Stomach infection or Bacterial gastroenteritis develops when bacteria cause an infection of the intestines or stomach. It is also referred to as food poisoning. The infection is caused by the consumption of food or water that is contaminated with toxins or bacteria. The symptoms can include abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.
It is better for people to take plenty of fluids and rest if they are suffering from bacterial gastroenteritis. In this article, we are going to look at some of the important things you need to know about bacterial gastroenteritis
Causes of Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Various types of bacteria can bacterial gastroenteritis including:
Escherichia Coli: It normally occurs when someone consumes undercooked beef or unwashed vegetables and fruits
Shigella: Shigella is present in contaminated water and raw food
Staphylococcus and Salmonella: Present in eggs, dairy products, and raw or undercooked meat.
Yersinia enterocolitica: Present in undercooked pork
Campylobacter: might be present in undercooked poultry or milk
A person can be infected by gastroenteritis after consuming contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. If the food is mishandled such as not cooking properly, handling, or storing, it can become contaminated.
Epidemics of bacterial gastroenteritis can occur if several people consume the same contaminated food, from a grocery store, restaurant, or supermarket. It can be transmitted from one person to another very quickly. People can get bacteria on their hands by handling contaminated water or food. Bacteria are also present in the stools of people affected by bacterial gastroenteritis.
The bacteria can spread when people affected by gastroenteritis touch objects, people, or surfaces. It is also possible that people affected by the bacteria on their hands risk becoming ill if they transfer them to the eyes, mouth, or other openings of the body.
It is important for people infected by bacterial gastroenteritis to wash their hands after using the washroom or before touching food.
Diagnosis
If the bacterial gastroenteritis does not end up within five days, make sure to see a doctor. While on the other hand, if the symptoms in children do not end up in 2 days, make sure to visit the nearest Urgent Care Center to get them checked by a certified doctor.
The doctor will also ask about the symptoms. If the doctor feels that it is bacterial gastroenteritis, they would request a stool sample to find out the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Treatment
Bacterial gastroenteritis often ends up without treatment. However, there are chances of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to stay hydrated all the time and drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Diarrhea and vomiting can also remove important minerals from the body like calcium, sodium, and potassium. Broths and soups can be an ideal choice to remove the deficiency of fluid and minerals. You can also buy fluid and mineral replacement solutions from a drugstore.
If a person is unable to keep fluids down, it is important to visit a doctor, who will give intravenous fluids. Bacterial gastroenteritis can also be treated at home by taking rest, drinking fluids, eating a small portion of mineral-rich foods, avoiding dairy products, and avoiding soft drinks
