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Suggest Treatment For Salmonella Poisoning
Question: I found out that I had Salmonella. The z pack I took in December really mess up my stomach and then Salmonella. I am gradually getting better, but it seems very slow. I have lost 10 pounds. The doctor I saw thought I should have an endoscopy and colonoscopy. It just seems that with my stomach so fragile it would not be the right thing do. What do you think? any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Colonoscopy can increase your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,
Thanks for follow up query.
See the problem withh colonoscopy is that colonoscopy damages natural intestinal microflora, because this procedure requires a thorough lavage and washing out of the large intestine with large doses of synthetic laxatives, followed by bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol and hypertonic electrolytes.
Hypertonic electrolyte is a solution of sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate which kills and depletes good bacteria in gut.You gut flora is already damaged.Further damage of intestinal bacteria can lead to a condition called dysbacteriosis,which causes problem with digestion like loose stools, increase bloating,belching etc.
Advice
Don't panic.
As you are not comfortable with probiotics start taking lots of yoghurt and curd they are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.
Take lots of fibre rich food like oat ,barley,wheat etc. Atleast 40 grams of fibres should be taken everyday.
As the destroyed gut flora will replenish things will be normal.It will take 4-5 days for the things to be normal.
Are you following the advice i gave previously?
Have you taken Metamucil or Fybrogel?
Have you followed the diet i adviced earlier?
Waiting.
Thanks.
Colonoscopy can increase your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,
Thanks for follow up query.
See the problem withh colonoscopy is that colonoscopy damages natural intestinal microflora, because this procedure requires a thorough lavage and washing out of the large intestine with large doses of synthetic laxatives, followed by bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol and hypertonic electrolytes.
Hypertonic electrolyte is a solution of sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate which kills and depletes good bacteria in gut.You gut flora is already damaged.Further damage of intestinal bacteria can lead to a condition called dysbacteriosis,which causes problem with digestion like loose stools, increase bloating,belching etc.
Advice
Don't panic.
As you are not comfortable with probiotics start taking lots of yoghurt and curd they are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.
Take lots of fibre rich food like oat ,barley,wheat etc. Atleast 40 grams of fibres should be taken everyday.
As the destroyed gut flora will replenish things will be normal.It will take 4-5 days for the things to be normal.
Are you following the advice i gave previously?
Have you taken Metamucil or Fybrogel?
Have you followed the diet i adviced earlier?
Waiting.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
I have followed the diet but haven't taken metamucil yet. I am eating lots of yogurt and kefir. Nothing is normal yet. I think I am slowly improving. I don't have the violent pain any more but some cramping. Doesn't metamucil cause gas? I have never had a colonoscopy. I am so afraid to do it, but the doctor here said he can't be sure what is wrong if I don't do it. I understand that your advice is not to do it now. How long should I wait. I don't want to go backwards and I am afraid the colonoscopy would do that.
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
If you are already receiving a significant amount of fiber from your diet( 30-40 gram/day, using Metamucil may cause increase bloating. While fiber is an essential part of a well-balanced diet, consuming too much fiber too quickly can lead to loose stools, gas, bloating and stomach pain. So check your fiber intake.If you feel you are already having enough fiber then there is no need to take metamucil.
If you are following all advice's and still not relieved in that case you can go for colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of pathology like colon cancer,Diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
However in case you were not following the advice's you can wait for a week or two before going for colonoscopy.
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
If you are already receiving a significant amount of fiber from your diet( 30-40 gram/day, using Metamucil may cause increase bloating. While fiber is an essential part of a well-balanced diet, consuming too much fiber too quickly can lead to loose stools, gas, bloating and stomach pain. So check your fiber intake.If you feel you are already having enough fiber then there is no need to take metamucil.
If you are following all advice's and still not relieved in that case you can go for colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of pathology like colon cancer,Diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
However in case you were not following the advice's you can wait for a week or two before going for colonoscopy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
I Wonder if I already have had disbacteriosis? How do I measure the amount of fiber? This is my daily fiber intake: oatmeal, half kiwi, blueberries, small salad, zucchini, one slice bread half and half. What are symptoms of Diverticulitis and IBS.I have a sensitive stomach, but my stomach was fine before the z pack and then salmonella. Will the colonoscopy make me start all over?
