Intestinal Infection

Intestinal infection, also known as gastroenteritis, is a common digestive illness caused by inflammation of the small intestines due to viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It is typically characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In some cases, additional symptoms may include headache, body aches, and dehydration. A variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites may cause intestinal infections, including rotaviruses, adenoviruses, noroviruses, astroviruses, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, Shigella, and Giardia lamblia. Risk factors for developing an intestinal infection include eating contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person, and being in an environment with poor sanitation. To prevent infection, it is important to practice good hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid drinking unclean water, and cook food thoroughly. Treatment of an intestinal infection typically focuses on symptom management and replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotics may also be prescribed.