Intestinal infection is a common disease, especially in children, and is an important issue for parents. The question of whether this infection is contagious is even more important in places where hygiene conditions are not as strict as in the home environment, such as schools. Understanding how intestinal infection spreads and whether it can be transmitted to others requires knowledge on the subject. The infection is commonly known as diarrhea and is usually caused by viruses or bacteria.
What is an intestinal infection?
Gastroenteritis, also known as an intestinal infection, is an inflammatory condition caused by various bacteria, viruses and parasites that affect the intestines and stomach. This infection can cause discomfort to anyone and is a disease that must be carefully monitored and treated. Food poisoning is also one of the triggers of this infection.
Intestinal infection can negatively affect the digestive system, leading to diarrhea and dehydration, which can cause weakness and fatigue. Although more common in children, intestinal infection is quite common in all age groups.
What are the symptoms of intestinal infection?
Intestinal infection is a common health problem and its symptoms are similar among patients. Intestinal infection symptoms are:
- Sudden onset of watery diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fire
- Headache
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dry mouth and skin due to dehydration
- Excessive thirst
- Stomach ache
- Low blood pressure
- Pain in the legs
These symptoms may overlap with intestinal inflammation; however, if symptoms persist for more than a week, the severity of the infection may increase or other health problems may occur. In this case, it is important for patients to seek immediate medical attention and have the necessary evaluations.
How to treat intestinal infection?
Intestinal infection is a disease that can usually be cured within a week with the right treatment methods. However, one of the most critical points of this process is to prevent fluid loss and dehydration. Therefore, it is recommended to consume 2-3 liters of water daily during the infection period. Intestinal infection treatment methods are as follows:
- Consuming fluid-rich foods
- Prefer low-fat foods
- Keeping sugar consumption to a minimum
- Include foods containing probiotics
Additionally, specialist doctors may often recommend using medications containing paracetamol to relieve symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea. These methods can help manage the disease and support the healing process.