Gastrointestinal infections

GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIONS

In medical terminology " gastrointestinal " refers to the stomach. A gastrointestinal infection that is affecting the stomach or intestines and usually lead to diarrhea. Some infections, such as E. coli and shingles is caused by bacteria. Others, such as Norwalk and Sapporo, are caused by viruses. Giardia is a gastrointestinal infection caused by parasites. Many of these infections are very contagious. An abdominal infection can spread if a person with traces of bacteria on their hands to touch another person or food from another person. Salmonella is a bacterial infection that is transmitted in this way. It is often found in eggs and chicken. If these products are not properly handled or undercooked, people can become sick. 

 

Gastrointestinal infections associated with eating undercooked contaminated meat, usually that goats, sheep and cows. The infection in the intestines usually caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeasts. gastro-intestinal infection usually causes germs diarrhea.Which are responsible for diarrhea depends on the geographical infected person, their level of sanitation, economic development, and hygiene. Gastrointestinal infections are common in bacteria, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The most common symptoms are: abdominal cramps followed by diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, mucus or blood in the stool.

Shingella is a gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria. Shingella usually transmitted through consumption of infected material, such as water. The bacteria can cause dysentery, which is a disease in which the intestine is inflated. Mucus lining the intestinal wall usually start to decompose and can become apparent in the gut. A person may also develop bleeding ulcers as a result of this infection.

 

The viruses that cause diarrheal diseases, also known as viral gastroenteritis, can pass through a house (or college dorm or anywhere else where many people live together) quickly because they are highly infectious. Luckily, the diarrhea usually goes away by itself within a few days. For teens and healthy adults, viral gastroenteritis is a common problem, but minor. But young children and people with chronic diseases, can lead to dehydration that requires medical attention. Many types of bacteria and parasites can also cause gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea. Most are not serious and disappear after a few days, but others may be very serious.

The incubation period for a gastrointestinal infection can vary depending on the particular germ at the origin. For example, the Shigella incubation period is usually 2-4 days but the period for viral infections ranges from 4-48 hours. Parasitic generally have longer incubation periods, such as Giardia, where the symptoms can take from one to four weeks appears. Then, as the germ and the general health of the person, a diarrheal illness lasting several days or weeks.

Diarrheal infections are very contagious. They can spread from person to person by dirty hands, contaminated food or water and some animals. Most cases are contagious for as long as someone has diarrhea, but some infections can be contagious for longer.

The most effective way to prevent contagious diarrheal infections is to wash your hands frequently. Dirty hands carry germs into your body when you do things like biting your nails or use your hands when you eat. It is important to always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating, especially if you know there's a disease going around. Make sure bathroom surfaces are clean can also help prevent infection.

 

 Make sure kitchen counters and cooking utensils are clean, too, especially after they have been in contact with raw meat, eggs and poultry. Avoid eating foods that have been neglected for a few hours, even if it has been reheated, because toxins can survive in food.

If you're traveling or camping, never drink the streams, springs or lakes where the local health authorities have certified the clean water to drink. In some developing countries, you can stick to bottled water and drinks rather than tap water - and watch street vendors to buy food. Pets, especially reptiles, can spread bacteria if not kept separate from the family of European food sectors. Do not clean pet cages or bowls in the sink itself, and the family to prepare meals. And always wash your hands after handling your pet .

 

Most infections, infections that cause diarrhea infections, especially viral, will disappear without treatment. Relax at home and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration are the best ways to overcome the disease. If you become dehydrated, you may need to go to hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids to replace those lost to diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Most infections caused by gastrointestinal viruses and many bacterial infections without treatment, but someone with a weakened immune system that receives a bacterial disease of the bowel may need to be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection spread throughout the body.