Diagnosis and treatment of intestinal infections

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master. BSCK II Phan Thi Minh Huong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
The diagnosis of intestinal infections based on the characteristic manifestations of the disease will help doctors make judgments about the cause of the disease to have appropriate treatment.

1. What is an intestinal infection?

Intestinal infections are common diseases nowadays. The characteristic presentation is usually watery or viscous diarrhea. This usually happens continuously for several days. Intestinal infections are transmitted mainly through eating and drinking, when eating foods and water sources containing disease-causing bacteria.
Organisms including yeast, bacteria or parasites are all responsible for intestinal infections.
Poor hygiene foods are the environment for these organisms to grow, so this is a favorable environment that makes it easy for sick people to get sick when exposed to dirty food sources.
Each type of pathogen causing an infection will have a different severity of the infection.

2. Diagnosing intestinal infections

Some common signs of people with intestinal infections:
Passing loose stools, broken stools, sometimes constipation The microorganisms that cause intestinal infections can affect other organs such as: respiratory viral infection, sinus infection, cough... The patient has a feeling of loss of appetite Feeling of nausea, loss of appetite When the patient's intestinal infection becomes severe, it will appear. signs of abdominal pain or bloating People with an intestinal infection will feel cramps in the abdomen. The pain will last for about 3-4 minutes and the condition will get worse if not treated the cause People with intestinal infections can develop irritable syndrome caused by parasites in the patient's intestines stay in the intestine When having an intestinal infection, it may be more difficult to sleep During sleep, some subjects with an intestinal infection may grind their teeth Due to the influence of irritants such as yeast or Dehydration in the digestive system increases the risk of headaches in patients Skin itching or burning of the skin may be a sign in patients with an intestinal infection.

3. Treatment of intestinal infections

The majority of patients with viral intestinal infections characterized by diarrhea resolve spontaneously without treatment. What the patient needs to do at this time is to ensure that there is enough water in the body.
If the patient's body loses too much water, it is necessary to be taken immediately to medical facilities to receive fluids due to the loss of water during the patient's diarrhea or vomiting or fever.
If the patient's condition becomes serious, the patient will be ordered by the doctor to do some tests. Usually people with intestinal infections caused by bacteria or parasites will be ordered to have a stool sample.
If the patient is a child, more special care is required.
When a patient has a severe intestinal infection, he or she may need to be hospitalized for intravenous fluids, antibiotics, or other treatments. It usually takes a few weeks for the body to recover.
Depending on the type of bacteria causing the disease, the doctor will prescribe which medicine should be used accordingly.

In the process of treating people with intestinal infections, the most important thing is:
Always wash your hands clean to break the chain of infection. Drink plenty of water to prevent infections Do not share personal items Disinfect common sources of intestinal infections Daily water source should always be hygienic When having an intestinal infection, it is advisable to visit medical facilities for medical examination and treatment to be examined, diagnosed and given appropriate treatment to avoid the risk of spreading to others. Absolutely do not arbitrarily use the drug without the prescription of a qualified doctor.
Doctor Phan Thi Minh Huong has over 30 years of experience in the field of Gastroenterology in which with nearly 20 years holding the position of Deputy Department, Head of Department of Hue Central Hospital. Currently, he is a Doctor of Gastroenterology - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - General Internal Medicine Department of Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
Department of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology is one of the key specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital. For timely examination, consultation and treatment of digestive diseases.
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