To Avoid 'Diarrhea' While Dieting... Daedong Hospital Warns of Salmonella Infection

Jiyeon Kim, Head of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center at Daedong Hospital.

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Salmonella infection refers to acute gastroenteritis caused by infection with non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteria.

It occurs by consuming food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria, mainly raw eggs, undercooked eggs, milk, and contaminated meat.

Infection can also occur through contact with animals infected with Salmonella and their surrounding environments. Although rare, infection can occur through the feces or oral contact of patients with Salmonella infection.

Even if eggs are cooked, the cooking process of cracking eggshells contaminated with pathogens may contaminate the egg whites and yolks.

If hands are not washed after handling eggs and then other foods are touched, there is a possibility of cross-contamination.

After infection with Salmonella bacteria, symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and queasiness appear after an incubation period of 6 to 72 hours, and in severe cases, it can lead to dehydration.

Although uncommon, the infection can progress to involve the bloodstream, urine, joints, and central nervous system, so caution is necessary.

Most cases naturally recover after 5 to 7 days. Since dehydration can occur due to diarrhea, adequate fluid intake is necessary.

Elderly people, infants, and immunocompromised individuals should visit a medical institution for appropriate treatment if symptoms are severe or diarrhea does not stop.

Dr. Kim Ji-yeon, a gastroenterology specialist at Daedong Hospital’s Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center, said, “In the hot and humid summer, bacterial infections are more likely to occur, so personal hygiene must be thoroughly maintained.”

Dr. Kim added, “Sometimes people neglect treatment because gastroenteritis is common in summer, but dehydration can cause imbalances in body fluids and electrolytes, leading to various symptoms. If symptoms are severe, you should visit a medical institution for treatment.”

The most important measures to prevent Salmonella infection are proper hand hygiene and safe food consumption.

After using the restroom, going outside, before cooking, after touching diapers, or after contact with unsanitary environments, hands should be washed with running water and hand sanitizer for at least 30 seconds.

When purchasing eggs, choose eggs with undamaged shells and store them refrigerated.

After cracking the shell, eggs should be cooked thoroughly at an adequate temperature as soon as possible and not left at room temperature for extended periods.

Also, if you have handled eggs, be sure to practice hand hygiene, and cooking utensils should be separated according to their use whenever possible.

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