The stomach is a pear shaped organ that is responsible for adding hydrochloric acid to consumed food to aid in digestion. Sometimes, problems can arise when spoiled food is consumed or a person drinks too much alcohol. In some cases, antibiotic medications can lead to stomach problems. The causes of stomach problems typically have effective treatments.
Food Poisoning
Eating leftover and unrefrigerated foods may lead to food poisoning. The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of food poisoning include stomach pain or cramps, vomiting, nausea, watery diarrhea, fever and fatigue. Food poisoning also leads to a poor appetite.
Many types of bacteria, parasites and viruses can lead to food poisoning. Some of these include Campylobacter found in contaminated meat or unpasteurized milk and Staphylococcus aureus found in contaminated cream sauces, salads and pastries.
Treatment of food poisoning depends upon the cause. Replacing fluids and electrolytes (sodium, potassium and calcium) orally (by mouth) or intravenously (through the vein) should be the initial aim. Antibiotics may be taken if bacteria causes the food poisoning.
Gastritis
MedlinePlus states that gastritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach's inner lining. Symptoms of gastritis include stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting or vomiting blood (hemoptysis). Dark stools and a poor appetite are other causes of gastritis.
Common causes of gastritis include alcohol consumption, smoking, medications such as ibuprofen and a Helicobacter pylori (type of bacterial) infection.
Like food poisoning, treatment for gastritis depends on its cause. Over-the-counter or prescription antacids can be taken to decrease the stomach acid.
Pseudomembranous Colitis
The Mayo Clinic says that pseudomembranous colitis is type of inflammation that occurs as a result of taking antibiotics. Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis include stomach pain or cramping, diarrhea, a fever, dehydration, nausea, and pus or mucus in the stool.
Antibiotics actually interfere with the normal bacteria in the colon and lead to an overgrowth of a particular bacteria called Clostridium difficile. Typically, antibiotic medications such as penicillins, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins lead to pseudomembranous colitis.
Discontinue the antibiotic causing this condition. Typically, a doctor will prescribe another antibiotic medication called metronidazole to manage symptoms of Clostridium difficile overgrowth. Sometimes, a combination of vancomycin and metronidazole may be prescribed. Rifaximin is another medication used to manage pseudomembranous colitis.
