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Diarrhea and body aches no fever. Diarrhea and Body Aches Without Fever: Understanding Causes and Treatments

by alexxlab

What are the common causes of diarrhea and body aches without fever. How can you manage these symptoms at home. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea and body aches. What are the potential complications of untreated diarrhea.

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Understanding Diarrhea and Body Aches: A Comprehensive Overview

Diarrhea and body aches are common symptoms that can occur together, often without the presence of fever. These symptoms can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild infections to more serious underlying conditions. Understanding the potential causes and appropriate management strategies is crucial for effectively addressing these uncomfortable symptoms.

What Defines Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. It’s often accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, and a sense of urgency. While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications.

Body Aches: A Common Companion to Diarrhea

Body aches, also known as myalgia, refer to generalized pain or soreness in the muscles. When occurring alongside diarrhea, body aches can be a sign of an underlying infection or systemic response to gastrointestinal distress.

Common Causes of Diarrhea and Body Aches Without Fever

Several conditions can lead to the combination of diarrhea and body aches without necessarily causing a fever. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
  • Food poisoning
  • Medication side effects
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Traveler’s diarrhea
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Certain bacterial or parasitic infections

Gastroenteritis: The Most Frequent Culprit

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is often the cause of diarrhea and body aches without fever. This viral infection inflames the stomach and intestines, leading to a range of symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and body aches.

Food Poisoning: A Common Trigger

Consuming contaminated food or drinks can result in food poisoning, which often manifests as diarrhea and body aches. Symptoms typically appear within hours of ingesting the contaminated substance and can last for several days.

Identifying the Underlying Cause: Key Questions to Consider

To determine the potential cause of your symptoms, consider the following questions:

  1. Have you recently started any new medications or supplements?
  2. Did your symptoms begin shortly after consuming dairy products?
  3. Have you traveled to a foreign country recently?
  4. Are your symptoms accompanied by severe abdominal pain or bloating?
  5. Do you experience alternating constipation and diarrhea?
  6. Is there blood or mucus in your stool?

Answering these questions can help narrow down the potential causes and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Managing Diarrhea and Body Aches at Home

In many cases, diarrhea and body aches can be managed effectively at home. Here are some self-care strategies to consider:

Hydration: The First Line of Defense

Staying hydrated is crucial when experiencing diarrhea. Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can worsen dehydration.

Dietary Adjustments

Stick to a bland diet, often referred to as the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). These foods are easy to digest and can help firm up stools. Gradually reintroduce other foods as your symptoms improve.

Rest and Recovery

Allow your body time to heal by getting plenty of rest. This can help alleviate body aches and support your immune system in fighting off any underlying infections.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Certain over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms. Loperamide (Imodium) can reduce diarrhea, while pain relievers like acetaminophen can help with body aches. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medications, especially if symptoms persist.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of diarrhea and body aches resolve on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. Seek immediate care if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal or rectal pain
  • Blood in your stool
  • Signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urine output)
  • Symptoms persisting for more than a few days
  • High fever (above 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
  • Inability to keep liquids down

Preventing Diarrhea and Body Aches: Proactive Measures

Taking preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing diarrhea and body aches. Consider the following strategies:

Proper Hygiene Practices

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before handling food, after using the bathroom, and after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. This simple practice can prevent the spread of many infectious agents that cause gastroenteritis.

Food Safety

Practice proper food handling and storage techniques. Cook foods thoroughly, refrigerate perishables promptly, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and seafood. When traveling, be cautious about consuming tap water, ice, and raw fruits or vegetables in areas with questionable water sanitation.

Dietary Awareness

If you suspect lactose intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods, keep a food diary to identify potential triggers. Consider eliminating problematic foods from your diet or using enzyme supplements to aid digestion.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, particularly in individuals prone to conditions like IBS. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise into your routine.

Understanding the Link Between Diarrhea and Body Aches

The connection between diarrhea and body aches may not be immediately apparent, but these symptoms often occur together due to the body’s systemic response to infection or inflammation. Here’s a closer look at this relationship:

Inflammatory Response

When the body detects a pathogen or irritant in the gastrointestinal tract, it initiates an inflammatory response. This can lead to the release of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that can cause widespread muscle aches and fatigue.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. These changes in fluid and mineral levels can contribute to muscle cramps and generalized body aches.

