Gastrointestinal Infections

Gastrointestinal infections are a common systemic issue that affects millions worldwide each year. Gastrointestinal infections are characterised by symptoms from mild tummy troubles to severe food poisoning and can significantly affect a person's daily life and overall health.

This blog aims to provide knowledge on the various aspects of gastrointestinal infections, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. 

What are Gastrointestinal Infections?

Gastrointestinal tract infections are common illnesses that target the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, can cause them.

Types of Gastrointestinal Infections

Various pathogens can cause numerous gastrointestinal tract infections. Each type of infection has its characteristics and symptoms, such as:

• Viral Infections: Viral gastrointestinal infections are common and often self-limiting. They typically cause gastrointestinal tract infection symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which usually improve within 1 to 2 days. Some of the viruses that can lead to bowel infections include:
  • Rotavirus: This virus is prevalent in young children and spreads easily through contact with contaminated vomit or faeces.
  • Norovirus: Highly contagious, this virus can quickly spread in enclosed environments like childcare centres, nursing homes, and cruise ships.
  • Adenovirus and Astrovirus: These viruses can cause gastrointestinal infections, particularly in children.
• Bacterial Infections: Bacterial bowel infections often result in fever and diarrhoea. Some common bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections include:
  • Campylobacter: Often linked to consuming contaminated chicken, this bacterium poses a higher risk to young people, older adults, travellers, and malnourished individuals.
  • Salmonella: Usually spread through contaminated meat, poultry, or eggs
  • Shigella: Most commonly affects travellers to developing countries.
  • Clostridium difficile: This bacterium is often associated with recent antibiotic use or hospital stays.
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli): Various strains of E. coli can cause different types of gastrointestinal infections.
• Parasitic Infections: While less common in developed countries, parasitic infections can also cause gastrointestinal issues. Some parasites that can lead to bowel infections include:
  • Giardia: This parasite spreads through the faeces of infected people and animals. It commonly affects young children, hikers, and travellers.
  • Cryptosporidium: This parasite can spread through contaminated food or water.
  • Entamoeba histolytica: This parasite mainly affects young adults and is usually spread through contaminated water or food.

Gastrointestinal Infection Symptoms

Gastrointestinal infections can cause numerous symptoms that vary in severity. The most common signs include: 

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Stomach cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Gas and bloating
• Unintentional weight loss
• An electrolyte imbalance
• Mucus or blood in stool

Causes of Gastrointestinal Infections

Gastrointestinal infections stem from various sources, primarily bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These organisms can enter the body through contaminated water, food products, or direct contact with infected individuals.

Risk factors for Gastrointestinal Infections

Gastrointestinal infections can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk of developing these conditions.

• Compromised Immune System: People with weak immunity are more vulnerable to gastrointestinal infections. This includes:
  • People with HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
  • Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive drugs
  • Those with chronic illnesses
• Age: The elderly and young children are at higher risk due to their less strong immune systems. They can become acutely dehydrated and may require medical attention more frequently than healthy adults.
• Medical Treatments: Certain medical treatments can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections:
  • Radiation therapy, especially to the thorax
  • Intensive chemotherapy
  • Bone marrow transplantation
  • Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids for conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Travel: People travelling to areas with poor sanitation or hygiene standards are at increased risk. 
• Diet and Food Handling: Consuming certain foods can increase the risk of infection:
  • Undercooked or raw animal products
  • Unpasteurised dairy products and juices
  • Raw sprouts
  • Untreated water, especially when hiking or travelling
• Environmental Factors: Certain environments can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections:
  • Enclosed communities like hospitals, dormitories, daycare centres, and cruise ships
  • Swimming in or drinking contaminated water
  • Contact with contaminated soil or animal faeces
• Chronic Conditions: People with chronic motility disorders or other ongoing health issues may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal infections.

