Treatment for asalmonellainfection usually starts with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.
You may need prescriptions or medical care as well depending on a number of factors.
This includes the severity of the condition, how long it’s lasted, and if youre experiencing dehydration.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
This article discusses the treatments typically used for salmonella, including home remedies, over-the-counter therapies, and prescriptions.
With severe nausea, it can be hard to drink beverages.
When you lose more fluid than you consume, dehydration can creep up on you.
The signs ofdehydrationmay vary from one person to another and differ based on age.
For adults, the following are signs of dehydration:
Children may show the signs of dehydration differently.
You might try theBRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Research doesnt indicate that this diet is better or more helpful than other ones.
Heating Pads
Sometimes a heating pad can ease abdominal cramping.
However, it can be uncomfortable for some people who experience vomiting and diarrhea with salmonella.
If you try it, and it doesnt help you, stop using it.
You wont recover more quickly by toughing out something thats uncomfortable for you.
Over-the-Counter Therapies
There are several over-the-counter drugs that may help relieve symptoms of salmonella infection.
But this punch in of medication has some drawbacks.
Antidiarrheals may extend the length of time you experience diarrhea from the infection.
However, the study looked at animal models rather than humans.
Probiotic supplements vary widely in quality and the types of bacteria they contain.
Prescriptions for Salmonella
Typically, people recover from salmonella within four to seven days without medical intervention.
In uncomplicated cases, antibiotics arent recommended.
However, antibiotic treatment poses some risks, including an increased possibility of a relapse.
Also, antibiotics may extend the amount of time you carry the bacteria.
This means it can prolong the stage during which you’re able to infect others with salmonella.
At the hospital, you may receive intravenous (IV) fluids or antibiotics.
Summary
Most salmonella infections get better on their own with home remedies.
That includes getting rest and drinking lots of fluids since vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
You may want to use over-the-counter pain medication for discomfort and fever.
Sometimes hospital care is needed for dehydration or severe illness.
If they don’t, or you’re feeling worse, call your healthcare provider.
They can help determine what treatment is needed to improve your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people who get salmonella recover without specific treatment.
In severe cases,antibioticsmay be needed to reset the infection.
Because salmonella can be severely dehydrating, typical treatment is focused on replacing fluids andelectrolyteslost to diarrhea.
If dehydration is severe, fluids may be delivered intravenously (into a vein) in a hospital.
Antidiarrheal medications likeImodium (loperamide)are effective in relieving cramps and may reduce the severity of diarrhea.
The main goal of self-treatment is to remain well hydrated.
Sports drinks, decaffeinated tea, and broth are ideal.
If you have nausea or vomiting, sucking on ice chips or sipping water or ginger ale can help.
Eat bland foods like bananas, oatmeal, egg whites, and saltines.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol (both of which can contribute to dehydration and are irritating to the stomach).
Most cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration.
However, severe cases can lead to potentially life-threatening complications (includingshockandsepticemia) if left untreated.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you have symptoms of severe salmonella poisoning, including:
MedlinePlus.Salmonella infections.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Salmonella: questions and answers.
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