Viral Infections

Many viral infections that cause gastroenteritis can also affect other body systems, leading to symptoms like body aches and fatigue alongside gastrointestinal distress.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups may be at higher risk for complications from diarrhea and body aches and may require special attention:

Children and Infants

Young children and infants are particularly susceptible to dehydration from diarrhea. They should be closely monitored and given oral rehydration solutions as needed. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may have a harder time recovering from fluid losses and are at increased risk for complications. They should be encouraged to stay hydrated and seek medical care if symptoms are severe or prolonged.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV, may be more susceptible to severe infections. They should consult with their healthcare provider at the onset of symptoms.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women experiencing diarrhea and body aches should contact their healthcare provider, as certain infections can pose risks to the developing fetus.

Long-Term Health Implications of Recurrent Diarrhea and Body Aches

While most episodes of diarrhea and body aches are acute and resolve quickly, recurrent or chronic symptoms can have long-term health implications:

Nutritional Deficiencies

Frequent or prolonged diarrhea can interfere with nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. This can have wide-ranging effects on overall health and well-being.

Gut Microbiome Disruption

Repeated bouts of diarrhea can disrupt the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This dysbiosis can contribute to ongoing digestive issues and may impact overall immune function.

Chronic Fatigue

Persistent body aches and frequent episodes of diarrhea can lead to chronic fatigue, impacting quality of life and daily functioning.

Increased Susceptibility to Infections

Recurrent gastrointestinal distress can weaken the gut’s protective barriers, potentially increasing susceptibility to future infections.

Understanding these potential long-term effects underscores the importance of addressing recurrent symptoms and seeking appropriate medical care when necessary.

By recognizing the causes, implementing effective management strategies, and taking preventive measures, individuals can better navigate episodes of diarrhea and body aches. While these symptoms are often benign and self-limiting, staying informed and attentive to your body’s signals can help ensure timely intervention when needed, promoting overall health and well-being.

Diarrhea – familydoctor.org

Diarrhea is an uncomfortable condition that can have many causes. Most cases of diarrhea will go away on their own. However, in some cases, diarrhea can lead to dehydration or be a sign of a more serious problem. Follow this chart to see if the cause of your diarrhea needs immediate medical attention.

Back to Symptoms

Step 2

Answering Questions

  • Are you also nauseated or vomiting?

  • Did you recently start taking an antibiotic or other new over-the-counter or prescribed medicine or supplement?

  • Did your symptoms begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking dairy products?

  • Did your diarrhea develop within 2-8 hours after eating food that might be spoiled, or did someone else eat the same food and become ill too?

  • Have you traveled recently to another country?

  • Do you have sharp pain in the lower left side of your abdomen, and are you often constipated?

  • Is your diarrhea watery, and do you have a headache or muscle aches and a low fever?

  • Do you have persistent, severe abdominal cramps, gas, and watery diarrhea followed by greasy stools?

  • Do you have a fever, and are you experiencing pain in the middle or upper abdomen that radiates to your back?

  • Are you bloated, and are you experiencing severe lower abdominal pain or cramping?

  • Do you have diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and stomach pains every time you eat certain foods?

  • Do you have frequent loose bowel movements mixed with blood or mucus, and diffuse/generalized abdominal pain and cramping?

  • Do your bowel movements alternate between constipation and diarrhea, and does your condition seem to get worse when you’re under stress?

  • Have you had chronic constipation (long bouts between bowel movements associated with abdominal pain, bloating and straining to defecate), but suddenly experienced watery diarrhea that leaks out?

Back to Questions

Step 3

Possible Causes

  • Diagnosis

    You may have GASTROENTERITIS (stomach flu).

    Self Care

    Drink plenty of water, eat a bland diet (smaller, more frequent meals that include non-spicy foods) and see your doctor if you develop and find blood or mucous in your diarrhea or vomit.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    Your diarrhea may be a side effect or adverse reaction caused by the medicine.

    Self Care

    Talk to your doctor about the antibiotic or medicine you’re taking. He or she may be able to prescribe a medicine that won’t cause diarrhea. However, don’t stop taking your current medicine unless your doctor tells you.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    Your symptoms may be caused by LACTOSE INTOLERANCE. People who have this condition have trouble digesting the sugar in milk and other dairy products.

    Self Care

    If you think you have LACTOSE INTOLERANCE, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend taking lactase enzyme tablets or drops to help prevent problems. Also, avoid eating or drinking foods and beverages that make you sick.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have FOOD POISONING. Other symptoms of FOOD POISONING may include headache, fever, chills, and weakness.

