Gut Infection Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Nirva Health is where traditional Ayurveda meets the heights of modern technologies. Gut health is one of the fields in which Nirva Health has its share of expertise. Here, we adopt a blend of lifestyle changes and traditional medicines powered by the benefits of yoga to help you fight for your healthiest gut version.

This is what one of our clients says after two weeks of a health journey with us.

For the time being, allow us to walk you through the process step by step, from diagnosis all the way to recovery. Let’s dig deeper into the topic of gut infections and how one can protect digestive health.

What Is A Gut Infection?

Gut infections are not only a burden to deal with but also a heads-up that nasty organisms have invaded your gut. You can be infected by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi, which can disrupt the balance within the gut. By knowing gut infection types, one can ensure being ready to tackle and prevent them. Let’s take a look at the most common types of gut infections.

1. Bacterial infections:

Salmonella, Escherichia coli (abbreviated E. coli), Clostridioides difficile (often called C. diff), and Campylobacter are some of the most common bacteria infecting people’s guts. These infections are typically caused by contaminated food or water.

For example, E. coli can be found in undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables, and prolonged use of antibiotics is associated with infection by C. difficile.

2. Viral Infections:

The viruses that cause the most gut infections include Norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus.

Norovirus is infamous for being the leading cause of epidemics in crowded places, including cruise ships and schools. Rotavirus is mostly responsible for diarrhoea in young children.

3. Parasitic Infections:

Certain parasites, such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium, can also infect the gut. These parasites are mostly contracted through contaminated water.

Giardiasis (Giardia infection) is a common sickness caused by drinking untreated water while hiking or camping.

4. Fungal Infections:

Fungal infections like Candida albicans are less common in healthy individuals but are pervasive in people with weak immune systems or who have been using antibiotics.

Causes Of Gut Infections

Contaminated food or water and weak immune systems increase the chance of getting a gut infection. Understanding how these infections occur is key to being better prepared to guard against them. This section will tackle some common causes of gut infections and their effects on the body.

1. Contaminated Food Or Water

One of the most prevalent reasons for gut infection is using water that has not been treated or food with high-level pathogens. For example:

• A person is very likely to get infected by eating and drinking seafood and meat that are not well-prepared.
• Unwashed vegetables and fruits are more likely to carry pesticides or bacteria that might irritate the gut.
• It is highly recommended that you do not drink untreated or unfiltered water, as it can contain deadly viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

2. Poor Hygiene

Inadequate hand washing is one of the most common causes of poor hygiene. Many people forget to wash their hands after going to the toilet or before eating. If so, then they are likely to transfer pathogens to their mouth and increase the chances of gut infection.

3. Travelling To Areas That Are Known To Be High-Risk

Visiting places known to have poor sanitation increases the risk of consuming food or water, which can lead to traveller’s diarrhoea. 

4. Use Of Antibiotics: 

You may be surprised to read this heading, right?! Yes, antibiotics are necessary when treating bacterial infections. However, most people aren’t aware that they also leave their gut prone to diseases due to the misplaced balance of good bacteria. C. difficile is a harmful bacteria that thrives in such environments. 

5. Immune System

People with weakened immune systems, such as the ones who are undergoing chemotherapy, suffering from HIV/AIDS, or are on immune-suppressants, are highly prone to gut-related infections. 

Symptoms Of Gut Infections 

The body can signal when there is an issue. A gut infection can cause mild to serious discomfort. Knowing what signals to look for can help prevent major damage and treat the underlying issues immediately. 

Symptoms Associated With Digestion: 

• Diarrhea is a common sign of most gut infections. It has several forms: mild and watery are less concerning, while severe and bloody indicate a serious infection. 
• Cramps and pain are also common signs. Along with the other signs mentioned, pain tends to be in the lower abdomen region and can be sharp or dull. 
• Nausea and vomiting are how the body responds to bacterial or viral infections. 
• Gas and bloating are other signs of bacterial infection in the gut. The breakdown of overgrowth bacteria results in the production of gas.

Systematic Symptoms

• Fever and chills: These are symptoms of an infected body, which involve the body raising muscles and mental tensions to an intense level, causing shaking and muscle twitching.
• Fatigue and weakness: Lacking water and nutrients essentially saps your energy, and withering you away feels achingly impossible.
• Dehydration: Check for symptoms such as dry throat, drowsiness, and lowered visits to the restroom.

Severe Symptoms

• Prolonged extreme temperatures (101°F) and above.
• Possible serious infection indicated by stool containing blood or phlegm.
• Severe sharp pains suggest severe inflammation or even an open wound in the abdomen.

