Name of the Condition

• Salmonella enteritis
• Also known as salmonellosis when caused by Salmonella bacteria.

Summary

• Salmonella enteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by Salmonella bacteria. It is commonly contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, leading to gastrointestinal upset.

Causes

• Ingestion of food or water contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, often found in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk.

Risk Factors

• Consuming contaminated food or water.
• Traveling to areas with poor sanitation.
• Weakened immune systems, such as in infants, elderly, or immune-compromised individuals.

Symptoms

• Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection and can last from 4 to 7 days.

Diagnosis

• Stool culture to identify Salmonella bacteria.
• In some severe cases, blood tests may be necessary to check for bacteremia.

Treatment Options

• Most cases resolve without specific treatment other than hydration.
• Severe cases may require antibiotics or hospitalization for intravenous fluids.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Most individuals recover completely with proper hydration.
• Regular follow-up is unnecessary unless symptoms persist or recur, indicating possible complications.

Complications

• Severe dehydration and bacteremia, which can lead to more serious conditions such as meningitis or reactive arthritis if untreated.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Practice proper food safety: cook meats thoroughly, refrigerate perishable foods, and avoid cross-contamination.
• Good hand hygiene after handling raw meat or using the bathroom.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate help for persistent high fever, severe dehydration, blood in stools, or symptoms lasting more than a week.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on foodborne illnesses.
• World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on diarrheal diseases.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Code A02.0 for confirmed cases of Salmonella enteritis.
• Avoid coding errors by ensuring lab confirmation of the bacteria if required by insurance.