health care provider.

The probable outcome is usually good. Symptoms subside in normal individuals in 2-5 days.

Dehydration from diarrhea, especially in young children and infants, is a dangerous complication. Life-threatening meningitis and septicemia may also result. Food handlers who develop the carrier state can pass the infection along to the people who eat their food.

Call your health care provider if blood is noted in the stools, or if there is no improvement after 2-3 days. Also call if any of the following occurs:

• Vomiting or abdominal pain is severe
• Signs of dehydration are present: decreased urine output, sunken eyes, sticky or dry mouth, absent tears when crying
• Unresponsiveness

Review Date: 10/27/2005
Reviewed By: Angelique Green, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF School of Medicine, Director of Urgent Care Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.