New Developments in Treating Salmonella Infections
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. This bacteria can cause a variety of illnesses ranging from diarrhea to more serious gastroenteritis.
What Causes Salmonella Infections?
Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. This can include uncooked meat, poultry, eggs, produce, and dairy products. Other sources of infection include contact with animals, such as lizards, amphibians, rodents, and farm animals, and contact with people who are ill.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
The symptoms of salmonella infection typically start 6 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. The most common symptom of infection is diarrhea, which may contain blood in some cases. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes headache.
New Developments in Treating Salmonella Infections
Recent studies have shown that the use of antibiotics to treat salmonella infections can be effective in managing the symptoms. However, it is important to note that the use of antibiotics should be done after consulting your doctor, as antibiotics may cause more harm than good if not given properly. Furthermore, some bacteria have shown to be resistant to antibiotics, so it is important to use other treatments ifinfection persists.
In addition to antibiotics, there are other treatments that have proven effective in treating salmonella infections. Some of these treatments include probiotics, which are live microorganisms that help restore balance to the digestive tract, as well as specific diet changes, such as avoiding rich and spicy food, as well as dairy products and poultry. Probiotics can be taken in pillform, or purchased as part of certain fermented products.
Proper hand-washing is also important to help prevent the spread of salmonella, as it is one of the most common ways that the bacteria is spread. It is also important to cook food thoroughly, and to avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked food separate.
Conclusion
Salmonella infections can be difficult to treat, but with new developments in treatment options, it is possible to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the illness. It is important to speak with your doctor to determine which treatment option is best suited for your situation.