Symptoms For Intestinal Infection And Causes
An intestinal infection may be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or intestinal parasites. Such pathogens can invade the gastrointestinal tract and cause damage there. They tend to cause infection in the intestinal and urinary tracts of the body. If left untreated, intestinal infections can prove to be quite serious. The severity of the condition depends upon the type of organism. Intestinal yeast infections tend to exhibit symptoms only after the yeast has turned into fungi. This could occur due to continuous intake of antibiotics or poor diet.
Most cases of intestinal infections occur due to the food we consume. Spoilt or contaminated food is likely to contain bacteria and these bacteria enter the gastrointestinal system when the food is consumed. An intestinal staph infection is a common type of bacterial infection which is caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. An intestinal bacterial infection can result in symptoms such as appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, loss of weight, dehydration, fever and presence of blood in the stool. Intestinal infection symptoms may remain for a few days or persist for longer periods of time. In case the symptoms continue for than a couple of weeks, the individual could be experiencing chronic diarrhea. It is important to consult a doctor immediately when there are intestinal infection symptoms.
Diagnosis of intestinal infections may be done through analysis of a stool sample so that the type of pathogen may be identified. Viral intestinal infections usually disappear by themselves without any treatment. Certain medications may be prescribed for other types of intestinal infections. Adequate rest is essential to allow the gastrointestinal system to regain its strength. It is also necessary to consume plenty of water and other fluids so that dehydration is prevented and the pathogens are flushed out of the system. In case of severe vomiting, fever or dehydration, the individual may have to be given fluids intravenously. Those with weakened immunity must take proper care so that the infection does not spread to other parts of the body. Home care involves consuming soups or broth so that the sodium levels in the body are brought back to normal. Milk and dairy products and other fatty and sweet foods must be avoided as these are difficult to digest and can aggravate the symptoms. Chewing on ginger pieces or consuming ginger tea is beneficial in alleviating symptoms. Regular practice of yoga helps to improve digestion and strengthens the gastrointestinal system.
An intestinal infection can be caused by a number of things such as germs, bacteria, and poor personal hygiene. This can be referred to as a viral gastroenteritis which usually is in the stomach and small intestine.
There are more than one type of bacteria that can cause intestinal infections. Some of the common causes of infection are Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Typhoid Mary, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile infection, Clostridium perfringens food poisoning, Listeria and Staphylococcus. Some of these are more common than others.
How do doctors diagnose intestinal infections? A lot of stomach virus symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. Others get better on their own without you having to visit a doctor. They just run their course. If you go to a doctor he or she will diagnose this by doing a physical exam, analyzing your medical history and symptoms, and your food intake. Most cases will not need to have laboratory tests done and the cause for the infection will never truly be known. In other cases the doctors will collect bowel samples and test them to determine the cause.
Gastroenteritis symptoms are loss of appetite, cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, and loose motions. One of the first things you will need to do is to stop eating any foods outside of your home. Permanent damage can occur to your intestine if the infection is persistent.
Staying on a liquid diet for one day and consuming buttermilk and fresh lime juice can help. Be sure to avoid foods that are difficult to digest. Be sure to not become dehydrated. You will need to consume fatty foods to maintain an adequate intake of calories. Fatty foods are thought to help reduce intestinal motility.
Bacterial infections in your intestine can also be the cause for developing stomach ulcers. Bacteria live in the acidic environment of your stomach. The bacteria are there to make a substance neutralize the acids in the stomach.
Home remedies for bacterial stomach infection:
- To help cleanse your intestine, you can chew on ginger or drink ginger tea.
- Try to stay on a liquid diet for the initial phase of your condition.
- To help neutralize the acid in your stomach, eat a banana.
- Peppermint tea cools the stomach and helps to fight the infection.
- Avoid onion, coffee, fried foods, and cauliflower.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid foods that cause indigestion.
- Drink apple cider vinegar.
If you keep getting an stomach pain symptoms you will need to see a doctor as soon as you can.
