see also Food Poisoning
Usually contracted by eating tainted meat (meat that has not been butchered, frozen, thawed, cooked, or reheated properly) or eggs, but can also be caught through contact with an infected person or someone who has been handling tainted meat. Symptoms are similar to those of Gastroenteritis - Diarrhoea, Fever, Abdominal Pain, and Vomiting - but in severe cases Salmonella bacteria invade bloodstream as well as gut causing inflammation and Abscess development in kidneys, bladder, heart, or joints. Such cases are fortunately rare, most Salmonella infections being fairly mild; main risk is dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea.
If diarrhoea lasts for more than 3 days, and is accompanied by fever, pain and vomiting, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 12 hours. Your medical doctor may prescribe drugs to control vomiting and diarrhoea, and possibly antibiotics to destroy residual bacteria. Otherwise treatment is bed rest and plenty of fluids.
For specific homeopathic remedies, see Gastroenteritis. |