Salmonella Food Poisoning - Assignment Example

Salmonella Salmonella Salmonella is a bacteria disease that is believed to frequently lead to food poisoning. It is very common and is said to affect the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria survive in animal and human intestines and can be eliminated through the egestion of waste products from the body. The most likely way through which human beings get infected with the bacteria is by consumption of impure water or food. Other than food poisoning, salmonella could also bring about typhoid, a serious illness which may lead to death if not quickly and carefully handled. Additionally, salmonella may lead to another disease called paratyphoid fever. This illness happens to be quite similar to typhoid but with more moderate symptoms. Symptoms that come along with typhoid include diarrhea followed by rising of body temperatures, headache, stomach cramps, skin rash, nausea and lack of appetite. The victim may as well vomit due to continuous nausea feelings. In case any of these signs are noticed, it is advisable to take medical tests for confirmation, as most of the symptoms are specific to salmonella infection. Countries with poor sanitation are the ones said to be most prone to being infected with these kinds of diseases. Salmonella can be transmitted from animals to those around them. When animals are infected, their products become contaminated for human consumption. Eggs meat and milk are part of the products that pass on the germs of salmonella. Meat that is not well cooked is the main vessel of transmission of the salmonella infection from animals to human beings. It is understood that boiling kills any form of germs present in food or water, making it a way of treatment for infected products and drinks. As part of precautions therefore, human beings are urged to make sure what they consume is well cooked as an assurance of health safety as far as salmonella is concerned. From this knowledge, boiling of animal products is one recommended way of treating them in case they are infected with salmonella germs. In fact, it should apply to them all before consumption, as one may not be able to realize the germs without testing which is not possible at the general population level (Knott, 2013). Salmonella is said not to have severe symptoms in the case of human beings. However, to certain age groups, it has severe symptoms and it is believed that they should be attended with immediate effect to prevent extensive complications. Treating these people may be more complex as compared to the preventive measures. These age groups are the children and the elderly as this infection can affect anyone regardless of age. The immune systems for children and the elders are believed to be weak, making it possible for the infection to attack them and cause intense effects. In addition, individuals apart from the children and the elderly, whose immune systems are also not functioning properly, are again likely to experience severe symptoms for salmonella. These people include patients that are under treatment for cancer, those on long-term steroid treatments and finally anyone who is suffering from AIDS. This is because their infections are known to have great effect in the functioning of their white blood cells, which are responsible for defense against illnesses. The distinctive symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea and stomach cramps. When one is badly infected or is in a critical condition, the diarrhea appears to be bloody. More to this, the victim may feel nausea and cause vomit. An increase in body temperatures may also come along. Furthermore, medical tests are recommended in case these symptoms appear for solid confirmation of presence of salmonella bacteria. Once the germs get into the victim’s body, an incubation period of around twelve to seventy two hours is experienced after which the symptoms begin to show up. If no treatment is carried out to the victim’s condition, it will take around four to seven days for the symptoms to change from modest to worse. However, at some point, symptoms may be terrible even in their early stages and may lead to development of complex complications (Knott, 2013). In such a situation, the victim may undergo dehydration, which is lack of fluid in their body systems. This is very dangerous as it can cause quick death of the patient if not attended with immediate effect. One is advised to see a medical officer urgently. This condition can be taken care of by consuming a lot of fluids that can reverse the effects. The fluids, however, must be checked as per the medical advice as not just any fluid should be consumed in such a case. For normal functioning of the body, body organs require specified amounts of fluid. If this requirement is not met therefore, the condition may lead to death. Dehydration in children is noticed by having few liquids in them. When they cry, they tend to egest little amount of tears, they also egest little amount of urine, they have almost a dry mouth, tongue and lips. More to that, they may have sunken eyes and experience lack of energy. This is most likely to happen in children below the age of one year. As for the case of adults, symptoms of dehydration are different from those of children. Adults experience light headaches, muscular cramps, dizziness, tiredness and a dry mouth amongst many more. With adults, when dehydration becomes severe they experience loss of energy and enthusiasm, confusion, rapid heart rate and sometimes coma. In such a condition, urgent medical attendance is recommended if at all the patient is expected to survive. The adults prone to dehydration are the pregnant women, elderly people who are physically weak and people who suffer severe diarrhea and vomiting (Mayo Clinic staff, 2014). To diagnostically analyze problems that are salmonella related, especially if one is experiencing food poisoning, the victim is recommended to seek medical advice from a doctor. It is much important so as to have it verified that one is suffering from salmonella after which they will receive relevant medical treatments. The factors that the medical officers will consider include travelling to abroad nations within recent pasts and any possibilities of having consumed contaminated foods or drinks such as water. Dehydration signs will also be identified if present during this medical examination. Measurements for the patient’s blood pressure will be made and the rate at which their heart beats together with temperature levels. A tender tummy may also be considered to indicate possibility of being infected. The doctor may finally decide to test the victim’s stool for a better confirmation (Knott, 2013). The treatment for salmonella depends on the symptoms which show up. The symptoms show up in accordance to the stage of the infection. Therefore, different cases of salmonella are treated differently depending on the stage at which the victim is. As for the symptom of dehydration, the best and main way of treating it is by taking a lot of fluids. This helps to reverse the dehydration condition. In this treatment, it is good to limit tea and alcohol as part of the drinks. It is also advisable to always dilute sugary drinks before consumption. As for the case of food poisoning, the recommended treatment is to eat small amounts of light foods. Earlier, patients were advised to completely starve but this has changed with time. It is not allowed however for the victims to over eat. In this, avoid fatty, heavy and spicy foods. As for the case of diarrhea, there are drugs that are available to reduce the rate of diarrhea. Drugs for easing the temperature rise are also available (Salmonella, n.d). As for the preventive measures, one is guided by the ways through which salmonella is spread and acting against their path. Salmonella may be caused by consumption of food that is not well cooked. This kind of food may contain germs of salmonella but cooked food is always free from the germs. To prevent acquiring the infection therefore, people are advised to neither take uncooked food nor store well-cooked food near the uncooked to prevent transfer of these germs. One is also advised to wash raw foods and fruits in an extensive manner before consumption (Brands et al., 2006). For effectiveness of this preventive measure, one is also advised to keep the kitchen equipment clean for safety from external germs that may intrude the kitchen. Under any circumstances, whether during camps or hikes, keep off consumption of untreated water. This is believed to be the best habitat for the germs that bring salmonella. As for children under five years of age and any individual with weak immune system, they should not be anywhere near reptiles or amphibians as a habitat. Finally, extra hygiene measures should be taken for anyone living with people who are infected with salmonella (Hicks, 2014). In conclusion, salmonella is a dangerous disease and due attention should be paid, as quick as possible to avoid occurence of death. Once signs and symptoms are detected, respective treatment and medical attention should be offered. People need not to ignore the immediate symptoms after the incubation period to avoid more danger and complications coming up. Early treatments are good for safety, but prevention measures are better. For people who travel across the world, it is good to keep alert so as to be aware in case of infections. Children should also be closely watched to realize any attacks by the germs. References Brands, D. A., Alcamo, I. E., & Heymann, D. L. (2006). Salmonella. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers. Hicks, R. (2014). Salmonella Food Poisoning. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.boots.com/healthy-eating/guide/salmonella-food-poisoning Knott, L. (2013). Salmonella. Retrieved from http://www.patient.co.uk/health/salmonella-leaflet Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Salmonella Infection. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/basics/definition/con-20029017 Salmonella. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/salmonella/ Read More