What is the best way to treat salmonella food poisoning?

Salmonella enteritis is diarrheal disease that often clears within 7 days. Healthy immunocompetent adults and children older than 12 months who are infected with the Salmonella enteritidis bacteria should be treated with supportive care by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. The gastroenteritis from salmonella is usually self limited in these individuals and studies have shown… Continue reading What is the best way to treat salmonella food poisoning?

I am pregnant and work as an elementary school teacher. One of my students recently had “fifth’s disease” which I read was due to a parvovirus infection. I was told by the nurse that it can cause birth defects. What can I do?

Oftentimes exposure to parvovirus B19 (the virus that causes fifth’s disease) does not pose any harm to pregnant women. The reason is because most women have already been exposed to parvovirus and are therefore immune. If a women is not immune, she is likely to experience a mild infection without any attributable risk to her… Continue reading I am pregnant and work as an elementary school teacher. One of my students recently had “fifth’s disease” which I read was due to a parvovirus infection. I was told by the nurse that it can cause birth defects. What can I do?

My sister moved into a new house with her sons aged 3 and 5. We’re worried about lead poisoning in the kids. They’re due for their physical exams next week. The doctor can test for lead? If so, how much lead requires treatment?

Lead paint was commonly used in houses built before 1950s and automobiles prior to the 1980s. Exposure can lead to developmental delays, cognitive defects, anemia, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Lead is commonly tested for on routine pediatric visits with finger sticks being an easy screening tool and venous lead levels drawn for quantitative blood lead levels… Continue reading My sister moved into a new house with her sons aged 3 and 5. We’re worried about lead poisoning in the kids. They’re due for their physical exams next week. The doctor can test for lead? If so, how much lead requires treatment?

I am 6 months pregnant with my second son. My oldest son had jaundice and needed to be under the blue light for 2 days. Does this mean my second son will have a higher chance of getting jaundice?

Yes. Jaundice is a yellow discoloration that is a result of elevated bilirubin (the pigment in red blood cells) from the death of red blood cells. The excess bilirubin desposits in the skin causing it to yellow – much like the pigmentation of a bruise. In additon to physiologic jaundice (newborns with a large excess… Continue reading I am 6 months pregnant with my second son. My oldest son had jaundice and needed to be under the blue light for 2 days. Does this mean my second son will have a higher chance of getting jaundice?