A gastrointestinal infection is caused by bacteria, viruses or other parasites infecting the gastrointestinal tract, which is made up of the stomach, large and small intestines, esophagus, anus and mouth. The infection is usually not life-threatening, and it causes people to have diarrhea.
Causes
A gastrointestinal infection is often caused by food poisoning, which occurs when bacteria create toxins in food that is handled or stored improperly. Common bacteria and parasites that cause the infection are salmonella, E. coli and giardia.
Symptoms
People with a gastrointestinal infection generally have loose stools for less than a week. Children with the infection can be in danger of becoming dehydrated. Other symptoms include vomiting, blood in stools, nausea, a loss of appetite, a fever and abdominal pain.
Spread
A gastrointestinal infection can be spread through hand contact, animals, food and water. Usually symptoms do not appear for two days to four weeks after the bacteria enter a person's body.
Treatment
A gastrointestinal infection often does not require treatment. People with the infection should avoid food, especially dairy products, until they stop having diarrhea, and drink plenty of fluids except for caffeinated beverages. Some individuals need to take antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading.
Prevention
People can prevent gastrointestinal infections by washing their hands frequently with soap and water, washing raw vegetables, cooking food thoroughly, avoiding tap water in some developing countries and keeping pets away from eating spaces.
