Added: 12/13/2005 |
Salmonella gastroenteritis attacks bowelAccording to medical investigations there are several groups of people who are particularly at risk of getting salmonella gastroenteritis. As a rule, these are people with weakened immune system, infants, children under 5 years of age, elderly and pregnant women. The illness is usually especially severe in elderly, children and people with immune suppression.
What causes salmonella gastroenteritis? As it has already been mentioned salmonella bacteria is considered to be among the salmonella gastroenteritis causes. These bacteria were first discovered in 1800s by Daniel E. Salmon, an American scientist. These bacteria can be found in some animals' feces. If the person has close contacts with these animals, the risk of getting salmonella gastroenteritis can be reduced by periodical hand washing.
Salmonella bacteria can also live in different foods contaminated with animals' feces (for example, if poultry eggs, or beef are not processed within the public health standards limits). It's worth admitting that fruits and vegetables can also be the source of salmonella gastroenteritis (if they are grown in the soil contaminated from feces).
The symptoms of salmonella gastroenteritis include headache, sometimes vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, etc. In severe cases the sick person can suffer blood or mucus in faeces. It's worth admitting that dehydration is considered to be one of the serious salmonella gastroenteritis complications. Approximately 7% of people may develop arthritis after having this disease.
It is very important to make the right diagnosis to choose the further salmonella gastroenteritis treatment. This diagnosis can be made by growing particular bacteria from the faecal specimen.
The period between becoming infected and developing symptoms (incubation period) of salmonella gastroenteritis lasts about 6-72 hours (depending on severity and way of infection). When symptoms of disease are present the person can infect others, the faeces are always infectious in this case. Be aware that some people after recovering from salmonella gastroenteritis still keep on caring salmonella bacteria inside the bowel and shed them in their faeces.
It's necessary to notice that there are several ways of controlling the spread of infection. If the person has the diarrhoea he or she should exclude work, childcare, school within the first 48 hours. The meat should be cooked clearly until all juices are cleared. If you'd like to purchase eggs, try to avoid cracked or dirty ones. In case you cook dishes where raw or incomplete eggs are used try to follow strict handling procedures.
Speaking about salmonella gastroenteritis treatment, it's impossible not to mention that this disease can be efficiently treated within a week. Only in severe cases, doctors are likely to prescribe antibiotics, but in general the person is advised to drink plenty of fluids to prevent possible dehydration of the organism. Anyway, it's better to consult your doctor and ask for professional medical help.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
