What is bacterial gastroenteritis. How does it differ from viral gastroenteritis. What are the common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis. How is bacterial gastroenteritis diagnosed and treated. What are effective prevention strategies for bacterial gastroenteritis.

Understanding Bacterial Gastroenteritis: An Overview

Bacterial gastroenteritis is a digestive condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacterial infection. While less common than its viral counterpart, bacterial gastroenteritis poses significant health risks due to its potential to cause severe dehydration and other complications.

How does bacterial gastroenteritis differ from viral gastroenteritis? The primary distinction lies in the causative agent. Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused by various types of bacteria, while viral gastroenteritis is caused by viruses. Both can present similar symptoms, but bacterial infections often lead to more severe cases with higher fevers and bloody diarrhea.

Common Bacterial Culprits Behind Gastroenteritis

Several types of bacteria are known to cause gastroenteritis. The most common bacterial agents include:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Shigella

Each of these bacteria can contaminate food or water sources, leading to infection when consumed. Understanding the specific bacterial cause is crucial for effective treatment, as different bacteria may require different antibiotic approaches.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Bacterial Gastroenteritis

The symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• High fever
• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Diarrhea, which may be bloody
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance

How can you distinguish bacterial gastroenteritis from other forms of gastroenteritis? While symptoms can overlap, bacterial infections often present with higher fevers and bloody diarrhea. However, a definitive diagnosis requires medical evaluation.

Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches for Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Diagnosing bacterial gastroenteritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. Healthcare providers typically perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. To confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific bacterial cause, a stool sample analysis is often necessary.

What are the treatment options for bacterial gastroenteritis? Treatment approaches may include:

1. Antibiotic therapy: Specific antibiotics are prescribed based on the identified bacteria.
2. Fluid and electrolyte replacement: Oral or intravenous rehydration to combat dehydration.
3. Symptom management: Medications to alleviate nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. Dietary adjustments: Recommendations for easily digestible foods during recovery.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage complications and ensure proper hydration.

Prevention Strategies: Safeguarding Against Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Preventing bacterial gastroenteritis primarily involves practicing good hygiene and food safety. Key prevention strategies include:

• Thorough handwashing, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom
• Proper food storage and handling to prevent bacterial growth
• Avoiding consumption of undercooked foods, particularly meats
• Using clean water sources for drinking and food preparation
• Limiting contact with individuals showing symptoms of gastroenteritis

How effective are alcohol-based hand sanitizers in preventing bacterial gastroenteritis? While hand sanitizers can be useful when soap and water are unavailable, thorough handwashing remains the gold standard for preventing bacterial transmission.

Potential Complications of Untreated Bacterial Gastroenteritis

If left untreated, bacterial gastroenteritis can lead to serious complications. These may include:

• Severe dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Kidney failure
• Neurological problems
• In extreme cases, death

Recognizing the signs of worsening infection is crucial. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, especially if accompanied by high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider is essential for managing bacterial gastroenteritis effectively. Consider seeking medical attention if:

• Symptoms persist for more than 1-2 days without improvement
• You experience high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Diarrhea is bloody or severe
• You show signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dark urine, dizziness)
• Abdominal pain is severe or persistent

Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis in Special Populations

Certain groups may be at higher risk for severe bacterial gastroenteritis or may require special consideration in treatment. These populations include:

Children and Infants

Young children are particularly susceptible to dehydration from gastroenteritis. They may require more aggressive fluid replacement and closer monitoring. Parents should be vigilant for signs of dehydration and seek medical attention promptly if concerned.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may have a more challenging time combating bacterial infections due to weakened immune systems. They are also at higher risk for severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Careful monitoring and early intervention are crucial for this population.

Immunocompromised Patients

Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, may experience more severe symptoms and complications from bacterial gastroenteritis. They often require specialized treatment approaches and closer medical supervision.

Pregnant Women

Bacterial gastroenteritis during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. Pregnant women should seek medical advice promptly if they suspect bacterial gastroenteritis, as certain antibiotics and treatments may need to be avoided.