? I think that is what you said.I have been very cautious about adding new things to my diet. You have been very helpful to me. Much more helpful than the doctors here. I believe our medical system is broken. Thanks
? I think that is what you said.I have been very cautious about adding new things to my diet. You have been very helpful to me. Much more helpful than the doctors here. I believe our medical system is broken. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
As per your query
Symptoms of diverticulitis include-
Constant and persistant pain in abdomen for several days. Pain is usually felt in the lower left side of the abdomen, but may occur on the right.Pain is often associated with nausea vomiting fever and constipation.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include severe abdominal pain, abdominal bloating along with cramping, gas, constipation and a constant urge to go to the toilet again and again.
I dont feel you need to take extra fibres your diet is already fiber rich.
Yes most likely disbacteriosis is the cause of your problems.
Colonoscopy can cause destruction of intestinal flora however its not essential that every case of colonoscopy results in depleted intestinal flora.
Most likely Salmonella and Aziyjtomycin has caused severe dysbacteriosis in your case resulting in symptoms you are having.
Regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
As per your query
Symptoms of diverticulitis include-
Constant and persistant pain in abdomen for several days. Pain is usually felt in the lower left side of the abdomen, but may occur on the right.Pain is often associated with nausea vomiting fever and constipation.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include severe abdominal pain, abdominal bloating along with cramping, gas, constipation and a constant urge to go to the toilet again and again.
I dont feel you need to take extra fibres your diet is already fiber rich.
Yes most likely disbacteriosis is the cause of your problems.
Colonoscopy can cause destruction of intestinal flora however its not essential that every case of colonoscopy results in depleted intestinal flora.
Most likely Salmonella and Aziyjtomycin has caused severe dysbacteriosis in your case resulting in symptoms you are having.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
How long would I expect dysbacteriosis to last? Is there any thing else I could do? I did a bad thing yesterday. I went to a restaurant for a birthday party. I had a cup of chicken noodle soup and half piece of garlic bread. I have major pain today. it is always in upper right side of stomach. Wondering if I should take Pepcid or something.? Bowel movement has been normal for a couple of days. Don't seem to have symptoms of IBS or diverticulitis. Thank you again. you have been a life saver.
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Dysbiosis may be caused by such diverse things as repeated and inappropriate antibiotic exposure,alcohol misuse or inappropriate diet.So correction depends on you as early as you correct the above mentioned things good bacterias will grow back.
You said that probiotic doesn't suits you please mention the brands you have tried.There are a number of brands with different bacterial composition.So olease mention the name of probiotic you tried as taking probiotic is the easiest and fastest way to improve bacterial flora.
Most likely its gastritis caused due to soup and garlic bread. Take a extra dose of Nexium and try to control your diet strictly till things get better.
Infact you can try Probiotic yoghurt also.
Probiotics in yogurt stimulate healthy digestive function, and help produce vitamin B12 and K. Strains of healthy bacteria added to yogurt and kefir include Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidus.
Please mention the probiotic brand you tried?
waiting.
Regards.
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Dysbiosis may be caused by such diverse things as repeated and inappropriate antibiotic exposure,alcohol misuse or inappropriate diet.So correction depends on you as early as you correct the above mentioned things good bacterias will grow back.
You said that probiotic doesn't suits you please mention the brands you have tried.There are a number of brands with different bacterial composition.So olease mention the name of probiotic you tried as taking probiotic is the easiest and fastest way to improve bacterial flora.
Most likely its gastritis caused due to soup and garlic bread. Take a extra dose of Nexium and try to control your diet strictly till things get better.
Infact you can try Probiotic yoghurt also.
Probiotics in yogurt stimulate healthy digestive function, and help produce vitamin B12 and K. Strains of healthy bacteria added to yogurt and kefir include Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidus.
