Gastrointestinal infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and many other unpleasant symptoms.

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause gastrointestinal infections.

Treatment typically focuses on staying hydrated and getting plenty of balance merely may vary depending on the type of infection.

This commodity breaks down the symptoms, types, and treatments for a variety of common gastrointestinal infections.

a man holding his stomach because of Gastrointestinal infection Share on Pinterest
A person with a gastrointestinal infection may experience nausea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite.

There are iii main types of gastrointestinal infections:

  • bacterial
  • viral
  • parasitic

Bacterial

Bacterial gastrointestinal infections include foodborne infections and food poisoning.

Common sources of bacterial gastrointestinal infections include:

  • Salmonella
  • Escherichia coli, or E. coli
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Listeria
  • Staphylococcus, or a staph infection

While almost whatsoever contaminated food can crusade an infection, some foods pose more risks than others. These include:

  • undercooked or raw meat, eggs, or poultry
  • unpasteurized dairy and juices
  • contaminated water
  • food, particularly meat and egg products, that is not refrigerated well
  • cafeteria meats
  • unwashed or raw fruits and vegetables

Additionally, people who have bacterial gastrointestinal infections may spread the bacteria to the food they bear on. This food could then infect someone else if they consume that nutrient.

Viral

Viral gastrointestinal infections are very common, and often people refer to these as the tummy flu.

Norovirus is a blazon of viral gastroenteritis. According to the National Constitute of Diabetes and Digestive Diseases (NIDDK), norovirus causes 19 to 21 meg cases of tum influenza in the United States each year.

Other viruses that can crusade viral gastrointestinal infections are less common in the U.S.

Vaccines can prevent some types of viral infections, including rotavirus.

Parasitic

Intestinal helminths, or worms, and protozoan parasites cause parasitic gastrointestinal infections.

The two most common parasitic infections are giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.

Contact with human carrion in the soil can spread these parasites. People can also contract these infections by drinking or swimming in contaminated h2o.

Some parasitic infections can spread from animals to humans. These include toxoplasmosis, which people tin can come up into contact with in cat feces.

Near gastrointestinal infections accept like symptoms, though they may vary in severity.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal infections include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomach cramps
  • loss of appetite
  • a fever
  • muscle aches
  • an electrolyte imbalance
  • gas and bloating
  • unintentional weight loss

Virtually viral gastrointestinal illnesses start suddenly and last less than a week, though they may go on longer.

Bacterial infections may nowadays similarly to viral infections, but some may be more likely to cause a high fever or bloody diarrhea.

Parasitic gastrointestinal infections oft cause claret or fungus in diarrhea and may final until a person receives treatment.

About people do not need to see a doctor if they have symptoms of gastrointestinal infection.

However, the NIDDK recommend seeing a doctor right away if a person experiences any of the following symptoms:

  • severe pain in the abdomen
  • a high fever
  • diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 days
  • black or tarry stools
  • six or more loose stools per twenty-four hours
  • frequent vomiting
  • changes in mental state

Adults should as well see a physician for a gastrointestinal infection if they cannot keep down liquid or show signs of dehydration, including:

  • extreme thirst
  • nighttime, infrequent urine
  • sunken cheeks and eyes
  • a dry out mouth
  • pare that does non flatten back after pinching
  • lightheadedness

Some individuals should always consult a doctor nigh gastrointestinal infections because they are at college risk of complications. These include:

  • pregnant women
  • people with a compromised immune system
  • older adults
  • infants and young children

Some gastrointestinal infections, particularly parasitic infections, require a prescription medication from a doctor. Even so, many cases of gastrointestinal illnesses will get better without medical treatment or intervention.

Most of the time, a person can help their immune arrangement fight off the infection at home by getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of water.

In severe cases, a person may demand supportive care for rehydration in the hospital.

People with a gastrointestinal infection can help care for the illness at home by:

  • resting
  • taking sips of water frequently
  • using over-the-counter medications with circumspection
  • eating bland, piece of cake-to-digest food when feeling better

Many gastrointestinal illnesses are highly contagious, but at that place are many steps a person can take to help foreclose them from spreading.

The Centers for Affliction Command and Prevention (CDC) recommend a person exercise the following to preclude viral infections:

  • launder their hands well with soap and h2o
  • not substitute booze-based hand sanitizer for hand washing
  • practise food rubber, including washing fruits and vegetables and cooking meats
  • avoid cooking or preparing nutrient for some other person while ill
  • disinfect difficult surfaces with bleach
  • carefully wash clothes or linens

To avoid a bacterial gastrointestinal infection, the CDC recommend:

  • washing hands and surfaces before, during, and later on nutrient preparation
  • separating raw meats, seafood, poultry, and eggs from prepared food
  • cooking food to a rubber internal temperature and avoiding undercooked food
  • refrigerate food beneath 40°F (4°C) within 2 hours of cooking

People who are at higher adventure of gastrointestinal infections and their complications should as well avoid undercooked or raw foods from animals, unpasteurized dairy products and juices, and raw sprouts.

To avert a parasitic gastrointestinal infection, a person should:

  • practice skilful hygiene including mitt washing
  • avoid contaminated food and water
  • use caution when traveling to areas where parasitic infections are more than common
  • take precautions to prevent toxoplasmosis, including avoiding the cat litter box if pregnant

Gastrointestinal infections tin be bacterial, viral, or parasitic. No affair the cause, the symptoms are unpleasant and can include diarrhea, intestinal cramping, and nausea.

Most infections will resolve on their own, but if a person has symptoms of aridity or other complications, they should see a doctor.

In the meantime, it is essential to get plenty of residue and fluids to facilitate a speedy recovery.