The Role of Probiotics in Managing Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Probiotics have gained attention for their potential role in managing and preventing bacterial gastroenteritis. These beneficial bacteria may help in several ways:

• Restoring balance to the gut microbiome
• Enhancing the immune response against pathogenic bacteria
• Reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea
• Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea when antibiotics are necessary for treatment

While research on probiotics is ongoing, many healthcare providers recommend probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods as part of the recovery process from bacterial gastroenteritis. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any probiotic regimen, especially in severe cases of gastroenteritis.

Global Impact and Epidemiology of Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis remains a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial for implementing effective public health measures.

Geographic Distribution

The prevalence and types of bacterial gastroenteritis can vary significantly by region. For example:

• Salmonella and Campylobacter are more common in developed countries
• E. coli and Shigella are more prevalent in developing nations

Seasonal Variations

Some forms of bacterial gastroenteritis show seasonal patterns. For instance, Campylobacter infections often peak during summer months in temperate climates.

Outbreaks and Public Health Response

Large-scale outbreaks of bacterial gastroenteritis can occur, often linked to contaminated food or water sources. Public health agencies play a crucial role in:

• Identifying and tracking outbreaks
• Implementing control measures
• Educating the public on prevention strategies

Understanding these epidemiological factors is essential for developing targeted prevention and control strategies on both local and global scales.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Bacterial Gastroenteritis Management

The field of bacterial gastroenteritis research is dynamic, with ongoing studies exploring new treatment approaches and prevention strategies. Some areas of current interest include:

Novel Antibiotic Approaches

With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers are exploring new antibiotic formulations and alternative antimicrobial agents to combat resistant strains effectively.

Microbiome Modulation

Studies are investigating how manipulating the gut microbiome could prevent or treat bacterial gastroenteritis. This includes research into next-generation probiotics and prebiotics.

Vaccine Development

While vaccines exist for some forms of bacterial gastroenteritis (e.g., cholera), researchers are working on developing vaccines for other common bacterial causes, such as certain strains of E. coli.

Rapid Diagnostic Tools

Efforts are underway to develop faster, more accurate diagnostic tests that can quickly identify the specific bacterial cause of gastroenteritis, allowing for more targeted treatment.

These emerging areas of research hold promise for improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of bacterial gastroenteritis in the future.

Nutritional Considerations During and After Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery from bacterial gastroenteritis and in preventing complications. Dietary management during and after the infection is important for several reasons:

• Supporting the body’s healing process
• Replenishing lost nutrients and electrolytes
• Promoting the restoration of normal gut function

During Active Infection

In the acute phase of bacterial gastroenteritis, the focus is on preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Recommended dietary approaches include:

• Clear fluids: Water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions
• Easily digestible foods: Bananas, rice, toast, and applesauce (the BRAT diet)
• Avoiding dairy products, caffeine, and high-fat foods

Recovery Phase

As symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods:

• Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, or tofu
• Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains and starchy vegetables
• Probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables

It’s important to listen to your body and reintroduce foods slowly, avoiding those that seem to trigger discomfort or a return of symptoms.

Long-term Dietary Considerations

Some individuals may experience lingering digestive issues even after the infection has cleared. In these cases, working with a healthcare provider or nutritionist can help develop a personalized diet plan to support ongoing gut health and prevent future infections.

By considering these nutritional aspects, patients can support their recovery and reduce the risk of complications from bacterial gastroenteritis.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis | Cedars-Sinai

ABOUT

CAUSES
DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

NEXT STEPS

What is bacterial
gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can cause symptoms
ranging from mild to severe. A virus, bacterium, or parasite can cause gastroenteritis.
When it’s caused by a type of bacteria, it’s called bacterial gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis is very common. Bacterial gastroenteritis is less common than viral
gastroenteritis. But it’s still a major health risk. This is because you can get
dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea.