Please mention the probiotic brand you tried?
waiting.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
I have always had a little problem with probiotics. The last one I tried is VSL#3. It really made my stomach burn. I have been taking 3 tbs. of Kefir and a very good yogurt every morning. I don't drink any alcohol and I usually eat a healthy diet. I have been also taking a protein drink for energy. How much yogurt and Kefir would I need to take to do the job? I think I am gradually getting better but I am so afraid to eat new things. I have a colonoscopy appointment in 2 weeks but am still wondering if that would be wise. I don't want to go back to where I started.
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
As per your query regarding Kefir is concerned-
A good place to start is 2-4 oz of the Kefir a day. This is for daily maintenance, and then working your way up to 1 cup daily.
For yoghurt -Eat 18 ounces a day.
As probiotic doesn't suits you i would recommend you to add following food to your regimen.
-Buttermilk is a good source of probiotics, thanks to the live cultures added to ferment the milk sugars. Cooking with it, however, will destroy the live cultures.
-Kimchi is a traditional Korean food manufactured by fermenting vegetables with probiotic lactic acid bacteria . Many bacteria are involved in the fermentation of kimchi, but LAB become dominant while the putrefactive bacteria are suppressed during salting of baechu cabbage and the fermentation.
-Pickles are cucumbers that have been pickled in salty water and fermented. They are low in calories and high in vitamin K.
-Miso paste is a probiotic food that can help treat intestinal disorders. Miso paste is an Asian seasoning made by fermenting a mixture of soybeans, barley, brown rice and several other grains with a fungus, Aspergillus oryzae. The result of this fermentation is a smooth-textured paste with a strong, salty flavor.
As per your query regarding colonoscopy i would suggest you to meet your Gastroenterologist and discuss in detail why he wants to go for colonoscopy?
What he/she is suspecting?
Follow up with answer.
I just want to know whats there in mind of your gastroenterologist.
Regards.
Follow up answer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
As per your query regarding Kefir is concerned-
A good place to start is 2-4 oz of the Kefir a day. This is for daily maintenance, and then working your way up to 1 cup daily.
For yoghurt -Eat 18 ounces a day.
As probiotic doesn't suits you i would recommend you to add following food to your regimen.
-Buttermilk is a good source of probiotics, thanks to the live cultures added to ferment the milk sugars. Cooking with it, however, will destroy the live cultures.
-Kimchi is a traditional Korean food manufactured by fermenting vegetables with probiotic lactic acid bacteria . Many bacteria are involved in the fermentation of kimchi, but LAB become dominant while the putrefactive bacteria are suppressed during salting of baechu cabbage and the fermentation.
-Pickles are cucumbers that have been pickled in salty water and fermented. They are low in calories and high in vitamin K.
-Miso paste is a probiotic food that can help treat intestinal disorders. Miso paste is an Asian seasoning made by fermenting a mixture of soybeans, barley, brown rice and several other grains with a fungus, Aspergillus oryzae. The result of this fermentation is a smooth-textured paste with a strong, salty flavor.
As per your query regarding colonoscopy i would suggest you to meet your Gastroenterologist and discuss in detail why he wants to go for colonoscopy?
What he/she is suspecting?
Follow up with answer.
I just want to know whats there in mind of your gastroenterologist.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thanks for the detailed information. I did meet with the gastroenterologist 2 weeks ago. I believe the gastroenterologist just believes I need to have a colonoscopy because I have never had one. He said it wouldn't hurt me. I am not sure about that. He also suggested an endoscopy. I don't think he suspected anything in particular. I believe it is standard procedure so they can be sure. I am ok with this. It is just the timing that worries me. I am definitely improving each day; however, I am not back to normal. This has been a long and difficult time. I don't want to start it all over again. Like I said, our medical system here is difficult. It takes one month to see a doctor. I have an appointment to do these procedures in two weeks. I am thinking of maybe putting it off until I feel normal. I am still very cautious with what I eat. I couldn't eat anything spicy or greasy. When you suggested that I have the stool tests, I had to see a young, inexperienced Physicians assistant. I just told her what test I wanted and she went along. By that time I had probably had Salmonella for over a week. Thanks to you I got that diagnosed.
