Salmonella enterocolitis Health Article

Definition

Salmonella enterocolitis is an infection in the lining of the small intestine caused by Salmonella bacteria.

Alternative Names

Salmonellosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Salmonella enterocolitis is one of the most common types of food poisoning. It occurs when you swallow food or water that is contaminated with the salmonella bacteria. Any food can become contaminated if food preparation conditions and equipment are unsanitary.

You are more likely to get this type of infection if you have:

• Eaten improperly prepared or stored food (especially undercooked turkey or chicken, unrefrigerated turkey dressing, undercooked eggs)
• Family members with recent salmonella infection
• Had a recent family illness with gastroenteritis
• Been in an institution
• Eaten chicken recently
• A pet iguana or other lizards, turtles, or snakes (reptiles are carriers of salmonella)
• A weakened immune system

Approximately 40,000 people develop salmonella infection in the United States each year. Most patients are younger than 20. The highest rate occurs from July through October.

Symptoms

The time between infection and symptom development is 8 - 48 hours. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping or tenderness
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. You may have signs of a tender abdomen and tiny pink spots on the skin called rose spots.

Tests that may be done include:

• Stool culture for salmonella
• Febrile/cold agglutinins (test for specific antibodies)

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes lost by diarrhea. Electrolyte solutions are available without a prescription. Antidiarrheal medications are generally not given because they may prolong the infection. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

People with diarrhea who are can't drink anything 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.

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

Changing your diet while you have diarrhea may help reduce symptoms. This may include avoiding milk products and following a BRAT diet. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are binding foods that make the stools firmer.

Infants should continue to breastfeed and receive electrolyte replacement solutions as directed by your health care provider.