What causes bacterial
gastroenteritis?

The more common types of bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis include:

• E.
  coli
• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Shigella

What are the symptoms of bacterial
gastroenteritis?

Symptoms can range from mild pain to life-threatening. Each person may experience
symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever (sometimes very high)
• Belly
  (abdominal) cramping and pain
• Diarrhea, possibly bloody
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance

These symptoms can happen with all forms of gastroenteritis (both viral and
bacterial). High fever and bloody diarrhea are more common with bacterial
gastroenteritis. Untreated severe bacterial gastroenteritis can lead to severe
dehydration, nerve problems, kidney failure, and even death.

The
symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis may look like other health problems. Always
talk
with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is bacterial gastroenteritis
diagnosed?

Your
healthcare provider will do an exam and ask about your health history. Your healthcare
provider will likely ask for a stool sample to find the source of your illness and
whether it’s bacterial or viral. You may need blood tests to find out how severe the
illness is.

How is bacterial gastroenteritis
treated?

Once
a healthcare provider diagnoses your bacterial gastroenteritis, correct treatment
often
works. Antibiotics can cure some forms of the illness within a few days. You may need
other treatment to replace the fluids and electrolytes in your body. It depends upon
the
severity of your illness. In some cases, you may need IV (intravenous) fluid
replacement.

What can I do to prevent bacterial
gastroenteritis?

An
important way to prevent bacterial gastroenteritis is to practice good hygiene.

• Wash your hands thoroughly while handling or preparing food.
• Don’t leave food out too long when you’re serving it. Throw it out if there’s any
  chance it has gone bad.
• If you
  learn of an outbreak of tainted food or drink through a news report, don’t have
  those items.
• Limit
  contact with others who have symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.
• Don’t
  eat undercooked food.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

When should I call my healthcare
provider?

If
you have any of the symptoms described above and they don’t improve after 1 or 2 days,
see your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Key points about bacterial
gastroenteritis

• Bacterial gastroenteritis is a digestive problem caused by bacteria.
• Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, belly cramping, and pain.
• In severe cases, you may become dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance.
• Bacterial gastroenteritis is sometimes treated with antibiotics.
• If severe cases are not treated, they can lead to severe dehydration, neurological
  problems, kidney failure, and even death.
• Good
  hygiene is an important way to prevent bacterial gastroenteritis.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare
  provider tells you.
• At the
  visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or
  tests. Also write down any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Know
  why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know
  what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
  visit.
• Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Medical Reviewer: Jen Lehrer MD

Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Food Poisoning Symptoms | CDC

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• When to See a Doctor
• Serious Health Problems
• How Soon Symptoms Start
• Report Food Poisoning

You can get sick with food poisoning after swallowing certain germs, like Salmonella or E. coli. Your symptoms may vary, depending on the germ you swallowed. Symptoms can range from mild to serious and can last for a few hours or several days.

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

If you have diarrhea or vomiting, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (not having enough water in your body).

Should I See a Doctor for Food Poisoning?

See a doctor if you have any symptoms that are severe, including:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days
• High fever (temperature over 102°F)
• Vomiting so often that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, which include not urinating (peeing) much, a dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up

See your doctor if you are pregnant and have a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Some mild infections can cause problems with pregnancy.

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Serious Health Problems and Long-Term Effects From Food Poisoning

Most people have mild illnesses, but some infections spread by food are serious or even life-threatening. Some people may need to be hospitalized, and some illnesses lead to other health problems, including:

• Meningitis
• Kidney damage
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure
• Arthritis
• Brain and nerve damage

For some people, these health problems can last for weeks or months after recovering from the foodborne illness. For others, they never go away.

How Soon Do Symptoms Start?

Some germs make you sick within a few hours after you swallow them. Others may take a few days to make you sick. This table provides details about the symptoms caused by different germs, when they usually start, and common sources for those germs. Search the table for symptoms you are having.

This provides details about the symptoms caused by different germs, when they usually start, and common sources for those germs.