    Self Care

    Most problems caused by FOOD POISONING will clear up within 12-48 hours. In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Children should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Avoid solid foods until the diarrhea goes away. A simple way to make a home-based ORS is to boil a cup of white rice until the rice has completely overcooked and split and the water is cloudy. Keep the water and throw out the mushy rice. The water replaces the electrolytes lost in diarrhea.

    If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, or you’re very uncomfortable, call your doctor.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have TRAVELER’S DIARRHEA, which is caused by contaminated food or drink.

    Self Care

    Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products. If your symptoms persist or if you have blood or mucous in your diarrhea, call your doctor.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have a condition that affects the intestines, such as DIVERTICULOSIS or DIVERTICULITIS.

    Self Care

    See your doctor. A diet high in FIBER and water may help relieve your symptoms.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have GASTROENTERITIS (stomach flu).

    Self Care

    Get plenty of rest. Children who have GASTROENTERITIS should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration. A simple way to make a home-based ORS is to boil a cup of white rice until the rice has completely overcooked and split and the water is cloudy. Keep the water and throw out the mushy rice. The water replaces the electrolytes lost in diarrhea.

    Ease back into eating with bland foods and clear liquids.

    Contact your doctor if you have a high fever (greater than 101. 5°F), your symptoms last for more than 10 days, or if you are unable to tolerate liquids for more than 2 days.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have a form of BACTERIAL DIARRHEA or a parasite (GIARDIA).

    Self Care

    Call your doctor promptly. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have GALLBLADDER DISEASE, a perforated ULCER PANCREATITIS.

    Self Care

    Call your doctor promptly.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    These could be symptoms of a problem such as an INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION or blockage.

    Self Care

    See your doctor right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    MALABSORPTION problems, such as CELIAC DISEASE, can cause food-related diarrhea. Food sensitivities can also cause similar symptoms.

    Self Care

    Avoid the foods that make you sick, and discuss the problem with your doctor. Keep a food diary (writing down what and when you eat and when symptoms develop) to help determine patterns or triggers for your symptoms.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE or CROHN’S DISEASE.

    Self Care

    See your doctor. He or she will determine what treatment is right for you. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that make your symptoms worse.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME or SPASTIC COLON may be the cause of your DIARRHEA.

    Self Care

    Gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet if constipation is the main issue, and drink plenty of fluids. If you see blood in your stools, call your doctor.

    Start Over

  • Diagnosis

    You may have a FECAL IMPACTION, a large mass of dry, hard stool that is trapped in the rectum.

    Self Care

    See your doctor.

    Start Over

  • Self Care

    For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

    Start Over

familydoctor.org editorial staff

The 10 Most Common Causes of Body Aches Without a Fever

  • The most common cause of body aches without a fever include stress and sleep deprivation. 
  • If you have body aches without a fever, it could still be a sign of a viral infection like the flu. 
  • If your body aches are severe or last more than a few days, you should see your doctor.

Body aches are feelings of pain or soreness all over your body. They are a common symptom of viral illnesses like the flu. If sickness is the cause of your body aches, you’re likely to also have a fever, but in some circumstances, you may have body aches without a fever.

Here are the most common causes of body aches without a fever. 

1. Stress 

Stress can cause body aches, but the pain differs from illness-related aches, says Nate Favini, MD, the medical lead at Forward, a preventive primary care practice. 

Body pain caused by stress typically manifests in the neck, shoulders, and back. Though it is possible for these pains to be felt in other parts of the body, like the legs, abdomen, or chest, Favini says. Illness-related body aches tend to be all-over and come on quickly, peaking in intensity over a short period of time —  typically hours or days.

Meanwhile, muscle aches from stress may come on more slowly. Stress causes your muscles to tense up. Once you relax, your muscles release, but ongoing or chronic stress can lead to longer bouts of muscle tension. 

A 2015 study found a correlation between stress and the function of many bodily systems, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and endocrine systems. According to the study, stress can negatively impact these systems and manifest as physical pains including muscle aches and headaches. 

Other symptoms of stress include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Sudden weight gain or loss
  • Exhaustion

If you think stress may be causing your body aches, try incorporating relaxation techniques into your day, like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

2. Lack of sleep 

Sleep is essential for cell regeneration — the body’s process of replacing or restoring damaged cells and tissues. Not getting enough sleep can impact your body’s ability to produce new cells, which can result in feelings of physical exhaustion and pain. 

