Gastrointestinal Infection: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Gastrointestinal contaminations can be bacterial or viral. Manifestations of such agents cause nausea, inflammation in the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, heaving, fever, and stomach ache. The stool of the patients may contain some bloody mucus. While viruses are the known cause of many abdominal infections, bacterial infections are also common. Some people call this as ‘’food poisoning.’’ Poor hygiene is the sole cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. Infection may also occur due to close contact with animals. In many cases, contaminated food or bacteria is also a reason.

Treatment for gastrointestinal contamination incorporates taking anti-toxins and remaining hydrated. Normal anti-infection agents used to treat gastrointestinal disease are penicillin, antifolate/sulfa mixes, cephalosporin, glycopeptide, nitroimidazole, monobactam anti-microbials and penem. Only the most severe cases require these antibiotics. It is very important to take fluids throughout the day on a regular basis. It is a must to keep in mind that losing too much salt content in your body like potassium and sodium may lead to intestinal infections. The body needs this in proper amounts to function without any problem. In serious cases, the patient may be admitted to the hospital and given salts and fluids intravenously. A surgery may be required in case the infection is widespread through gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy enables a doctor to see and analyze the inner lining of the digestive tract. The examination is performed through an endoscope, which is a flexible fiberoptic tube, at the end of which a tiny TV camera is connected. The endoscope does not just diagnose the problem but allows its treatment as well. Through the endoscope, the doctor is able to seek and evaluate multiple problems, such as muscle spasms or ulcers. There are several names for endoscopy, such as colonoscopy and enteroscopy. Colonoscopy is known to seek ulcers in the stomach, inflamed mucus lining of the intestine, large bowel, or bleeding in the colon. Enteroscopy, on the other hand, is a newly developed diagnostic tool allowing a doctor to see the small bowel. The procedure begins and goes on firstly with the diagnosis and treatment of hidden bleeding. Secondly, the cause of malabsorption is detected. The X-ray then shows the small bowels. During surgery, sores are located and removed with little damage to healthy tissues. Doctors can also study the stomach juices, blood and stool to learn about the gastrointestinal infection manifestation. After all the diagnosis is done, the doctor inserts the endscope in the stomach through the mouth and removes all foreign bodies and polyps. He will inspect the rectum walls and colon thoroughly. If necessary, a surgery is done.

Anyone who is overweight, has a normal weight and has a normal body mass index is eligible for a Weight Loss Diet Counselling treatment. In some cases, diabetics or people with high blood pressure may also be eligible for this treatment.

Anyone who is underweight, has some untreated medical condition or has low insurance coverage is not eligible for the surgical treatment.

There are rarely any side effects in adults and even if there are, it may last only for a week or two. In case of aged adults or very young children, there is more vulnerability and exposure to bacteria and virus. The side effects of constant medication and hospitalization include, muscle pain, fevers, bowel movement obstruction and many more. Some bacterial infection may also lead to kidney failure, anemia, and intestinal bleeding.

The post treatment guidelines are recommendations by doctors to carry out proper management by preventing and controlling the outbreaks. Hospital based infection control programs are there to help lessen the chances of infection. Antibiotic stewardship is the most recommended method to reduce the risk factors of infection. Patients must be monitored for symptoms of carbolic state or malnutrition. If indicated, parenteral or eternal electrolytes, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins, and amino acids should be supplemented. Oral rehydration is a time consuming job in gastroenteritis that requires vigilance. In young infants or children the caretaker must keep the child hydrated at all times. In case of older patients, careful observation is a must as they may have many other health conditions too.

It is a known fact that your abdominal condition is the most contagious and exposed during the first 48 hours. Even after that, the virus might remain in your stool for two to three weeks. With proper diet and medical care, a patient is likely to recover within 3 weeks.

The cost of treatment for gastrointestinal infection may vary depending upon the seriousness of the infection. During the onset of infection, the cost may range between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000. In case the situation becomes critical and surgery is needed the cost may range between Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000.

If the diet plan and the exercise routine are sternly adhered to, there is a high possibility that the results of the treatment may be permanent. In case the patient does not follow these rules instructed by the doctor, the infection may reoccur and cause more damage to the intestine.

There are various alternative treatment methods such as the home remedies which are convenient as well as cost effective. Ginger (Zingiber oficinale) is a famous and easily obtainable herb which has been proven beneficial to treat bowel infection as it heals the intestinal lining by reducing inflammation. Another exceptional remedy to treat gastrointestinal infection is to have chamomile tea. The herb in it is known to treat extreme bloating and gas in the intestines.