Some germs make you sick within a few hours after you swallow them. Others may take a few days to make you sick. This list provides details about the symptoms caused by different germs, when they usually start, and common sources for those germs. Review the list for symptoms you are having.

30 minutes to 8 hours

Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea

• Germ: Staphylococcus aureus (Staph food poisoning)
• Common food sources: Foods that are not cooked after handling, such as sliced meats, puddings, pastries, and sandwiches

Within 24 hours

Watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, chills

• Germ: Vibrio
• Common food sources: Raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters

6 to 24 hours

Diarrhea, stomach cramps that last for less than 24 hours—vomiting and fever are not common

• Germ: Clostridium perfringens
• Common food sources: Meat, poultry, gravies, and other foods cooked in large batches and held at an unsafe temperature

6 hours to 6 days

Diarrhea (can be bloody), fever, stomach cramps, vomiting

• Germ: Salmonella
• Common food sources: Raw or undercooked chicken, turkey, and other meats; eggs; unpasteurized (raw) milk and juice; raw fruits and vegetables
• Other sources: Many animals, including backyard poultry, reptiles and amphibians, and rodents (pocket pets)

12 to 48 hours

Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain—fever, headache, and body aches are also possible

• Germ: Norovirus
• Common food sources: Leafy greens, fresh fruits, shellfish (such as raw oysters), contaminated water
• Other sources: infected person, touching surfaces that have the virus on them

18 to 36 hours

Difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty moving eyes – symptoms start in the head and move down as the illness gets worse

• Germ: Clostridium botulinum (Botulism)
• Common food sources: Improperly canned or fermented foods, homemade illicit alcohol (pruno).

2 to 5 days

Diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps

• Germ: Campylobacter
• Common food sources: Raw or undercooked poultry, raw (unpasteurized) milk, contaminated water
• Other sources: Pets (including cats and dogs)

3 to 4 days

Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting

• Germ: E. coli (Escherichia coli)
• Common food sources: Raw or undercooked ground beef, raw (unpasteurized) milk and juice, raw vegetables (such as lettuce), raw sprouts, and contaminated water
• Long-term effects: Around 5­­–10% of people diagnosed with E. coli develop a life-threatening health problem called hemolytic uremic syndrome

1 week

Watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue

• Germ: Cyclospora
• Common food sources: Raw fruits or vegetables and herbs

2 weeks

Fever and flu-like symptoms (such as muscle aches and fatigue), headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures

• Germ: Listeria (invasive illness)
• Common food sources: Queso fresco and other soft cheeses, raw sprouts, melons, hot dogs, pâtés, deli meats, smoked fish, and raw (unpasteurized) milk
• People who are pregnant: Infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Call the doctor right away if you have a fever and feel more tired and achy than usual.

* Most often older adults and people with weakened immune systems

• People With a Higher Risk of Food Poisoning
• Foods That Can Cause Food Poisoning
• How to Prevent Food Poisoning
• Foodborne Outbreaks

If you think you or someone you know got sick from food, please report it to your local health department. Report it even if you don’t know what food made you sick. Reporting an illness can help public health officials identify a foodborne disease outbreak and keep others from getting sick.

Diarrhea and fever in an adult, treatment

Diarrhea (loose stools) is not a disease, but a symptom that usually characterizes a gastrointestinal disorder. This syndrome often results in high fever and diarrhea. The very concept of “diarrhea” implies emptying the intestines more than twice a day with liquid feces. They are 90% water, in contrast to the normal state, when this figure is 60%. According to clinical development, there are acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. The first lasts no more than two weeks, the second lasts more than fourteen days. Any type of diarrhea leads to dehydration, so it is recommended to drink more fluids during this period. However, do not self-medicate, but immediately seek help from a doctor.

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact a specialist.

What could be the cause?

Diarrhea and fever in an adult may indicate not only the presence of some kind of infection in the gastrointestinal tract. Having found this unpleasant symptom, for sure, the patient will ask the question: what can cause it? In fact, there are many.

