What is Bacterial Gastroenteritis?

Gastrointestinal infections are viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract involving both the stomach and the small intestine. Some people refer gastrointestinally infections like food poisoning.

You may experience signs like vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, etc.

Dehydration is the main threat to gastrointestinal infections, so it is important to stay hydrated. These gastrointestinal infections get better on their own within a few days. However, in the elderly and infants, gastrointestinal infections can be alarming. They cause potential complications, so the address is mandatory. 

Gastrointestinal infections can be caused by a large number of microorganisms, including:

• Yersinia enterocolitica
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Salmonella and Shigella
• Rotavirus
• Escherichia coli
• Helicobacter pylori
• Adenovirus
• Campylobacter
• Clostridium difficile

The treatment usually depends on the type of bacteria causing gastrointestinal infection. However, ayurvedic treatment for gastrointestinal infection can be taken at any point in time to ensure recovery. 

What are the symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis?

The signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal infections continue to persist for 14 days or more. They are characterized by discomfort due to cramps and diarrhea. 

Signs may also include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches
• dehydration
• headache
• mucus or blood in the stool
• weight loss

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not appear within 5 to 7 days. If your child has gastrointestinal infections and continues to vomit after 12 hours, meet your doctor immediately. 

What are the common causes of gastrointestinal infections?

The cause of GI can be different for different GI infections. 

Bacterial

E.coli bacteria are present in the intestine of humans and animals. Though most varieties of it are harmless, some strains can cause serious issues such as bloody diarrhea. The contamination can either be through person-to-person contact or consuming food or water that came in contact with animal manure. 

Salmonella. This form of infection is caused by eating raw poultry.

Viral

Rotavirus. This is the prime cause of viral GI in children across the globe. The children get mostly infected with rotavirus when they touch objects contaminated with the virus and put them in their mouths. To cure this, there are rotavirus vaccines in the world.

Norovirus. It is a common foodborne GI illness. The virus spreads through person-to-person transmission or through food or water. 

Parasite

Giardiasis. This form of parasite spreads easily through human contact or contaminated water. This parasite is resistant to chlorine, and so water in the pools often has this virus. Infections may easily spread if you bathe in the contaminated lakes. 

Cryptosporidiosis. This parasite GI is caused by Cryptosporidium. It is covered with a shell, so it can even survive without a host. 

Home remedies for mild GI

For mild instances of GI, treatment can be initiated at home. Make sure to try these help at home:

• Aim to drink enough water each day, majorly if you have bouts of diarrhea.
• Prefer small meals instead of eating in one go.
• Meet your doctor if you cannot keep any fluids down. 
• Always and always consult your doctor before you start with any over counter medications. 
• Ginger can help combat infection in your stomach. 
• Include potassium in your diet.
• Apple cider vinegar can help strengthen your stomach and give it a boost. 
• Avoid eating fried foods that can cause inflammation in the gut.

Ayurvedic treatment for gastrointestinal infections

Ayurveda believes that our sedentary lifestyle is what leads us to an unhealthy body. In Ayurveda, the fire element is the source of life. It is the gatekeeper of good health and overall performance. Our diet has the ability to nourish this fire and contribute to its well-being while, at the same time, some foods you consume can disrupt its active flow. Processed, fried, old, and harmful foods have the tendency to impact Agni and result in toxin accumulation called “ama”. Ama is the root cause of many problems in our health. So, ayurvedic treatment is focused on keeping the body healthy by way of detoxification. 

Various therapies and medicinal herbs are used in the ayurvedic treatment for gastrointestinal infections to promote health. This line of treatment is safest of all and does not lead to any potential threats on the mind, body, and soul.