Treating Salmonella food poisoning
If you have symptons of salmonella food poisoing then you should consult with your doctors and get treatment. Symptoms for adults include signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, feeling faint on standing. In addition there may also be fever, severe abdominal pain and /or bloody diarrhoea.
Recovery from Salmonella infection usually occurs within a few days and without antibiotic treatment, however infants, the elderly and people with immune suppression such as those who recently had surgery may require antibiotics.
Mild gastroenteritis is a common illness, which can be particularly serious in young children. Though antibiotic treatment is seldom recommended, there are several treatments that are useful for gastroenteritis of any cause. The following are general recommendations for the treatment of gastroenteritis:
Ensure they receive plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solution is highly recommended. It is available at pharmacies and should be administered following the instructions on the packaging.
For mildly unwell children, diluted juice or carbonated (fizzy) drinks (one part to three parts water) or cordial (even more diluted) can be given.It is most important that the drinks given to the mildly unwell children are diluted properly.
If symptoms persist then a doctor should be consulted. Please note, medicines used to prevent vomiting or diarrhoea should not be given (especially in children) except where specifically advised by a doctor. Breast-fed babies should continue to be breast fed with extra fluids between feeds. Finally, children on formula or solid diets should not have food withheld for more than 24 hours.