The most common of these are:

• acute poisoning;
• dysbacteriosis;
• pancreatitis;
• intestinal disorder;
• rectal cancer;
• appendicitis.

These diseases cause diarrhea and fever in adults and children. The first two days of diarrhea should not cause significant concern. However, if after two days the diarrhea does not go away, then it’s time to call the local doctor.

What drugs can cause loose stools

In addition to the above reasons, some foods and medications provoke diarrhea. Also, excessive consumption of prunes and fatty foods provokes a laxative effect. Medicines that cause diarrhea include drugs such as: laxatives, antibiotics, anticoagulants. In addition, diarrhea in adults can occur against the background of psycho-emotional experiences. But such a disorder does not last long, and normal health returns quickly. Also, diarrhea is a faithful companion of travelers. This is due to the frequent change of time zones, the use of not too clean water and unusual products. The symptom disappears immediately after adaptation.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you have such unpleasant symptoms as persistent diarrhea and high fever, do not delay your visit to the doctor. For the initial appointment, you should make an appointment with a therapist. You urgently need a diagnosis of the disease. As soon as you enter the office, an experienced doctor must have a conversation with you, during which he will try to find out the reasons for your ailment. After that, the specialist will palpate, palpate and tap the abdomen. For successful treatment, it is necessary to collect as much useful information as possible, after which you can begin to treat diarrhea and temperature in an adult. Often, the initial examination is not enough, and the doctor prescribes the necessary diagnostic procedures. The most common are:

The cost of these examinations varies considerably. The price depends on the location and reputation of the clinic where the diagnostics will be performed. In addition, the quality of the equipment also affects the cost. Each of these methods is quite informative, but among them all, I would like to highlight CT and ultrasound, the reliability of these methods reaches 90%.

Which doctor can help?

If you have a fever and diarrhea, you should see a doctor in the following specialty:

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m. Some diseases are difficult to diagnose as they say “by eye”. Therefore, you need to trust the doctor when prescribing research. After all the tests, the doctor will be able to draw up the correct course of treatment. Remember: accurate diagnosis and correct diagnosis are already 50% of success in treatment!

Complications due to failure to provide timely assistance

In addition, when examining a patient, the doctor must pay attention to the degree of dehydration of the body. If the patient has lost a large amount of fluid, then:

• the skin becomes dry;
• skin elasticity decreases;
• the work of the cardiovascular system is disrupted;
• blood pressure goes down.

Calcium is washed out of the body with fluid. Due to its deficiency, there is a predisposition to convulsions. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the fluid supply, but do not do it abruptly. Too much water drunk at one time can provoke a gag reflex.

Treatment of diarrhea and fever in an adult

After all the tests are collected and the diagnosis is established, the doctor will prescribe certain measures aimed at eliminating this ailment. Treatment of diarrhea and temperature in an adult involves taking medication, dieting, and other necessary requirements. As an additional help, you can resort to traditional medicine, decoctions and herbal infusions will not do harm, but only consolidate success.

causes, treatment, prevention at home

Diarrhea in children of the first years of life is dangerous, since repeated loose stools can lead to dehydration of the body, regardless of whether it is accompanied by fever or not. Diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age. (1)

In any case, if a child develops diarrhea, a doctor should be consulted.

Causes

Diarrhea with fever is most likely caused by an intestinal infection. By type of pathogen, intestinal infections are divided into bacterial, viral and protozoal. (2)

The most common bacterial intestinal infections include the following.

• Dysentery is an infection caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella that affects the lining of the large intestine. The disease is characterized by repeated diarrhea with an admixture of blood, fever up to 38-39 ° C, vomiting and loss of appetite.
• Salmonellosis is an intestinal infection caused by Salmonella. With this disease, diarrhea may be greenish in color, vomiting is observed, and the temperature rises to 38 ° C.
• Botulism is a disease that develops when botulinum toxin, a waste product of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, enters the body. In addition to diarrhea and vomiting with fever, the disease is characterized by damage to the nervous system with impaired visual and other functions.