Brief Answer:
Folow up advice.
Detailed Answer:
Hey,
Sory for a bit delayed reply.
As your Gastroenterologist as suggested you both colonoscopy and endoscopy he is trying an umbrella approach which means as we are not getting a proper diagnosis,Check the lower intestinal tract by colonoscope and upper by endoscope.If there will be any problem it would be reflected.
As you are improving day by day my suggestion would be to delay this procedure unless you are fully normal.See thing is that as i already explained you Dysbacteriosis takes time.There is no magical formula wait watch and probiotics is the policy.The biggest problem in your case is that you are comfortable with probiotics so we have to go to plan B as aviced earlier take food rich in probiotic.
So my suggestion is have patience strick to what i have suggested.
Please rate improvement of your symptoms in last 15 days on a scale of 1 to 10. How better are you feeling now?And in how many days?
Reply soon waiting.
Regards
Folow up advice.
Detailed Answer:
Hey,
Sory for a bit delayed reply.
As your Gastroenterologist as suggested you both colonoscopy and endoscopy he is trying an umbrella approach which means as we are not getting a proper diagnosis,Check the lower intestinal tract by colonoscope and upper by endoscope.If there will be any problem it would be reflected.
As you are improving day by day my suggestion would be to delay this procedure unless you are fully normal.See thing is that as i already explained you Dysbacteriosis takes time.There is no magical formula wait watch and probiotics is the policy.The biggest problem in your case is that you are comfortable with probiotics so we have to go to plan B as aviced earlier take food rich in probiotic.
So my suggestion is have patience strick to what i have suggested.
Please rate improvement of your symptoms in last 15 days on a scale of 1 to 10. How better are you feeling now?And in how many days?
Reply soon waiting.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
I feel better than I did two weeks ago. The trend is very slowly up. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say I am about a 4 to 5. Each day I try to increase the Kefir. I am taken about a fourth cup a day. I appreciate the attention you are giving to my case.
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi agaiin,
4 to 5 is not that bad.I guess in a week or two it will be about 7 to 8.
As already explained by me these things will take their time.Patience is very important and Remain motivated.
You developed this problem from december and started following advice from March. So dysbacteriosis developed over a period of almost 4 months.Keeping this in mind you are almost 50% relieved in a month.
Thanks.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi agaiin,
4 to 5 is not that bad.I guess in a week or two it will be about 7 to 8.
As already explained by me these things will take their time.Patience is very important and Remain motivated.
You developed this problem from december and started following advice from March. So dysbacteriosis developed over a period of almost 4 months.Keeping this in mind you are almost 50% relieved in a month.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thanks for your encouragement; however, I felt that I was going backwards this morning. I had cramping in the morning before I got up. Bowel movement not totally normal. Several hours later still crampy but not as bad. Is this expected? The only thing I did yesterday that was different was to eat 3 pieces of asparagus. I am getting a little discourages. It is hard to be up beat. I wonder if I should try again taking some probiotics. You said you knew of some that were easier to take. also, the one I have is powder and I might try just a little. Does the Salmonella also take the flora out?
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
I think you should try some other brands of probiotics also.
They will really be helpful.
Econorm could be tried.Its usually well tolerated by patients.You can try probiotics containing saccharomyces boulardii.
Mild up and down can be there during the therapy.
Yes salmonella usually cause either severe constipation or loose stools.Salmonella usually is associated with severe dysbacteriosis.
However i would suggest you to go for ultrasound abdomen to rule out any inflammation in intestinal tract.
Please mention the count of salmonella in stool sample?
Thanks.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
I think you should try some other brands of probiotics also.
They will really be helpful.
Econorm could be tried.Its usually well tolerated by patients.You can try probiotics containing saccharomyces boulardii.
Mild up and down can be there during the therapy.
Yes salmonella usually cause either severe constipation or loose stools.Salmonella usually is associated with severe dysbacteriosis.
However i would suggest you to go for ultrasound abdomen to rule out any inflammation in intestinal tract.
Please mention the count of salmonella in stool sample?
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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