How To Get Rid Of Bacterial Infection That Gives Stomach Trouble?

There are thousands or maybe even millions of bacteria that live in the human body without causing any problems as such. However, some of the more harmful bacteria could be responsible for a bacterial infection in the intestines. At times, it is the bacteria, which invade the body, which lead to various infections and diseases. In case of people who have weak immune systems, the stomach and some of the other organs in the digestive tract are highly prone to such infections. Hence, it is quite common to see people suffer from an infection in gut, which may include an intestinal infection as well as various stomach bacterial infections. Apart from bacteria, lower intestine infection can be caused by a virus, fungus, yeast, intestinal parasites, molds and personal hygiene. When any of these harmful organisms enter they gastrointestinal tract of humans, they create havoc. The exact severity of an intestinal bacterial infection may depend on the type of bacteria that has caused the problem. However, in some cases, a bacterial intestinal infection could also be fatal.

Eating the wrong types of food is the most common cause for a bacterial infection in the stomach. Hence, eating foods that are prepared in the wrong manner, seafood, dairy products and reheated meat products can all cause bacteria to enter the stomach. These similar factors can also lead to infections in the intestines. Most bacterial infections in the stomach are usually the result of certain bacteria like Methyl Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium, E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia, Salmonella and Shigella entering the stomach. Each of these bacteria can cause different diseases and infections in the stomach. Some of the most common stomach bacterial infections include dysentery, gastroenteritis and cholera. Since the diseases are different, it is only natural that the various stomach bacterial infection symptoms will vary, based on the type of bacteria that have infected the body.

There are several symptoms that have been associated with a bacterial infection in the stomach. Some of the most common stomach bacterial infection symptoms are:

• Diarrhea (This is the most common symptom)
• Severe pain in the abdominal area, accompanied by cramps
• Nausea as well as vomiting
• Loss in appetite, leading to a subsequent loss in weight
• Bloody stools

One of the most common questions asked be people is "Are stomach bacterial infections contagious?" Since bacteria can easily be transmitted from one person to the other through personal contact or by lack of strict hygienic measures, it is quite possible for the bacteria to spread easily and lead to bacterial infections in different parts of the body.

In case of an infection caused by yeast, most intestinal infection symptoms do not become evident till the gets converted to fungi. A fungus infection in the gut could also cause several problems. Bacterial infection in the small intestine causes symptoms similar to other viral infections of the small intestines. However, the most common intestinal bacterial infection symptoms include:

• Cramps and pain in the abdominal area
• Nausea, with occasional bouts of vomiting
• Diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration too
• Constipation, if the infection has been caused by parasites
• Sinusitis in some rare cases
• Skin rash, accompanied by burning and itchiness
• Irritable bowel syndrome in case the parasites dig into the walls of the intestinal lining
• Sleeping disorders
• Headaches, mood swings and depression
• Grinding of the teeth at night
• Anemia and other immune system related problems

Unfortunately, some of the stomach or intestinal infection symptoms can be mistaken for other disorders and conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as any of the symptoms mentioned above become evident. This is because it is best to begin the stomach and intestinal bacterial infection treatment as early as possible.

Seeking measures on how to treat bacterial infection in the intestines is not uncommon. Since one of the main symptoms of a stomach bacterial infection is diarrhea, it is quite possible for a person to get dehydrated very soon. Therefore, the first course of action in people suffering from bacterial infections in the stomach is to replenish the amounts of fluids and electrolytes that have been lost by the body. Doctors may also recommend a liquid diet, till the stomach infection has been dealt with. Foods that are good for the treatment of a stomach bacterial infection are bland food items like yogurt, baked potatoes, bananas, rice and toast. Foods that should be strictly avoided are spicy foods, fried foods, refined foods, junk foods and other types of processed foods.

Single doses of certain antibiotics like azithromycin can help reduce the symptoms of some of the more serious stomach bacterial infections. Some doctors may also recommend that the patient take zinc supplements for faster recovery from most stomach infections. In a severe case of a bacterial infection in the gut, blood transfusion may also be required. However, it is absolutely essential to take medication, supplements or make dietary changes only after consulting a doctor.