In addition to body aches, other symptoms of sleep deprivation include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes, including increased feelings of depression or anxiety
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea
  • Problems with planning or organization 

If you’re struggling to sleep seven to eight hours per night, Favini recommends:

  • No screens at least an hour before bed. Blue light from laptops, phones, or televisions can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle.
  • Establish a nighttime routine to prepare for sleep. Incorporate a relaxation element, like taking a warm bath or reading a book. 
  • Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. This will reinforce your body’s natural sleep cycle. 

3. Chronic fatigue syndrome 

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme fatigue and sleepiness that interfere with daily life. The condition affects an estimated one million Americans.

Aches and pains are common in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, though the severity of pain varies by individual, says Robert Berghorn, DPT, owner of Ascent Physical Therapy based in New York.  

“Pain is supposed to act as a protective mechanism. However, in this case with chronic fatigue syndrome or any other chronic pain condition, it more acts like an uncontrolled wildfire,” Berghorn says. “In this type of condition, there is a ‘remapping’ or changes in the way that the affected person interprets pain and activity where even the most simple things like opening a door can be really painful without any specific reason for the hand to hurt.”

Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:

  • Difficulties with concentration and memory
  • Headaches
  • Muscle weakness
  • A recurring sore throat 

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but many symptoms can be managed with medication or lifestyle changes. If you think you may be experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome, talk with your doctor about the best course of treatment for you. 

4. Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain and stiffness all over the body. The condition affects about four million adults in the US. Risk factors for fibromyalgia include an autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, a history of stressful or traumatic events, and a family history of the disease. Fibromyalgia is also twice as likely to affect women as men. Symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Problems with memory
  • Depression and anxiety 

The condition can be managed with medication, stress management techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

5. Medications 

Some medications can also cause body aches, Favini says. Some of the most common include:

  • Statin medications like Lipitor or Altoprev, which are used to lower cholesterol
  • Fluticasone, which is used to treat asthma
  • Carvedilol, a blood pressure medication 

If you’re on a medication that you think is causing your body aches, talk with your doctor about your symptoms and what other options may be available to you.

6.

Dehydration 

Inadequate water intake reduces your body’s ability to remove inflammatory chemicals from tissues, causing achiness and soreness, Berghorn says. 

Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • Dizziness
  • Confusion 
  • Exhaustion
  • Extreme thirst
  • Dark urine

One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is keeping a water bottle with you and drinking from it regularly, Berhorn says. If you do notice signs of dehydration, drinking a sports beverage with some sugar and electrolytes will help rehydrate you faster than just water.

7. Deficiencies 

Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can also cause body aches, Berghorn says. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Vitamin D
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Iron

Our bodies need a certain level of vitamins and nutrients to function properly, and deficiencies can alter the way tissues interact with each other, causing aches and pains.  

“Each muscle contraction requires the appropriate levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium,” Berghorn says. “If one or more levels are low, it can result in spasms, reduced muscle contraction control, and muscle cramping.”

Don’t rush to taking supplements however; experts say most over-the-counter vitamin supplements are a waste of money. If you are worried you have a vitamin deficiency, talk to your doctor and get tested, then follow their specific treatment plan. Most people will get all the vitamins they need if they eat a healthy and balanced diet. 

8. Autoimmune disorder 

An autoimmune disorder is when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Some autoimmune disorders can cause body aches.

There are many different types of autoimmune disorders. Some of the most common ones that can cause body aches include:

  • Lupus. A condition where the body attacks healthy tissues. Lupus most commonly affects the skin, joints, and internal organs and can cause muscle and joint pain.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS). A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the fatty substance protecting nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. The loss of this protective layer can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in limbs, and sudden pain when moving the neck.  
  • Dermatomyositis. A condition that causes muscle weakness, which can result in joint pain. 

There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but medications may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with these disorders. 

9. Lyme disease 

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorfer. Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Rash
  • Fatigue
  • Chills
  • Fever

Lyme disease isn’t common in all parts of the US. Most cases occur in Northeastern states, where the deer tick, which spreads the disease, is the most common. Climate change has expanded the tick’s habitat, however, and more states are seeing cases of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. Most people respond well to treatment and fully recover.

