Signs and Symptoms of Salmonella

Medically reviewed by Renee Nilan, MD

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that cause a salmonellosis infection—a foodborne illness that causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Symptoms of salmonellosis, more commonly known as just salmonella, develop within six hours to six days after eating contaminated food (such as raw cookie dough or fish) or handling animals that carry the bacteria (like chickens or reptiles) without washing your hands afterward.

In the United States, there are an estimated 1.35 million cases of Salmonella infections annually. Most people recover within a week without treatment. But some people, including infants and young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions, are more likely to develop severe symptoms and need hospitalization to recover.

Common Symptoms

Salmonella causes a gastrointestinal (stomach-related) illness that develops anywhere within six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. Most people develop the infection after 12 and 96 hours (or, four days). Symptoms of salmonellosis are similar to the stomach flu and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include: 

• Diarrhea: The main symptom of salmonellosis is watery, loose stools (poops). Diarrhea tends to develop suddenly and can persist for up to seven days. However, it may take months for your bowel habits (poop consistency and frequency) to return to normal.

• Fever: As your body fights a Salmonella infection, it's common to experience a fever and chills.

• Abdominal pain: Salmonella causes your intestines to become inflamed, which can lead to stomach cramping and pain.

Less Common Symptoms

Although not as common as the main symptoms of salmonellosis, you may also experience these symptoms while you're sick:

• Nausea: Some people experience nausea before diarrhea

• Vomiting: Although not as common as diarrhea, a Salmonella infection can sometimes cause vomiting

• Headache: You may experience a dull or throbbing headache that accompanies a fever

• Muscle aches: Achy, sore muscles, and weakness can sometimes occur

• Loss of appetite: Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may reduce your appetite

• Bloody stools: In some cases, your diarrhea may contain blood
  

Salmonella and Dehydration

Frequent diarrhea and vomiting can sometimes lead to dehydration. Being dehydrated can cause the following symptoms:

• Excessive thirst

• Dry mouth and throat

• Decreased urination

• Dizziness when standing
  

It's worth noting that dehydration can become severe and life-threatening, so replacing lost fluids and electrolytes by drinking plenty of water, sports drinks, or oral rehydration solutions (e.g., Pedialyte) is essential.

Rare Symptoms and Complications

Though rare, a Salmonella infection can sometimes spread from the gastrointestinal tract and affect other body parts and systems, including the blood, bones, joints, nervous system, and urine.

Infants and children under age two, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop more severe symptoms from a Salmonella infection. Invasive salmonellosis that spreads from the gastrointestinal tract can cause complications such as:

• Joint pain: Between 10% and 30% of adults with salmonellosis develop joint pain (reactive arthritis), which can cause pain and swelling in the knees, hips, and Achilles tendon.

• Meningitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord or brain (which is known as meningitis) can cause symptoms such as sensitivity to light, stiff neck, severe headache, confusion or agitation, and rapid breathing.

• Bacteremia: When Salmonella bacteria enter the bloodstream, symptoms such as rapid breathing, shaking, chills, confusion, and low blood pressure can develop.

• Osteomyelitis: Inflammation of the bones (known as osteomyelitis) causes bone pain, excessive sweating, fever, chills, and malaise (or, a general feeling of being unwell).

Symptoms in Children

Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to Salmonella infections because their immune systems are still developing. Salmonellosis symptoms in infants and children are similar to those in adults and may include:

• Diarrhea, which may be bloody

• Fever

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pain or tenderness

• Irritability or fussiness

• Loss of appetite or poor feeding

• Lethargy (low energy)

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Most people with a Salmonella infection recover within a week without treatment. But others can develop a more severe illness which may require hospitalization to clear the infection. See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea that is not improving or worsening after three days

• Fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit

• Bloody stools

• Vomiting that makes it difficult to keep fluids (like water) down

• Signs of dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness 
  

Certain groups are also at risk of developing more severe Salmonella infections and complications, such as:

• People living with an underlying chronic condition (such as heart disease)

• Those who are immunocompromised

• Infants aged 12 months and younger

• Adults over the age of 65

Questions to Ask Your Provider

If you have symptoms of a Salmonella infection and see a healthcare provider about your condition, you may want to consider asking the following questions:

• Which tests can help confirm that I have a Salmonella infection?

• How long can I expect diarrhea to last?

• Are there any at-home remedies or over-the-counter medicines I can use to reduce my fever?

• What dietary restrictions or adjustments should I make while I have this infection?

• How can I prevent future Salmonella infections?

A Quick Review

A Salmonella infection is a serious foodborne illness that causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Some people also develop nausea, headaches, and a loss of appetite. This infection develops after you eat food or handle animals that carry the bacteria. While most people recover within a week without treatment, older adults, infants, and people with chronic health conditions may experience complications and require hospitalization to receive proper treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods cause Salmonella?

Several foods can cause a Salmonella infection, including raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, milk, dairy products, and some vegetables and fruits. You can lower your risk of Salmonella infection by thoroughly cooking meats, poultry, and eggs, washing fruits and vegetables before eating them, and washing your hands with soap and water after handling raw foods.

What gets rid of Salmonella fast?

No treatment can get rid of Salmonella symptoms fast, but over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and supplements may help manage symptoms. OTC Imodium (loperamide) and Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) may help reduce diarrhea in adults. Some healthcare providers recommend probiotic supplements, which may help shorten the duration of time you have diarrhea.

Is Salmonella a type of food poisoning?

Yes, a Salmonella infection is a type of food poisoning you can get after ingesting food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Health.com.