It is a stomach flu called viral gastroenteritis. It is an intestinal infection with symptoms and signs of watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. It can happen due to contact with the infected person or eating contaminated food or water. If you are healthy and have a strong immune system, then it doesn’t affect you, but it affects infants and older people very badly. The intestine and stomach experience inflammation and irritation, and it is due to a viral or bacterial infection called influenza. It is acute in nature that lasts for a short time and happens suddenly, and can get better on its own without any treatment. Due to this, it causes vomit that makes the body lose fluid and electrolytes, and we need to replace it as soon as possible so that our body can work properly and be able to take precautions against dehydration. Usually, it is not harmful, but when it comes to dehydration, then it is dangerous to our body.
Types of Stomach Infections
The three main types of stomach infection are
- 1. Bacterial
- 2. Viral
- 3. Parasitic
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Bacterial infections caused due to contaminated foods and can cause food poisoning.
Those bacteria are
- 1. Salmonella
- 2. E. coli
- 3. Listeria
- 4. A staph infection
- 5. Clostridium perfringens
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Some foods have high risks that include
- 1. Undercooked food and raw meat, eggs, or poultry.
- 2. Contaminated water
- 3. Unwashed veggies and fruits.
- 4. Viral infections are very common and include norovirus and rotavirus.
- 5. Parasitic infections are caused by intestinal helminths or worms and protozoan parasites, and the two most common infections are giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis. It can be spread by contaminated water and by swimming in the pool and can also spread by animals and by human feces.
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Stomach Infection Symptoms
- 1. Watery diarrhea
- 2. Cramps or pain in the stomach
- 3. Vomiting or nausea
- 4. Sometimes fever, fatigue.
- 5. Loss of appetite
- 6. Fast heart rate
- 7. Insufficient urine
- 8. Weakness or weight loss.
- 9. Muscle aches and headaches
- 10. Belching
- 11. Indigestion
- 12. Gagging
- 13. Flatulence
- 14. Chills, dehydration,
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These are the symptoms and signs that can people can identify that they are suffering from this.
Stomach Infection Causes
It is caused due to many things like
- 1. Consumption of contaminated food and water.
- 2. Have contact with the infected person
- 3. Don’t have the habit of washing hands after using the bathroom, especially in a public washroom and while changing the diaper of babies.
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Rotavirus and norovirus are the main cause of it.
Rotavirus is mainly found in infants and young children.
Norovirus is found in foods and is usually found in adults.
Both viruses affect the lining of the small intestine.
Bacteria also cause infection in the stomach. Some of the bacteria are
- 1. Yersinia is found in pork.
- 2. Shigella is found in water and the swimming pool.
- 3. Salmonella is mainly found in meat and poultry.
- 4. E.coli is found in beef and salads.
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Bacteria mostly attacks when we are traveling or live in a populated area and eat contaminated street foods. It can spread through our body also by touching our eyes, mouth, or other open parts. So we have to take care of ourselves by washing and sanitizing our hands.
What to Eat in Stomach Infection
- 1. Eat bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
- 2. Eat dry cereal, plain crackers, and pretzels.
- 3. Eat plain potatoes
- 4. Eat eggs.
- 5. Eat low-fat poultry and eat.
- 6. Eat fruits and vegetables.
- 7. Take broth-based soups.
- 8. Take peppermint tea and ginger.
- 9. Consume clear liquids like broth, fruit juices, sports drinks, etc.
- 10. Take electrolyte beverages.
- 11. Suck on ice chips.
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How Is Stomach Infection Diagnosed
You need to take advice from your doctor. If these symptoms are visible, that is
Dehydration, low urine output, dizziness, and light-headedness. You must consult with your doctor if your see any of the following signs.
- 1. High fever
- 2. Bloody diarrhea
- 3. Severe pain in the stomach.
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Then your healthcare provider or doctor examines you and your symptoms and performs necessary tests like
Stool sample test – take a sample of your stool and check the cause of infections.
Sigmoidoscopy – It is a 15- minute procedure where the doctor inserts a small thin, flexible tube into the anus into the lower large intestine to see the inflammatory bowel disease.
Food To Avoid Stomach Infection
- 1. Avoid caffeine-infused foods and alcohol.
- 2. Avoid spicy foods.
- 3. Avoid high-fat and fried foods.
- 4. Avoid dairy and unpasteurized products.
- 5. Avoid sugar-infused foods and beverages.
- 6. Avoid greasy and salty foods.
- 7. Avoid drinking alcohol.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of infection in the stomach?
Watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting are the major symptoms of infection.
How long can a bacterial stomach infection last?
Bacterial stomach infection usually lasts for atleast two to three days, and it may last for a few, and it can be harmful if left untreated.
What are some serious stomach infections?
Clostridium, campylobacter, E-coli, Vibrio, and Yersinia are some serious stomach infections.
What are the early warning signs of sepsis?
Slurred speech, chronic muscle pain, feeling dizzy, etc., are the symptoms or signs of sepsis.
What food is good for stomach infections?
Easy-to-digest foods, such as soup, oats, rice, etc., are good for you if you have a stomach infection.
Is lemon water good for stomach infections?
Lemon juice is an effective natural remedy as it helps detox the impurities in your intestine.
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