General gastrointestinal (GI) infections are very common, affecting people of all ages. Most digestive disorders are minor and go away on their own relatively quickly without any treatment. They can, however, be highly contagious.
Viruses or bacteria in the intestines cause many of these infections carrying a risk of dehydration, anemia, or secondary infections. The most common source of a GI infection comes from trace amounts of fecal matter consumed unintentionally by doing something as common as touching an infected bathroom door handle or ingesting food at a restaurant with transferred fecal particles.
Signs & Symptoms of a Severe GI Infection
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Blood in stool
- Mucus in stool
When to Call Your Doctor About a GI Infection
- Symptoms persist more than few days
- Blood in stool
Causes of a GI Infection
- Trace amounts of fecal particles
- Undercooked food
- Contaminated food or water
- Bacillus cereus
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella
- E coli
- Norovirus
Treatment Options for a GI Infection
- Consuming sports drinks with electrolytes
- Stool specimen
- Antiparasitic drugs
- Antibiotics
- Probiotics
- Antiemetics
- Specialized testing
- Nutrient intravenous therapy
- Chelation therapy
- Natural supplements
You can trust the highly experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists at Atlantic Digestive Specialists to provide you with personal care and the latest diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Experts in treating GI infections, contact us now.