Complications

While often resolving on their own, gastrointestinal infections can sometimes lead to serious complications ranging from mild to severe, including:

• Frequent diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to significant fluid loss
• High fever
• Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract
• Fistula formation
• Sepsis
• Oesophageal complications (bleeding, perforation, stricture formation, and sinus formation)
• Fatal bleeding from gastric ulcers in extreme cases

Diagnosis

Diagnosing gastrointestinal infections involves various methods, from traditional laboratory techniques to advanced molecular testing. 

• Laboratory Tests: 
  • Culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing
  • Ova and parasite microscopy examination
  • Antigen detection via immunoassays
• Stool Test: Faecal tests help identify specific pathogens such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridioides difficile, Rotavirus, and norovirus. Stool cultures, Enzyme Immunoassays (EIAs), and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) are commonly used stool tests.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests help identify signs of infection, dehydration, or inflammation. 
• Imaging Tests: Imaging studies like an abdominal X-ray or CT scan help rule out other causes of symptoms, such as bowel obstruction or appendicitis. 

Gastrointestinal Tract Infection Treatment

The treatment of gastrointestinal infections primarily focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. In most cases, self-care measures are sufficient, and medical intervention is not necessary.

• The cornerstone of treatment is hydration. Drinking plenty of fluids, including water, oral rehydration drinks, and herbal teas, is crucial to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. 
• Breastfeeding is the key to maintaining hydration for infants. Formula-fed babies are advised to have oral rehydration solution (ORS) or water for the first 12 hours, followed by their normal formula in smaller, more frequent amounts.
• The body needs time to fight the infection, so getting plenty of rest is crucial. 
• When feeling better, individuals can start eating bland, easy-to-digest foods.
• Medications: Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections and antiparasitics to treat parasitic infections.

When to See a Doctor

Be aware of warning signs that require immediate medical attention, such as:

• Fever above 40°C
• Vomiting for more than 48 hours or vomiting blood 
• Signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urine, extreme weakness, lightheadedness)
• Blood in bowel movements

Children with gastrointestinal infections need close monitoring. Parents should seek medical help if their child:

• Has a fever above 39°C
• Experiences significant discomfort or pain
• Appears lethargic or very irritable
• Has bloody diarrhoea
• Shows signs of dehydration
• Has been vomiting for several hours (beyond normal spitting up)

Prevention of Gastrointestinal Infections

Preventing gastrointestinal infections involves adopting good hygiene practices and being mindful of what one eats and drinks, such as:

• Proper Hand Hygiene: Hand washing is crucial. Wash your hands thoroughly with water and mild soap before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet. 
• Food Safety: It's essential to clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces. Food products should be thoroughly washed when preparing meals. Avoid consuming undercooked foods.
• Water Safety: In areas where clean water cannot be guaranteed, it's advisable to use bottled or boiled water for drinking and teeth cleaning. 
• Travelling Precautions: Travellers should choose freshly cooked foods served steaming hot and avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially meat and seafood. 

Conclusion

While most gastrointestinal infections clear up on their own with proper self-care, it's essential to stay vigilant and take preventive measures. Individuals can effectively lower their risk and manage these common ailments by practising good hygiene, being mindful of food and water safety, and recognising when to seek medical help. This approach impacts overall health and well-being, enabling people to lead healthier, more comfortable lives.

FAQs

1. How do you heal an intestinal infection naturally?

The following are some home remedies that can help relieve gastrointestinal infection treatment:

• Homemade Rehydration Solution: A mixture of water, sugar, and salt replenishes minerals and water 
• Ginger can help eliminate foreign invaders and reduce inflammation. 
• Peppermint Tea
• Lemon juice
• Fennel tea
• Chamomile tea
• Purple loosestrife tea

2. How to treat a gastrointestinal infection?

Treatment for gastrointestinal infections primarily focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Here are some steps to treat a gastrointestinal infection:

• Rest 
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Let your stomach settle by stopping solid food intake for a few hours.
• BRAT diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast 
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
• Over-the-counter medications

3. Is curd good for intestinal infection?

Curd, also known as yoghurt, can benefit intestinal infections due to its probiotic properties. 

Dr Saket Agrawal

Medical Gastroenterology

CARE Medical Team