Diarrhea can also be caused by viral infections – and viruses are the leading cause of acute intestinal infections in children. (3)

• Rotavirus infection plays a leading role in this regard. “Intestinal flu” manifests itself in the form of an increase in temperature to 38-39°C, diarrhea, vomiting.
• Norovirus infection in terms of the frequency of diseases competes with rotaviruses, and it develops faster. Symptoms: diarrhea, fever, fever, repeated vomiting. (4)
• Adenovirus infection. In this disease, the virus infects the intestinal mucosa, upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Against the background of elevated temperature, abdominal pain and diarrhea are added to the symptoms of a cold (sore throat, cough, runny nose).
• Enterovirus infection also manifests itself in the form of flu-like symptoms, that is, sore throat, runny nose, cough, to which vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating are added.

Intestinal infections can also be caused by protozoa such as giardia (giardiasis), amoebas (amebiasis), and blood flukes (schistostomiasis).

However, other reasons cannot be ruled out. Diarrhea with high fever can also occur with a number of other diseases.

• Food poisoning with expired products (containing a large amount of bacteria or their toxins – the so-called toxic infections).
• Helminthiasis.
• Diseases requiring surgical intervention (acute appendicitis, intestinal obstruction).
• Other infectious diseases (measles, chickenpox, etc.).

In children under one year of age, diarrhea with fever may be caused by teething. However, this happens extremely rarely. More often, the baby’s parents observe not diarrhea, but mushy stools. Usually, after 2-3 days, the temperature drops, and a new tooth erupts in the mouth.

What to do and how to stop

In most cases, diarrhea with fever is of infectious origin. With repeated diarrhea with a high temperature in a child, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Before the doctor arrives, your baby may be given an antipyretic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Since the body loses a lot of fluid during diarrhea, which can be dangerous in children under 3 years old, the child must be given any liquid he likes (fruit drink, tea, diluted juice), chilled boiled water, and even better – glucose-salt pharmacy solutions suitable for age. You need to give liquid in small doses with breaks of 8-12 minutes. (5)

The causative agent of the infection can be determined indirectly clinically, or by performing a fecal analysis. There are two types of analysis: bakposev (it takes about 7 days) and PCR screening (it will be ready in 1-2 days, as a plus, it includes the identification of viral pathogens). Since the child needs immediate help, the doctor will prescribe treatment based on a thorough examination. The success of treatment largely depends on how quickly the measures were taken. In the classical form of diarrhea, it is enough to give the child a glucose-saline solution; sorbents and probiotics have a low degree of clinical effectiveness. In practice, experienced doctors use only Smecta, and Enterol as a probiotic. In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Among other things, some doctors recommend giving children zinc supplements, which will also help reduce the risk of diarrhea recurring over the next three months. However, it should be borne in mind that studies on the use of zinc in cases of diarrhea are incomplete – in any case, it is worth consulting with your doctor. (6)

Photo: pixabay.com

Dehydration is the most dangerous condition that can develop in a child with diarrhea, so watch your child carefully and if you notice any of the following signs, call an ambulance immediately:

• the child is lethargic, wants to sleep both during the day and at night. Children’s games and other activities are not easy for him;
• after a relative improvement in the condition – a decrease in temperature and the cessation of diarrhea – vomiting suddenly begins and a repeated increase in temperature;
• anxiety, increased irritability, or vice versa, decreased level of consciousness, lethargy;
• the baby refuses to eat;
• the child drinks greedily or, on the contrary, refuses water;
• the baby urinates less than 5 times a day, urine is dark;
• the child has cracked lips and cries without tears;
• sunken eyes;
• Skin fold slowly retracts. (7)

In intestinal infections, as well as within two weeks after recovery, you must follow a diet. Milk and dairy products should be excluded from the diet (can be replaced with probiotic sour-milk products, (8) but with severe diarrhea, sour milk should also be excluded, as well as other lacto-containing products), sweets, fried, smoked, fatty foods.

