Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Description
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines is known as gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and an increase in bowel movements, together with or without a fever. It might cause mild to severe symptoms. Gastroenteritis may be caused by a virus, bacterium, or parasite. Bacterial gastroenteritis is the term used when it is caused by a certain type of bacterium. Compared to viral gastroenteritis, bacterial gastroenteritis is less frequent. Still, it poses a serious health danger. This is due to the fact that diarrhea and/or vomiting can cause dehydration. It is one of the primary causes of disease worldwide and contributes to 1.5 to 2.5 million annual deaths. Diarrhea is the second most prevalent infectious disease-related cause of death in children under the age of five. More than 3 to 5 billion children are affected globally each year.
Symptoms
The severity of the symptoms might range from mild discomfort to life-threatening. Symptoms can vary from person to person. They may include :
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
If you have any of the symptoms described above and they don’t improve after a day or two, see your General Practice doctor (general practitioner) for diagnosis and treatment.
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View MoreCauses
Some types of bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli.
Diagnostics
If you suffer from diarrhea for more than three days, your doctor may request a stool test to determine the cause of your disease.
Treatment
Supportive treatment to replace the fluids and electrolytes in your body (rehydration).
Antibiotic therapy (for example : azithromycin, fluoroquinolones, metronidazole, vancomycin, fidaxomicin).
Symptomatic therapy in mild cases may be used (for example : loperamide).
You can prevent bacterial gastroenteritis by following good hygiene habits :
- As you handle or prepare food, fully wash your hands.
- When serving food, do not keep it out too long. If there is any risk it went bad, throw it out.
- Avoid interacting with anyone who is experiencing symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
- Do not consume uncooked food.
- Use hand sanitizers that include alcohol.
