The good news is that the prognosis for asalmonellainfection is very promising.
During the physical exam, the practitioner may assess vital signs and check for evidence ofdehydration.
He may also palpate the abdomen for pain and tenderness.
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The symptoms of salmonella infection can be vague and overlap with other conditions.
Heres what you should probably know about labs and testing to get an accurate diagnosis.
There are over 2000 types of the salmonella bacteria, as reported bythe Cleveland Clinic.
Other Tests
When vomiting and diarrhea symptoms become severe, you may require hospitalization.
However, for many people, the illness resolves without treatment and may not require any laboratory testing.
It should be noted that typical salmonella infections usually last between four and seven days.
Imaging
Many patients with acute salmonella infections wont need to see a healthcare provider.
If your symptoms are severe, this information can help you discuss available treatment choices with your healthcare provider.
These kits purport to be easy-to-use and deliver reliable results.
Plus, there is limited data on the reliability of these test kits.
A variety of diseases and conditions can be mistaken forSalmonellapoisoning, clinically known asSalmonellagastroenteritis.
Infection with another food-borne bacterium such asEscheria coli(E. coli)is a common one.
There also are rapid tests available that can yield results within 48 hours.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Salmonellainfection.
Humphries RM, Linscott AJ.Practical Guidance for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories: Diagnosis of Bacterial Gastroenteritis.Clin Microbiol Rev.
2015;28(1):3-31. doi:10.1128/CMR.00073-14
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Active investigations of multistate foodborne outbreaks.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever.
Ajmera A, Shabbir N.Salmonella.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Issuing foodborne outbreak notices.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Salmonella infections.