Since there are various intestinal bacterial infection types, the treatment options adopted by a doctor, for the intestinal infection cure may also vary. The first thing that a doctor will recommend is to stop eating foods from outside. Some people may be asked to follow a liquid diet for at least a day or so. The liquids that are helpful and can help reduce intestinal infection pain to a great extent are barley water, fresh lime juice as well as buttermilk. People suffering from an infection in the small intestine should strictly stay away from all types of foods that are hard to digest. Keeping the patient hydrated throughout the day is very important and therefore, the patient should be encouraged to sip water or herbal tea at regular intervals.

In case of patients who are suffering from a compromised immune system, antibiotics such as Zithromax, Cipro and Bactrim may also be prescribed. At times, patients may also require hospitalization, till the infection subsides, which may even take several weeks. Every single instance of an intestinal infection should be carefully monitored by a doctor.

answered by G R

Bacteria present in the intestines are useful in fulfilling a host of digestive functions in humans, such as the digestion of underutilized energy substrates; inducing cell development; suppressing the outgrowth of harmful pathogens; conditioning the immune system to react only to infectious agents; and combating certain gastrointestinal diseases. However when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, the number of probiotic bacteria – good bacteria decreases. This is when the body is most vulnerable to infection. Depending on the type of infection, various medications including antibiotics may be prescribed. However, antibiotics also reduce the amount of healthy bacteria and so they are typically only used as a last resort.

The overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the small intestine is considered to be a relatively common disorder and is usually detected after many years of being present in the body. There are various factors that contribute to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut. In addition to the antimicrobial drugs and antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to treat the condition, it is important to complement the medication with the help of the right kind of diet. Maintain a low carbohydrate diet which is useful in keeping down the production of harmful bacteria in the gut. Certain types of essential oils such as peppermint oil are believed to be useful in eradicating unfriendly bacteria in the small intestine. Supplement your diet with additional digestive enzymes and probiotics that are believed to be highly useful in curbing the growth of harmful bacteria. The friendly probiotics that can be easily acquired from fresh unsweetened yogurt like Lactobacillus plantarum and lactobacillus GG that can effectively bring under control harmful bacterial overgrowth.

Studies have revealed that peppermint oil can destroy the harmful bacteria in the small intestine and consuming one capsule of peppermint oil after meals can hasten healing. However, certain side-effects such as heartburn, burning of rectum, and minty belching can occur due to excessive use of peppermint oil. One can also benefit from adding garlic to the diet; other herbal remedies include the extract of grapefruit seeds, oregano oil, extracts of the Olive leaf and turmeric root extracts. These herbal extracts have been considered to be popular and effective herbal remedies in treating intestinal infections caused due to bacteria. During your treatment, limit your intake of sweet foods and starchy substances and you will be likely to experience a marked decline in bloating, intestinal gases, dyspepsia, diarrhea, and other digestive symptoms.

answered by G M

Intestinal infection remedies

If you are suffering from an intestinal infection, it is likely that you have contracted a viral infection. This infection is caused by a number of factors such as bacteria, inadequate personal hygiene, and germs. The infection is usually in the stomach and small intestine and can be referred to as viral gastroenteritis. The symptoms of gastroenteritis are vomiting, loss of appetite, loose motions, cramps, and abdominal pain. If this infection is persistent, it may permanently damage your intestine. Among the first things you should do is stop eating food outside your home. If possible, stay completely on a liquid diet for one day and consume plenty of fresh lime juice and buttermilk. Avoid food that may be difficult to digest. You should ensure that you do not become dehydrated. Do not avoid fatty foods because maintaining you need to maintain adequate calories which is difficult to do with consuming fat. In addition, it is thought that fat might help reduce intestinal motility.

Intestinal bacterial infection may also be a symptom of developing stomach ulcers. New research has proved that bacteria exist in the acidic environment of the stomach. This is because it produces a substance that neutralizes the acid in the stomach. If you find that you have a recurring intestinal infection, please consult your doctor at the earliest.

answered by G M