It is recommended to give the child light soups, cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), boiled vegetables (carrots, broccoli), crackers, steam cutlets, baked apples, bananas, tea, compote.

Prevention

The main cause of intestinal infections is poor personal hygiene. From an early age, a child must be taught to wash hands before eating, after going to the toilet and walking in the air.

Food must be thoroughly cooked. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly in running water before eating.

Avoid fast food in questionable establishments.

You can also get vaccinated against rotavirus – ask your doctor about this.

“Unfortunately, even taking all preventive measures, it is difficult to completely exclude infection,” notes pediatrician Nikolai Komov . – It is important to understand that the main task of parents before the doctor arrives is to start rehydration, that is, abundant soldering with glucose-salt solutions. In most cases, this is sufficient. I also note that the most “dehydrating” and acute infection in childhood in our country is rotavirus infection, which is prevented by timely vaccination. The first vaccination should be done before 12 weeks of age.

Popular Questions and Answers

When a baby’s stomach “twists”, such unpleasant symptoms appear that many parents – especially inexperienced ones – get scared. From this, they may miss something or, on the contrary, do unnecessary actions. Pediatrician Nikolai Komov answers the most popular questions.

What is the danger of diarrhea besides dehydration?

When we talk about mild food poisoning (gastroenteritis), we can limit ourselves to soldering. In this case, the most threatening consequence will be dehydration.

But if we are talking about bacterial infections, complications can arise here. There are different groups of pathogenic Escherichia coli that can cause invasion (damage to the intestinal wall), hemolytic uremic syndrome (damaged kidney tubules) is a dangerous, almost resuscitative condition, but, fortunately, such cases are rare. In addition, there are such diseases as dysentery, typhoid fever. These diseases are dangerous for the whole organism. Fortunately, the sanitary and epidemiological service works well in Russia, and outbreaks of the disease can be quickly localized and treated.

How long can diarrhea be treated at home? How many days to wait?

If the general condition is good and there is no vomiting, you properly solder the child, then it is enough to introduce a diet and observe. If diarrhea does not go away in 7-10 days (depending on the age of the child, the younger – the sooner you should see a doctor), then you need to discuss this with a pediatrician. Since, in addition to standard viral infections, bacterial infections, there are parasitic ones that can manifest themselves, including diarrhea. You need to see a doctor so that he looks at the stomach, collects an anamnesis to understand if this is a mild infection.

How to recognize diarrhea in an infant, that is, to distinguish it from the usual stool of a newborn, which can also be watery?

It is necessary to look at the general state and dynamics. If even before that the child had liquefied stools 4-5-10 times a day, then one can hardly speak of an infection. If before that the child walked “in a big way” once every 3-7 days (and all this is the norm for a baby, especially in the first 6 months of life), and suddenly a private liquefied stool appeared – this is most likely a symptom. In addition, any gastroenteritis is accompanied by systemic manifestations (lethargy, weakness, capriciousness and fever (not necessary). Usually, an intestinal infection begins acutely due to some kind of contact (someone else in the environment has worsened, liquefaction of the stool). If we excluded all of the above, and we see that the child feels good, and the stool is either normal or liquefied, then in general you should not worry.0003

Sources

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3. Korneeva E.V. Diagnostic criteria for intestinal infections in children during the first months of life. Vestnik SUSU. 2012; No. 8. pp. 74-76. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/diagnosticheskie-kriterii-kishechnyh-infektsiy-u-detey-pervyh-mesyatsev-zhizni/viewer
4. Usenko D. V., Gorelova E.A. Acute intestinal infections of viral etiology in children: diagnostic and therapy options // Medical Council. 2017; No. 9. pp. 86-91. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/ostrye-kishechnye-infektsii-virusnoy-etiologii-u-detey-vozmozhnosti-diagnostiki-i-terapii/viewer
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