Salmonella Symptoms

Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning (salmonellosis) may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 6 to 72 hours after eating a Salmonella contaminated food. 

Salmonella Complications

Most people recover within 4-7 days; however, severe diarrhea and/or vomiting may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance requiring rehydration with intravenous fluids. In the most severe cases, the bacteria may spread from the intestines to the blood stream (septicemia) and other body sites. This can result in death, unless the person receives immediate antibiotic therapy. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer the severe effects of salmonellosis.

Reactive Arthritis and Reiter’s Syndrome – In a small percentage of patients, a condition known as reactive arthritis may develop. Reactive arthritis is characterized by joint pain, eye irritation (conjunctivitis), and/or painful urination. Reactive arthritis symptoms may appear from 1-4 weeks following infection. The patient may not develop all of the symptoms, or experience the various symptoms at the same time. While most joints can be affected, pain and inflammation are most commonly experienced in the feet, ankles, and knees. Pain and inflammation in the wrists, fingers, toes, heel, and spinal vertebrae may be experienced. Reactive arthritis patients may also experience tendonitis. Reiter’s Syndrome often refers to a reactive arthritis in which the patient experiences all three symptoms including joint, eye, and urinary pain.

Although most commonly caused by Salmonella, reactive arthritis is also associated with gastroenteritis caused by other bacteria such as Campylobacter, Shigella, and Yersinia. Most people with reactive arthritis will recover within a year; however, this syndrome can lead to chronic arthritis.

Diagnosis of Salmonella Food Poisoning

If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonella, or are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, contact your healthcare professional. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm Salmonella food poisoning.  Let your doctor know if you have consumed a product known to be contaminated with Salmonella. A blood or tissue sample may be required if doctors suspect that the infection has entered the blood stream.

Contact The Weinberg Law Firm for a Free Salmonella Lawsuit Consultation

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with salmonellosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of Salmonella infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free legal consultation by calling Attorney Eric Weinberg toll free at 1-877-934-6274. For over 30 years Attorney Weinberg has represented personal injury victims, obtaining over $800 million on behalf of clients.