To prevent tick bites in the first place, wear long pants and check for ticks frequently when in the outdoors in an area where Lyme disease is common. 

10. A viral infection 

Both body aches and fever are common symptoms of viral infections, but it is possible to have a viral infection, like the flu, without having a fever, Favini says. Other viral infections may also cause body aches without a fever, like the common cold, and even COVID-19. Symptoms of a viral infection include:

  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat

A viral infection can last as long as a week or two, but over-the-counter medications, like Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help relieve many of the symptoms.  

When to see your doctor 

If your body aches are severe, lasting more than a few days, and impacting your daily life, you should seek medical attention, Favini says. A doctor can help you determine the exact cause of your symptoms and suggest proper treatment. 

Insider’s takeaway 

Body aches are a common symptom of viral infections, like the flu, but they could have several other causes, including autoimmune diseases or a nutritional deficiency. If you are experiencing persistent body aches that impact your daily life, reach out to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

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Erin Heger

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist located in the Kansas City area. She primarily covers stories related to healthcare policy, maternal mental health, parenting, and personal finance. Her work been featured in The Atlantic, Rewire.News, Refinery29, HuffPost, and more. 

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Intestinal infections. – Ulyanovsk Regional Center for Occupational Pathology. Maksimchuk V.M.

Intestinal infections are acute infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with manifestations of general intoxication and the enteral mechanism of infection (through the entry of the infectious agent into the GIT).

The disease is extremely common in both adults and children. Intestinal infections pose a significant threat to the health of children, especially young children. Features of their physiology, biochemical reactions, immaturity of the immune system cause a rapid and sometimes lightning-fast course of the disease, leading to significant complications and consequences. There is no seasonality in intestinal infections. They are observed throughout the year, with a predominance of bacterial pathogens in the spring-summer period, and viral etiology – in the autumn-winter period.

Infections that affect the intestinal tract can originate from people, animals or contaminated food. And not only patients with obvious manifestations of the disease, but also latent carriers of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria. The causative agents of infections can be both bacterial pathogens and conditionally pathogenic flora, viruses, protozoa, helminths, fungi. A combination of several pathogens leading to diarrhea is possible.

Why is an intestinal infection dangerous?

Intestinal infection is characterized by two main manifestations: intoxication (poisoning) and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Both of these conditions are especially dangerous for babies due to the rapid development of life-threatening conditions – dehydration and toxicosis.

Dehydration (dehydration) is the rapid loss of body fluids due to vomiting and/or diarrhea when these losses are not adequately replenished. Dry lips and mucous membranes, thirst or abrupt refusal to drink, weakness, decreased urination in older children, and dry diapers in infants should be alarming symptoms for parents.

Intoxication, being a characteristic symptom of many infections and other diseases associated with the presence of bacteria and toxins in the body, is characterized by universal manifestations – weakness, fever, loss of appetite, headache, heart palpitations.

Symptoms of an intestinal infection

The main intestinal manifestations that you should pay attention to are dyspepsia (nausea, discomfort, heaviness in the stomach), vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea / diarrhea. The severity of the course of the disease, the likelihood and severity of complications, and the features of the treatment of the infectious process will depend on the severity of these manifestations. An increase in body temperature is a frequent, but by no means obligatory manifestation of intestinal infections. Some dangerous infections can occur without fever.

Treatment of intestinal infection

Compliance with the correct drinking regimen and compliance with the rules of feeding will ensure a reduction in the duration of the disease and in most cases will allow treatment at home, comfortable and familiar conditions. Drug therapy is prescribed only after a doctor’s examination, taking into account the existing additional symptoms and their severity. Adsorbents and membrane protectors, antiemetics, probiotics or prebiotics, antibacterial or intestinal antiseptics may be added to the treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

The following are symptoms that should prompt medical attention:

  • blood in stool;
  • refusal to drink for several hours or uncontrollable vomiting;
  • decreased number of urination, dry diapers for children;
  • frequent multiple copious stools;
  • abdominal pain;
  • behavioral changes, including marked drowsiness, slower reactions to external stimuli, fever that is not well reduced after taking antipyretic drugs.

