What Causes Intestinal Infection

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What is an Intestinal Infection
An intestinal infection, also called as gastrointestinal infection, is characterized by watery diarrhea. It occurs when one consumes contaminated foods and drinks. This infection spreads through many ways, and is said to affect people with weak immune systems. Thus, children and elderly often suffer from intestinal infections. Let us now take a look at what causes intestinal infection.

Intestinal Infection Causes
Intestinal infection involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that leads to acute diarrhea and vomiting. This infection is caused by various microbial agents like viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, intestinal parasites and their toxins also lead to inflammation and diarrhea. When one consumes food or water that is contaminated, with these diseases causing organisms or toxins, it leads to an infection.

Intestinal infection causes include eating contaminated, raw or uncooked meat, unpasteurized milk and milk products, eating contaminated shell fish, drinking contaminated water or swimming in contaminated pools. Many times, these bacteria and viruses spread through the fecal oral route. This means when one does not wash hands after using the restroom, will spread the organisms by touching door knobs, tables, hand towels, etc. When another person touches these surfaces, harmful bacteria and viruses and touches their mouth or food, the infection will spread. Therefore, it is very important to wash one's hand after using the restroom, before cooking and eating food.

Viral agents that causes intestinal infections include norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus. There are many different bacterial species that also lead gastroenteritis like Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia, etc. Consumption of uncooked meat, unwashed or improperly washed fruits and vegetables can spread these microorganisms into the body. Many times eating stale food or spoilt food also leads to an infection.

Intestinal Infection Symptoms
Apart from diarrhea and vomiting there are plenty of other intestinal infection symptoms. These include:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Flatulence
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bloody stools
  • Heartburn
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Reduced skin tugor

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