Intestinal Infection Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Intestinal infection is inflammation that occurs in the intestine, both in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and the large intestine (colon).
This inflammation occurs in the inner lining of the intestine, causing various symptoms.
Overall, there are several types of intestinal infections (enterocolitis or coloenteritis):
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Pseudomembranous colitis
Severe inflammation that occurs in the large intestine. Inflammation occurs due to an increase in Clostridium difficile bacteria in large numbers.
Normally these bacteria are found in the large intestine. However, an uncontrolled increase in the number of bacteria can trigger inflammation.
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Necrotizing enterocolitis
Formation of dead tissue (necrosis) in the intestine. This condition often occurs in premature babies.
Another thing to know about this intestinal infection is the possibility of complications in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), such as liver disorders and perforated intestine.
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Antibiotic-associated enterocolitis
Intestinal infections that occur due to the consumption of antibiotics that cause many bacteria to die.
At that time, Clostridium difficile bacteria easily attacked and infected.
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Hemorrhagic enterocolitis
Intestinal infection due to Escherichia coli bacteria. This intestinal infection can cause dangerous complications, such as kidney failure, nerve damage, and stroke.
Symptom
Common symptoms of infection usually complained of by sufferers include:
- fever
- swelling around the stomach
- nauseous
- vomit
- diarrhea
- tired
- feeling unwell
- bloody stools
Reason
There are several causes of intestinal infections depending on the type. Here are some of the causes:
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Necrotizing Enterocolitis
This intestinal infection is followed by tissue death in the inner lining of the intestine. This type is more common in babies born prematurely or babies who are sick.
The exact cause is still unknown. However, some opinions refer to an immature immune system so that babies are more easily infected with bacteria.
There are also other allegations, namely because of too much feeding the baby and loss of blood flow or oxygen to the intestines.
Usually, babies don’t want to eat at all, are fussy, and show certain symptoms.
For example, flatulence, swelling or discoloration, bloody bowel movements, diarrhea and vomiting.
Symptoms of a common infection may also appear in the form of fever, respiratory distress and fatigue. Therefore, this type of infection in infants can be fatal.
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Antibiotic-associated Enterocolitis
This small intestine disease occurs when someone is taking antibiotics which causes many bacteria to die.
At that time, Clostridium difficile bacteria could easily attack and infect.
These bacteria produce toxins that can damage the walls of the intestine.
Symptoms can appear as early as 10 days after taking antibiotics.
Usually, the symptoms that occur include flatulence, stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, fever, fatigue, feeling unwell, and severe abdominal pain.
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Pseudomembranous Colitis
This type of infection is usually also associated with antibiotics and is a continuation of antibiotic-associated enterocolitis.
Pseudomembranous colitis also involves inflammation of the intestinal lining and the intestine itself.
Symptoms include watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, and painful abdominal cramps. In the stool examination, white blood cells, mucus, and protein can also be found.
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Hemorrhagic Enterocolitis
This intestinal infection can be caused by the toxin of the Escherichia coli bacteria. The signs of this intestinal infection include severe stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and fever.
This infection can cause dangerous complications if left untreated.
Bacteria usually enter the bloodstream and infect other organs.
In severe cases, sufferers can experience hemolytic uremic syndrome which includes kidney failure, nerve damage, and stroke.
Diagnosis
The doctor will make a diagnosis of intestinal infection based on the history and physical examination.
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out are:
- blood test
- blood culture test
- stool test
- CT scans
- MRIs
In addition, an ultrasound examination can also be done. The goal is to examine the condition of the small intestine and large intestine more thoroughly.
Treatment
Treatment of intestinal infections is carried out according to the type of infection, severity, and disease progression.
Following are some of the treatments and medications for intestinal infections that will be carried out by the doctor:
1. Improved Fluid Volume and Circulation
Usually, the initial principle of handling digestive infections with a history of abnormalities in bowel movements is to rule out the possibility of dehydration.
It’s important not to lose out on too many nutrients, such as sodium and potassium.
Your body needs certain amounts of these compounds to function properly.
Sufferers will be treated for careful monitoring, including getting initial aid in the form of infusions to replace fluids lost from diarrhea.
Some cases of infection even require blood or platelet transfusions.
2. Fecal Microbial Transplant
In case of recurrence, the doctor will perform a stool microbial transplant, which is to replace the microorganisms in the damaged intestine with normal bacteria in the donor.
Treatment with anti-diarrheal drugs is not carried out because it can exacerbate intestinal infections.
3. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are rarely used in patients with mild intestinal infections because they can cause other infections and even worse complications.
However, in some cases, there are times when antibiotics are given to prevent certain bacterial attacks and the course of the disease gets worse.
4. Surgery
Surgery or surgery may be performed on patients whose intestinal tissue has been damaged and some complications arise.
In people with radiation enteritis, for example, you may need a change to radiation therapy.
You may even need to stop radiation completely and in some cases, may need to have a surgical procedure to cut out the part of the intestine that has been damaged.
Prevention
Intestinal infections are difficult to prevent with specific measures.
However, it’s a good idea to take the following steps to maintain body and digestive conditions:
- strengthen the immune system with healthy food and enough rest
- avoid or limit foods that are difficult to digest such as spicy foods, dairy and processed products, or red meat
- Pay attention to food hygiene. Wash and cook food properly and correctly
- take the easy steps that are always recommended to prevent the transmission of various diseases, namely washing your hands regularly.
Do it before eating, before and after cooking, also after every activity outside the house or using the restroom.
Complications
The following are some of the complications that may occur due to intestinal infections that are not handled properly and immediately:
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Dehydration
Intestinal infections can cause sufferers to lose fluids through sweat, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If your symptoms are severe, poorly managed, chronic, or in the case of radiation enteritis, you are at increased risk of becoming dehydrated.
Not to mention babies and small children are also very susceptible to dehydration.
As it is a serious health risk, seek help immediately if you or those around you show signs of dehydration.
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Digestive Health Changes
Researchers have found that intestinal infections can actually change the balance of the microbiome in the body.
This means you will experience a decrease in the number and variety of good bacteria in your gut. That is, digestive health can be disturbed.
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Post-Infectious IBS
One of the possible complications of intestinal infection is post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
This condition mimics IBS and causes symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, or constipation.
Studies have shown that post-infectious IBS affects between 5 and 32 percent of people who have gastroenteritis.
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Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Some people with gastroenteritis may develop ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
This is a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract and can be chronic.
Researchers believe that an abnormal immune system reaction may be the trigger.
When the immune system tries to fight off viruses or bacteria, they may also attack the cells in your digestive tract.