Bacterial Enteritis
What is Bacterial Enteritis?
Bacterial enteritis, also known as bacterial diarrhea, is a condition where inflammation of the small intestine is caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. Other associated symptoms may include dehydration, fever, headache, general malaise, and fatigue. Bacterial enteritis can happen to anyone, but it is more common in areas with poor sanitation.
Causes and Risk Factors of Bacterial Enteritis
Bacterial enteritis is typically caused by the ingestion of bacteria-ridden food or drink. It is most frequently caused by Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and Campylobacter bacteria. Some cases of enteritis can also be caused by virus. Other risk factors include people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those traveling to underdeveloped countries.
Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Enteritis
The most common symptoms of bacterial enteritis include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Headache and fatigue
- Dehydration
In more severe cases of bacteria-induced enteritis, dehydration is a major risk. Severe dehydration can lead to rapid weight loss, as well as confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, dry skin and mucous membranes, and extreme thirst.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Enteritis
In order to diagnose bacterial enteritis, a physician will look for signs and symptoms, as well as take a sample of the patient's stool for bacterial testing. In the event that the patient is severely dehydrated, intravenous fluid therapy may be used to bring the body's systems back to normal.
Bacterial enteritis can be treated with antibiotics, which attack and kill the bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics may be taken for anywhere from three to ten days, depending on the severity of the infection. Sometimes, antibiotics are combined with other treatments, such as antidiarrheal medications, to better treat the symptoms associated with bacterial enteritis.
Prevention of Bacterial Enteritis
The best way to reduce the risk of developing bacterial enteritis is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food, avoiding contaminated food, and properly storing food. It also helps to drink only bottled or boiled water.