Symptoms and causes of intestinal infections? Indicated treatment

What are the causes of digestive infections?

Intestinal infections in both adults and children can arise from various causes, with the most frequent being the consumption of contaminated food or water, which can carry harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Bacteria

• E. coli bacteria: Can produce toxins in the digestive system that result in stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. This bacteria is often spread through contaminated water, unsafe food, or through person-to-person contact.
• Salmonella bacteria: Commonly found in undercooked poultry, raw eggs, and unboiled water, Salmonella can also survive on surfaces such as door handles and stair railings, and can be spread by touching infected animals.

Viruses

• Norovirus: Found in contaminated or spoiled food, Norovirus spreads easily from person to person through direct contact.
• Rotavirus: Spreads rapidly through contact and can lead to severe diarrhea. Without prompt medical intervention, it can cause dehydration, which can be fatal in young children.

Parasites and yeast

• Giardia parasite infection: Commonly seen in children under the age of five.
• Cryptosporidium parasite infection: This parasite is dangerous as it affects both the digestive and respiratory systems, weakening the immune system and leading to chronic diarrhea.

Signs and symptoms of digestive infections

The symptoms of intestinal infections can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs such as: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fever, chills, cramps, headaches, and the presence of blood in the stool.

In addition to these physical symptoms, individuals with intestinal infections may also experience mental health issues such as depression or sleep disturbances. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which in turn can affect both mood and sleep quality.

However, if you experience any of the following serious gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately:

• Intense abdominal pain.
• Presence of blood or mucus in the stool.
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 to 3 days.
• Signs of dehydration.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Indicated treatment for gastrointestinal infections

Based on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms, the doctor will determine the treatment method for an intestinal infection. Common gastrointestinal therapy and methods may include:

• Hydration: This is an essential home remedy, which helps patients restore fluids and electrolytes by consuming solutions like ORS (oral rehydration salts) in the correct ratio, coconut water, or rice water to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea. For infants, they should drink breast milk or formula milk.
• Adequate rest: Getting sufficient rest is important for speeding up recovery.
• Smaller meals: It is advisable to eat easily digestible foods, such as bananas, crackers, bread, or rice.
• Treatment for bacterial infections: In cases of bacterial intestinal infections, doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as Cotrimoxazole, imidazole-based or antibiotics.

How to avoid getting gastrointestinal infections

To prevent infections for gastrointestinal, it’s important to follow food safety practices, keep waste properly sorted and disposed of, and maintain good hygiene to stop the spread of illness in the community.

• Keep eating well-cooked meals and drinking boiled water. Avoid consuming expired food and always ensure that the food you purchase comes from a reliable and clean source.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before having meals.
• Poultry should be thoroughly cleaned and fully cooked to eliminate any health risks.
• When handling infected livestock or poultry, always wear appropriate protective gear. Avoid close contact or cuddling sick animals. After contact, thoroughly clean and disinfect both the household and anyone who has been in contact with the animals to prevent the spread of infection to other animals or people.
• Safely manage animal waste and dispose of it away from living areas to prevent harmful pathogens from entering the body.
• Those experiencing intestinal infections should seek prompt medical attention from a specialist and refrain from sharing personal items or eating utensils to minimize the risk of transmitting the infection to others.

In conclusion, digestive infections can cause serious health issues if not addressed promptly. Practicing good hygiene, eating safely, and seeking medical advice when needed are crucial for prevention and treatment.