Prevention of intestinal infections in adults and children

The first and basic rule for the prevention of intestinal infections is personal hygiene. It is necessary to control the quality of the products used for cooking, thoroughly washing vegetables / fruits, eggs. Do not eat products from dubious markets and “home” production. It is necessary to control the communication of the child with pets. Timely vaccination plays a significant role in the prevention of intestinal infections. Thus, the rotavirus vaccine is becoming routine in preventing the disease. There are also vaccines that are used according to vital and epidemiological indications for the most dangerous infections in the intestines: dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera.

Enteroviral infection

09/18/2017

Enterovirus infection is a multiple group of acute infectious diseases that can affect children and adults when infected with viruses of the Enterovirus genus. The insidiousness of the causative agents of enterovirus infection is that they can cause various forms of clinical manifestations, from mild malaise to serious damage to the central nervous system. With the development of an enterovirus infection, the symptoms are characterized by a feverish state and a wide variety of other signs caused by damage to the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, central nervous system and other organs.

How the infection spreads:

The main route of transmission of enterovirus infection is considered fecal-oral .
Household contact , through household items, contaminated hands, if personal hygiene is not observed.
Airborne if the pathogen multiplies in the respiratory tract, when coughing, sneezing.
Waterway – infection can occur when vegetables and fruits are watered with contaminated sewage, as well as when swimming in open contaminated water bodies, according to some reports, even water in coolers is a source of enterovirus infection.
If a pregnant woman is infected with an enterovirus infection, a vertical route of the pathogen’s transmission to the child is also possible.

Enterovirus infection is characterized by summer-autumn seasonality, a person has a very high natural susceptibility, and after the illness, type-specific immunity is maintained for several years.
The incubation period of any enteroviral infections is no more than 2-7 days.

All diseases that can be caused by enteroviruses according to the severity of the inflammatory process can be conditionally divided into 2 groups:0075 Serious diseases
These include acute paralysis, hepatitis, serous meningitis in children and adults, pericarditis, myocarditis, neonatal septic-like diseases, any chronic infections in HIV-infected people (HIV infection: symptoms, stages).
Less severe diseases
Conjunctivitis, three-day fever without rash or with rash, herpangina, vesicular pharyngitis, pleurodynia, uveitis, gastroenteritis. Enterovirus D68 can occur with severe cough and bronchopulmonary obstruction.

Symptoms:

Signs of SARS . Children develop perspiration, sore throat, sometimes runny nose, cough, fever. The temperature is high at the first stages, then decreases and after 2-3 days it jumps sharply again. This phenomenon is called “enterovirus fever”. It lasts, as a rule, 3 days, the child will feel unwell. During this period, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea sometimes appear, which can stop abruptly.

Rash . This manifestation of the disease is called “exanthema”. A rash appears on the second day after the temperature rises. As a rule, it is localized on the neck, legs, arms, face, back, chest. Outwardly, it looks like small red dots on the skin, identical to the manifestation of measles. Sometimes the rash is localized in the mouth, throat, looks like bubbles filled with liquid, which then turn into sores.

Muscle pain . Enterovirus infection in some cases affects muscle tissue. It is localized more often in the chest, abdomen, much less often in the back, arms, legs. Deterioration of the condition is manifested by movement, the pain has a paroxysmal character. The duration can be several minutes and up to half an hour. If you do not start timely therapy, muscle pain will become chronic.

Diarrhea, vomiting. Often manifested in children under 2 years of age when the body is affected by an enterovirus infection. Sometimes the symptom is accompanied by bloating, pain. Diarrhea can last for several days. The main task of parents during this period is to restore fluid deficiency in time.

Additional symptoms of enterovirus infection:
drowsiness, lethargy;
abdominal pain;
loss of appetite;
swelling of the extremities;
general malaise;
dehydration;
conjunctivitis, redness of the eyes, lacrimation;
enlargement of the lymph nodes.

In healthy adults with strong immunity, enterovirus infection cannot develop to severe pathological processes, and most often it is generally asymptomatic, which cannot be said about small children, especially newborns and adults weakened by other diseases, such as HIV infection, cancer, tuberculosis.

To prevent the disease of enterovirus infection, it is necessary to observe preventive measures:

Use guaranteed safe water and drinks (boiled water and drinks in factory packaging).
Eat foods that have been heat treated.
Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and then rinse with boiling water.
When swimming in ponds and pools, do not allow water to enter the oral cavity.
Follow the basic rules of personal hygiene.
You should avoid visiting mass events, places with a large number of people (public transport, cinemas, etc.).
Wet cleaning of residential premises is recommended at least 2 times a day, ventilation of premises.