Intestine Infection – Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

 

When microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites enter the intestines, they can lead to the intestines getting infected. These microorganisms can enter the bowel due to eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, touching contaminated surfaces, or being in contact with an infected person.

While most cases of intestinal infections clear up in a few days, in some cases, the symptoms become severe and require immediate medical attention. Intestinal infections can be prevented by following some simple food and personal hygiene precautions.

This article breaks down intestinal infections’ causes, symptoms, prevention, and more.

What are Intestinal infections?

Intestinal infections occur when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites infiltrate the intestine. Hence, the three main types of intestinal infections are bacterial, viral and parasitic.

A person can get an intestinal infection by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It can also occur when a person touches a contaminated surface. Some kinds of contagious intestinal infections can spread from person to person.

Intestinal infections can affect anyone and cause discomfort, sometimes severe symptoms.

What are the Causes of Intestine Infections?

Bacteria, viruses and parasites cause gastrointestinal infections. There are several ways in which people can come in contact with these infection-causing microbes.

1. Bacteria

Intestinal infection caused by bacteria mainly enter the body through contaminated food. Some food items that pose a higher risk of bacterial intestinal infection are:

1. Raw or undercooked meat, eggsor poultry
2. Unpasteurized dairy or juices
3. Contaminated water
4. Non-refrigerated meat or egg products
5. Raw or unwashed food and vegetables

People with a bacterial intestinal infection can contaminate their food, further spreading the infection.

 

2. Viral

Viral intestinal infections are commonly referred to as stomach flu. Two viruses that commonly cause intestinal infections are Norovirus and Rotavirus.

Norovirus commonly transmits through contaminated food or water. It can also spread among people in confined spaces. Rotavirus mostly affects children when they touch contaminated surfaces and put the same fingers in their mouths.

 

3. Parasitic

Parasitic infections usually spread by drinking contaminated water or bathing in pools and lakes. The parasites that cause parasitic intestinal infections are resistant to chlorine, a common swimming pool disinfectant.

Parasitic infections can also spread through contact with infected human or animal faeces in the soil.

What are the Symptoms of Intestine Infections?

The different types of intestinal infections often have similar symptoms. These include:

1. Diarrhoea
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Loss of appetite
5. Stomach cramps
6. Digestive problems
7. Muscle ache
8. Electrolyte imbalance
9. Gas and bloating
10. Unexplained weight loss

Severe symptoms of intestinal infections which require immediate medical attention include:

1. Severe abdominal pain
2. High fever
3. Diarrhoea for more than two days
4. Blood in vomit or stool
5. Bowel obstruction
6. Dehydration (excessive thirst, not passing much urine)

How are Intestinal Infections Diagnosed?

Doctors usually evaluate the symptoms and order some tests to diagnose intestinal infections. These tests include:

1. Faecal Testing: In faecal testing, a stool sample is tested for microorganisms.
2. Blood Test: Blood tests can check for the presence of antibodies that the immune system makes in response to an infection.
3. Endoscopy: In endoscopy, doctors use a thin tube with a camera to look into the infected intestine.

How to Prevent Intestinal Infections?

Some simple steps can help prevent bacterial, viral or parasitic intestinal infections.

To prevent viral intestinal infections, one should:

1. Wash hands well with water and soap
2. Avoid substituting alcohol-based sanitizers for soap and water
3. Wash food and vegetables properly
4. Use bleach to disinfect hard surfaces
5. Ensure proper cooking of meat before eating

To prevent bacterial intestinal infections, one should:

1. Always separate raw meats, poultry and eggs from cooked food
2. Wash hands and surfaces before and after cooking food
3. Cook food at the appropriate temperature to avoid undercooking
4. Make sure to refrigerate food within two hours of cooking

Finally, to prevent parasitic intestinal infection, one should:

1. Wash hands regularly
2. Avoid contaminated food and water
3. Exercise caution when travelling to areas with an abundance of parasitic infections

Intestinal infections are of different types. They mainly spread through contaminated food and water. While for a healthy person, an intestinal infection goes away in a few days, in some cases, it can cause severe symptoms. If someone is pregnant or has a compromised immune system, an intestine infection can cause serious complications.

Upon noticing the symptoms of any intestinal infection, it’s always prudent to consult a doctor and get tested at Dr Lal PathLabs.

 

FAQs

 

1. Do intestinal infections go away on their own?

In a healthy person, bacterial and viral intestinal infections often go away on their own in a few days. However, parasitic infection can persist until treatment begins.

 

2. Who is at higher risk of complications from intestinal infections?

Intestinal infections can lead to further complications, typically in:

1. Pregnant women
2. People with compromised immune systems
3. Infants
4. Older adults