1. An Unwanted Guest in Your Gut
Bacterial gastroenteritis, sometimes called acute gastroenteritis, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by the introduction of certain types of bacteria into the digestive tract. Food poisoning is another term for bacterial gastroenteritis. This very common condition can be mild or severe. In all cases, dehydration is the cause of most concern, as this type of illness does not tend to progress to other kinds of illnesses or diseases (though can in very rare cases lead to anemia, infection or kidney failure).
2. Watch What You Eat and Drink
The leading cause of bacteria entering the stomach and intestines is through food or drink. Reheated meals, undercooked foods (such as beef, eggs, poultry, pork and vegetables), dairy, seafood and some bakery products can contain the bacteria that can lead to gastroenteritis. Bacterial gastroenteritis tends to be common in areas of poor sanitation. Some people who travel to other countries where the water supply might not be clean are susceptible to bacterial gastroenteritis. Even swallowing contaminated swimming water can lead to this illness.
3. Sick to Your Stomach
Your body's reaction to the toxins created by the bacteria that invades your system is to get rid of it as quickly as possible; thus, vomiting and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis. In severe cases, this can lead to dehydration or malnutrition. Abdominal pain and/or cramps are common as well. If the condition leads to inflammatory bowel disease such as colitis, blood in the stools may be observed.
4. Getting to the Bottom of the Problem
Bacterial gastroenteritis can be differentiated by a viral infection of the intestines by a few tests. A stool culture will be conducted on fecal matter to ascertain the type of bacteria present (many kinds of bacteria cause bacterial gastroenteritis, including E. coli, salmonella, staphylococcus and clostridium). The presence of white blood cells in the stool will also indicate a bacterial infection. If the suspected food or water is available, that too can be tested for any bacteria.
5. Getting Back on the Right Digestive Tract
The main objective of treatment for bacterial gastroenteritis is to replace fluids as well as electrolytes (salt and minerals needed to maintain fluid balance in the body) lost with repeated vomiting and bouts of diarrhea. Intravenous (IV) fluids may need to be administered in cases where oral consumption is not possible. Antibiotics are not commonly used for many types of bacterial gastroenteritis, but may be prescribed if necessary. Recovery is usually within one week.
