Getting to Know Intestinal Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Introduction
Getting to know about intestinal infection is essential to understand the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of this common health issue. Intestinal infections occur when harmful microorganisms are ingested through contaminated food or drink, leading to infections in the intestine. This article provides comprehensive insights into various aspects of intestinal infections.
Causes of Intestinal Infection
Intestinal infections are primarily caused by the consumption of contaminated food or drink containing infectious agents. The infectious agents, such as bacteria, manage to survive the stomach’s acidic environment and make their way to the intestine, leading to various symptoms. Some common infectious agents causing intestinal infections include:
- Salmonella: A worldwide bacterial infection often linked to eggs and chicken consumption. In Sweden, prevalence is low, but it can be contracted abroad. Incubation period is around one to three days.
- Campylobacter: Commonly found in undercooked chicken or unpasteurized milk. Can be spread through contaminated kitchen utensils and person-to-person contact. Incubation period is typically one to three days, but can extend to ten days.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): Group of bacteria present in intestines. Different types cause infections in humans, spread through various sources like contaminated meat, water, and contact with animals. Incubation periods vary by type.
- Shigella: Also known as dysentery, it is contagious and usually acquired abroad through contaminated water or undercooked food. Incubation period ranges from two to seven days.
Preventing Intestinal Infection
Prevention is crucial, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. To minimize the risk of intestinal infection:
- Ensure Proper Cooking: Fully cook meat, poultry, and fish to eliminate harmful microorganisms.
- Avoid Raw Foods: Stay away from raw eggs, including dishes with raw eggs, and raw sprouts.
- Choose Pasteurized Products: Consume only pasteurized milk, dairy, cheeses, and juices.
- Thoroughly Clean Produce: Rinse vegetables and fruits before consumption.
- Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Keep raw ingredients separate from prepared foods.
- Maintain Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before cooking, and clean utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces after handling raw meat.
Symptoms of Intestinal Infection
Symptoms of intestinal infection can vary depending on the causative agent but often include:
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea: Can be bloody or mucous.
- Fever
Self-Care for Intestinal Infection
If you experience intestinal infection, there are steps you can take to manage the discomfort, prevent dehydration, and avoid spreading the infection:
- Stay Hydrated: Consume fluids, avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks that can worsen diarrhea. Consider oral rehydration solutions.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap, shower, and avoid sharing towels.
- Avoid Food Handling: Infected individuals should not handle food for others. If necessary, maintain stringent hand hygiene.
- Refrain from Public Pools: Do not swim in pools until diarrhea has ceased for at least a week.
- Stay Home: Those with diarrhea, especially in high-risk professions like healthcare or food service, should stay home.
Treatment of Intestinal Infection
In most cases, intestinal infections resolve on their own. However, certain risk groups might require treatment, especially when the infection becomes severe or in the presence of other health conditions.
When to Seek Medical Care
It’s important to seek medical attention in specific situations:
- After returning from abroad with symptoms
- If dehydration symptoms occur
- If symptoms worsen or persist
- If accompanied by other serious illnesses
- If there’s high fever, chills, bloody stools, or severe stomach pain
Conclusion
Getting to know intestinal infections empowers individuals to understand their causes, symptoms, preventive measures, and potential treatments. By maintaining proper hygiene, practicing safe food handling, and seeking medical care when necessary, the risks and impacts of intestinal infections can be minimized for a healthier life.