Intestinal infection, commonly known as Viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu is marked by abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea, vomiting or nausea and at times fever.
Stomach infection is mostly caused by ingesting contaminated water or food. One can recover from it without complications if he/she is physically healthy. On the other hand, Viral gastroenteritis can be deadly for people who have low immunity, infants as well as older adults.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of one’s intestines. It might involve one’s small intestines and colon though people only feel their stomach aching.
Who Is Likely To Catch A Stomach Infection?
1. Children
2. Students living in hostels
3. Military personnel.
4. Passengers in trains/ships
5. Travelers to countries that are less developed
6. People who have a weak immune system
How Is A Stomach Infection/ Gastroenteritis Caused?
1. Bacteria
2. Parasites
3. Viruses like Norovirus in adults and Rotavirus in children
4. Toxins
Most of the times the lining of the small intestine gets infected.
Signs Of Stomach Infection/ Gastroenteritis
1. Stomach ache
2. Diarrhea
3. Cramping
4. Vomiting and Nausea
5. Fever
6. Body aches
7. Headache
The gut cells known as enterocytes get destroyed which leads to malabsorption. The reabsorption of water gets disrupted which causes loose stools. Diarrhea results in dehydration which is a condition in which there is not enough water in ones body. Symptoms of dehydration include
1. Extreme thirst
2. Reduced urine
3. Dark urine
4. Light-headedness
5. Dizziness
6. Weakness in body
Stomach infection is mostly commonly caused by touching a surface and coming in contact with the germs thereon touching your mouth. It can also be passed on by Eating or drinking food or beverages which have the germs of a sick person.
What Are Stomach Bacteria?
H. pylori is a bacteria which infects your stomach resulting in Helicobacter pylori infection. These germs enter ones body and reside in his/her digestive tract. A person with such an infection can end up having sores or peptic ulcers. The stomach bacteria affects the lining of ones stomach. Stomach lining which protects us from the acid our body uses for digestion. Ulcers might bleed or prevent the food from passing through the digestive tract.
H. pylori is common in places where there is a shortage of clean water or sewage systems. One can get infected after coming in contact with the saliva of infected people or their body fluids. It can be treated using antibiotics.
Stomach bacteria called H. pylori grows in the digestive tract. Usually, these infections are not harmful. This stomach bacteria can reduce the acidity which makes it able to survive more easily. Its spiral shape allows It to move into the stomach lining. Here the mucus protects it whereas the immune cells of the body cannot reach it which in turn causes stomach problems.
What Are The Signs Of H. Pylori Infection?
1. Stomach pain especially on an empty stomach
2. Nausea
3. Bloating
4. Weight loss
5. Vomiting
6. poor appetite
7. Burping
Diagnosis Of H. Pylori Infection
One can get H. Pylori infection diagnosed by getting a blood test, stool test or a breath test. A doctor might recommend an endoscopy. It helps the doctor look at ones stomach lining, esophagus as well as a portion of the small intestine. A long, thin tube is inserted into the patient’s mouth, and to the stomach and duodenum.
There is an attached camera which sends internal images on a monitor, to be checked by the doctor. The test also involves removing a sample of small tissue, called biopsy. It is analyzed after the procedure is done.
Gastrologists At Amandeep Group Of Hospitals
Amandeep Group of Hospitals has some of the best gastrologists in India. They have an expertise in treating the conditions that affect the structures and organs of the digestive system. From illnesses like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, our team of gastrologists are specialists in the problems related to stomach, intestines, digestion and the liver.
Gastroenterologist is mostly consulted if the general physician suspects that due to the problem of the digestive a person is suffering through the following symptoms,
• difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting and nausea
• Heartburn
• stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice
Gastrointestinal problems include all the disorders of the digestive system. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food so that water can be absorbed and the nutrients, vitamins as well as the minerals, extracted for the body’s use. The unabsorbed waste is then removed.
The Gastrointestinal tract or the digestive system consists of the digestive organs which include mouth, Esophagus, small and large bowels, Stomach, Rectum and anus along with the connected organs like the liver, pancreas and the gall bladder.
Precautions To Avoid Gastrointestinal Problems
• A diet that is low in fibre
• A stress-free mind/Being relaxed and positive
• Taking enough water through the day (Set your target to 8 glasses)
• Avoid dairy foods. Have them moderately
• Active lifestyle
Common Gastrointestinal Problems
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac Disease
• Lactose Intolerance
• Constipation
• Chronic Diarrhea
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Diverticulitis
• Gallstones
• Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Liver Disease
There are a number of surgical procedures which are performed on the digestive tract. These procedures are performed using open surgery, endoscopy and laparoscopy. Even Organ transplants are performed by experts on the liver, small intestine and pancreas.
Our team of gastrologists which is by far the best in India, provides help in diagnosing and treating digestive problems. They assess your symptoms as well as medical history, thereon recommending the tests which are most likely for a proper diagnosis. These tests are really important as many disorders of the digestive system have symptoms which are overlapping and can be misdiagnosed.
GI symptoms and stomach pain can affect ones daily routine and happiness. Consult your medical practitioner in case you’re experiencing consistent gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Remember, The more honest you’re with your doctor, the easier it is going to be for them to give you the right treatment and advise.