Intestinal infection: what it is, causes, symptoms, how to treat and how to avoid it

Intestinal infection , also known as gastroenteritis , is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is characterized by the presence of agents that can provoke an inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa, which can lead to changes in the functioning of intestinal cells and, consequently, interfering with and compromising digestion and absorption.

Symptoms of an intestinal infection occur due to the inflammation it causes. The main symptoms include:

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), in severe cases of intestinal infection, there may be significant fluid loss due to symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, increasing the risk of dehydration. Furthermore, the disease can be fatal if left untreated.

Find out more information on the WHO website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoea-disease

Intestinal infections have multiple causes, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, or the ingestion of food toxins. They can occur through contaminated food and water, for example, and when ingested, they trigger inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common causes are related to contamination due to lack of hygiene, inadequate sanitation and lack of access to drinking water.

1. Viruses : One of the main causes of intestinal infections, as they spread easily. These could be rotaviruses or noroviruses, for example.

2. Bacteria : These bacteria are responsible for severe inflammation, as they directly damage the intestinal mucosa. Bacteria include Salmonella , Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Shigella , which can be found in undercooked foods, especially pork and eggs.

3. Parasites : most commonly found in areas with poor sanitation, with contamination occurring through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. These include Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica .

However, in some cases, additional tests may be necessary in order to detect the cause of the infection, for example, PCR test and stool test .

CRP (C-reactive protein) is used to identify the presence of infection in the body , where elevated levels may indicate a serious infection, but it does not identify the cause . A stool test , on the other hand, can identify the cause of the infection, thus enabling a more specific identification of the cause of the disease .

Intestinal infections vary in duration depending on the type of causative agent, as well as the patient's health status and age.

Viral infections tend to last 1 to 3 days , and in more severe cases, they can extend to a week. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, tend to last a little longer, ranging from 3 to 7 days , and can also last longer in cases of complications. Finally, parasitic infections can last weeks if left untreated, reaching up to 4 weeks of infection, depending on the patient's condition.

The severity of the intestinal infection will depend on several factors, such as:

• Causative agent

• Patient's general health status

• Appropriate treatment

In most cases, intestinal infections resolve without further complications and don't last long. However, some cases can also progress to more serious conditions.

With this in mind, in cases of persistent diarrhea, high fever and signs of dehydration, for example, greater attention and medical monitoring are necessary!

Treatment for an intestinal infection depends on the severity of symptoms and the cause of the infection . In general, treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent dehydration, and promote recovery of the digestive tract. Here are some guidelines for treating an intestinal infection:

Always remember, medical monitoring is essential !

To avoid intestinal infections, it is necessary to adopt good hygiene habits , be careful with food and pay attention to the quality of the water consumed .

1. Personal hygiene

Washing your hands is essential to prevent infections. Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating, preparing food, and after using the bathroom.

If, for some reason, you don't have access to soap and water at the location, always have a spare hand sanitizer !

2. Food hygiene

It's crucial to wash food thoroughly , not only with running water but also with sanitizing solutions , to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Furthermore, it's also important to avoid mixing raw and ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination and to cook food thoroughly , as undercooked meat, for example, presents a higher risk of contamination.

3. Consumption of treated water

Drink only water from treated sources . If there's a possibility of contaminated water, filter and boil it. Another important point is to be careful when using ice; always make sure it's made with potable water before consuming it.

4. Be careful when traveling

Avoid eating food from street vendors, especially in areas where hygiene conditions are poor , as you do not know how the food was processed and prepared.

5. Food storage and preservation

Avoid consuming foods with altered smells, appearance, or taste , even if they are within their expiration date. Furthermore, foods should always be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions and consumed within the estimated expiration date after opening.

Remember, insects can carry pathogens to food and, consequently, transmit diseases, so always keep food closed!

Following these habits does not completely eliminate the risk , but it reduces the chances of contracting intestinal infections.

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