Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Intestinal Infections
It is one of the infectious diseases that can be seen in all age groups, although it is more common in children. These diseases, which are characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which seriously reduce the quality of life and disrupt daily functioning, are also contagious. Therefore, it is among the important diseases in terms of both patient and public health.
Stomach and intestinal infections are called gastroenteritis. This infection is caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Today, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis is more common than parasites.
Types of Intestinal Infections:
Many microorganisms cause gastroenteritis. Treatment options vary according to the causative microorganism, so it is necessary to determine the type of intestinal infection. However, determining whether it is caused by infection plays an important role in the treatment.
Intestinal infections are examined in 3 different groups;
Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Intestinal infections and food poisoning due to E.coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter
Viral Gastroenteritis: Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Norovirus
Parasitic Gastroenteritis: Amebiasis, Tapeworm, and intestinal worms
How Are Intestinal Infections Transmitted?
It is transmitted by drinking food or water contaminated with feces containing the microorganism or by taking unclean hands to the mouth. In regions where drinking water is not safe, there is a serious increase in the rate of diarrheal diseases. For this reason, washing food with dirty water is another way of transmission.
Symptoms of Intestinal Infections;
The indispensable symptom is diarrhea
nausea and vomiting
Stomach ache
Fever
Fatigue – Fatigue
Headach
Dry mouth and skin due to dehydration
The external appearance of diarrhea varies according to the factor. According to some microorganisms, there is a bloody, mucous (slimy) appearance, while according to some microorganisms, stools look like water.
If a person has blood, and mucus in his stool and has a fever, he should definitely apply to a health institution.
According to the amount of diarrhea, fluid loss varies from person to person. However, fluid loss in infants develops much faster.
Diagnosis of Intestinal Infections
Stool microscopic examination
Stool antigen tests
stool culture
The above are the first tests and they predict the factor to a great extent. If there are patients that we think are microbial but we cannot reach the result, further examinations may be requested.
Treatment of Intestinal Infections
Most cases of acute gastroenteritis resolve spontaneously. Treatment is usually applied for complaints. However, antidiarrheal drugs should not be used.
In infectious diarrhea, antimicrobial treatment is given in line with the physician's recommendation. Depending on the patient's condition, inpatient or outpatient treatment is recommended. Patients should follow a diarrhea diet until the diarrhea resolves. In a diarrhea diet, one should eat lean foods, consume fruits such as apples and bananas, and drink plenty of water. Oily foods and ready-made fruit juices should not be consumed.
Protection from Intestinal Infections
Hand washing is the most important form of protection.
your hands;
Before and after eating
Before and after preparing food
Before and after the toilet
If you have a baby -- before feeding, before and after cleaning,