Bacterial diarrhoea
What is bacterial diarrhoea?
Bacterial diarrhoea is an intestinal infection caused by some specific bacteria. Symptoms usually include watery stools, cramps, bloating, abdominal pain and nausea. In rare cases, bacterial diarrhoea can cause severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and septic shock.
What causes bacterial diarrhoea?
Most cases of bacterial diarrhoea are caused by food- or water-borne bacteria. Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli (also known as E. coli) are common culprits. Contaminated foods and drinks, such as undercooked or raw meats, shellfish harvested from polluted water, and unwashed fruits and vegetables, are some of the most common sources of contamination.
What are symptoms of bacterial diarrhoea?
- Frequent and watery stools
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody stool
Treatment of bacterial diarrhoea
Most cases of bacterial diarrhoea are mild and resolve without medical intervention. Treatment may include:
- Replacing lost fluids with oral rehydration solutions. These solutions are available over the counter from pharmacies. They can help replace lost fluids and minerals and reduce dehydration.
- Antibiotics, in more severe cases. Your doctor will likely recommend an antibiotic if they diagnose you with bacterial diarrhoea.
- Probiotics may help restore healthy levels of bacteria in the gut.