Diagnosing Gut Infections

An accurate diagnosis is crucial for full recovery. Using the inputted symptoms, healthcare specialists will determine the germ causing the infection and recommend specific treatments. In this section, we look at the particularly helpful techniques in diagnosing gut infections.

Stool Tests

These tests seek to find distinct bacteria, viruses, or parasites within your stool sample.

For example, stool cultures capture Salmonella or Campylobacter because they are exceptionally prone to colonising within them.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can provide results of inflammation, dehydration, and rising white blood cell count, which all indicate infection.

Endoscopy Or Colonoscopy

Using these helps in peering into the gastrointestinal tract while extracting tissues for examination. They are commonly used with patients who show chronic or advanced stages of infection.

Imaging Tests

CT scans or ultrasounds can assist in determining if blockages or abscesses are present within the abdomen.

Treatment Options For Gut Infections

The treatment for gut infections is not limited to medication. It entails restoring balance to the digestive tract. The scope of possible treatments includes everything from home remedies to modern medicine.  

Home Remedies And Supportive Care  

• Staying hydrated is important. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are effective in replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.  
• Broths, herbal teas, or coconut water are clear fluids that are also useful in maintaining hydration.  
• To make digestion easier, adhere to a bland diet like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast).  
• Trigger foods like spicy foods, caffeine, high-fat meals, and dairy should be avoided as they worsen symptoms.  
• Avoiding strenuous movements and getting rest will help the body recover – sleep is also important.  

Medical Treatments  

• Antibiotics are prescribed whenever patients present with bacterial infections like Salmonella. Common ones are ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.  
• Many viral infections are self-limiting, but in extreme cases, antiviral medications such as oseltamivir can be prescribed. 
• Anti-parasitic medications like metronidazole or tinidazole can help get rid of Giardia and other parasitic infections.  
• Most doctors prescribe antifungal medications like metronidazole for candida albicans and other fungal infections. Fluconazole or Nystatin can also be given. 
• Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication that is effective against diarrhoea. However, it should never be administered where blood is present in diarrhoea or in case of fever. 
• Pain relievers such as acetaminophen are effective against fever and do not cause any negative side effects. It is, however, better to steer clear of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, which will cause irritation to the gut. 

Hospitalisation (Severe Case) 

• Intravenous fluids may be necessary for severe dehydration. 
• Monitoring remains necessary for complications like sepsis or intestinal perforation. 

Preventing Gut Infections  

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Through the adoption of these good practices, you can minimise your chance of getting gut infections. Let us see how we can best keep the digestive system healthy and strong. 

Practice Good Hygiene 

You should wash your hands with soapy water properly, especially before eating and after using the toilet. 

Ensure Food Safety 

Meats should be cooked to a safe temperature, fruits and vegetables should be washed before use, and unpasteurised dairy products should be avoided. 

Drink Safe Water 

In areas with bad water systems, you can use bottled or filtered water. 

Probiotic Use 

Research has proven the positive effects of probiotics on human gut microbiome-associated diseases. During and after the intake of antibiotics, you could take probiotics to better your gut microbiome. Are you curious to know more about how probiotics help prevent gastrointestinal infections? Read Antibiotics vs. Probiotics: Finding Balance for a Healthy Gut for a better understanding.

Vaccinations 

Vaccines for rotavirus and cholera are used to prevent these specific infections and are now available.

Ayurvedic Principles For A Healthy Gut

Gut health is believed to be central to maintaining wellness, and Ayurveda places great importance on it. According to Ayurvedic principles, strong digestive fire (Agni) should always be present to help prevent gut infections and aid digestion. Simple things like mindful eating, eating fresh and seasonal food, and taking herbs that are good for the gut can do wonders for balance and harmony in your digestive processes.

If you want to know more about Ayurvedic practices that emphasise well-being for the gut, read Ayurvedic Daily Routine Guide For a Healthy Gut.

Wrapping It Up

Maintaining a balanced gut starts with taking care of it on a proactive level. To achieve this, one must set healthy habits for their digestive systems instead of resolving problems as they arise. First and foremost, practising good hygiene, eating fibre and probiotics-packed meals, staying hydrated, and managing stress effectively are necessary for the prevention of gut infection and inflammation.

But if you are suffering from a digestive problem or any gut imbalance, confronting it alone is never an option. Whether you are dealing with the difficulty of symptoms or want to maintain a healthy gut for the long term, seeking the right advice is essential for your care. Ayurvedic solutions target the body, which makes them very effective in restoring gut health. 

There is no need to wait for discomfort to take control. Start taking care of your gut health today. You can achieve desired digestive health and increased immunity with the right support to ensure vitality and wellness.