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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffSalmonella infection itself isn't life-threatening. However, in certain people — especially children, older adults, transplant recipients and people with a weakened immune system — the development of complications can be dangerous.
Dehydration
If you can't drink enough liquids to replace the fluid you're losing from persistent diarrhea, you may become dehydrated. Warning signs include:
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Reduced production of tears
- Decreased urine output
Bacteremia
If salmonella infection enters your bloodstream (bacteremia), it can infect tissues throughout your body, including:
- The tissues surrounding your brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
- The lining of your heart or valves (endocarditis)
- Your bones or bone marrow (osteomyelitis)
Reactive arthritis
People who have had salmonella are at higher risk of developing reactive arthritis. Also known as Reiter's syndrome, reactive arthritis typically causes:
- Eye irritation
- Painful urination
- Painful joints
- Fact sheet: Salmonella questions and answers. Food Safety and Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/salmonella_questions_&_answers/index.asp. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Kaye KS, et al. Salmonella infections (including typhoid fever). In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/118188376-3/797294893/1492/1157.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50334-7_14301. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Salmonellosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/salmonellosis_gi.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Salmonella enteritidis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/salment_g.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance and nutritional therapy. Atlanta, Ga. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4362&nbr=003287&string=dehydration. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
