Intestinal Infection Treatment

Intestinal infection can be caused by various pathogens like, bacteria, virus, fungus, yeast and intestinal parasites and worms. Sometimes, infection caused by these pathogens can become too severe, especially if the condition is left untreated. However, proper treatment can however, prevent the intestinal problems and complications associated with this condition.

Causes and Symptoms of Intestinal Infection

As has been mentioned already, it can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungus and intestinal parasites. More commonly, bacterial infection in intestinal tract is caused by Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni, Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, Yersinia and Vibrio cholerae. Apart from these, parasites such as giardia, Cryptosporidium, pinworm, roundworm, tapeworm, flukes and amoeba can cause infection in the intestine. Even yeast that normally resides in the intestine of almost all healthy individuals can cause infection at times. Usually factors that weaken the immune system and destroy the population of beneficial intestinal bacteria can cause intestinal yeast infection in the body.

People contract many of these pathogens, due to poor personal hygiene such as, eating food with unwashed hands or eating in unsanitary environment. Many a time, contact with contaminated foods and water can also cause this infection. We can also contract such infectious agents by consuming foods that have not been cooked or prepared properly. Infection of the intestine can produce several painful symptoms, out of these the most common symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain and intestinal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Teeth grinding
• Bloody stool
• Sleep disorders and headache

Intestinal Infection Cure

Treatment basically depends on the type of pathogen that has caused the infection. Usually, mild infections of the intestine resolve within a few days. But, severe infection can require proper medications. Intestinal bacterial infection treatment usually involves the administration of antibiotics. For parasitic infections, anti parasitic medications will be required. Viral infection on the other hand, goes away within a couple of days without treatment. For intestinal yeast infection treatment, antifungal medications can be required at times, especially if it is of severe nature.

Along with medications, drinking enough fluid and water is very important for treating this infection. This is because, infection of the intestine is usually accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. If loss of fluid due to diarrhea or vomiting is not replenished, then it can cause dehydration. Dehydration caused by this condition can sometimes necessitate intravenous administration of fluid. In addition to taking appropriate medications, people suffering from intestinal infection should stay away from foods that are difficult to digest. They should also stop eating outside for a while. To speed up the recovery process, they can take the help of certain home remedies such as, banana, buttermilk, lemon juice and peppermint tea. Ginger is another effective home remedy. You can either chew ginger or take ginger tea to cure this infection. In the meantime, avoid foods like, onion, cauliflower and foods that can cause indigestion, along with beverages like, coffee.

If the symptoms are not improving with all possible care and use of home remedies, then get the condition properly evaluated as soon as possible. For effective treatment, it is better to seek immediate medical attention. To prevent it in the future, be sure to maintain personal hygiene, and eat only well-cooked foods. Raw foods and vegetables should be washed properly before consuming, in order to reduce the chances of contracting infection causing pathogens.