Food Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Stomach ache is fairly common among all ages. While some may be resolved with a simple appetizers, others might require extensive medical treatment. Stomach pain can arise due to multitude of reasons. Some of the striking reasons include Bacterial Gastroenteritis, which affects many.

What is Bacterial Gastroenteritis? Many people suffer from stomach flu which is also called as Bacterial Gastroenteritis. This type of condition leads to inflammation of the intestines and stomach, and can also cause unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and cramps in the abdomen. There can be virus infections, however, bacterial infections are equally common in occurrence. In the layman’s language it is also called as ‘food poisoning’. The reason for Bacterial Gastroenteritis can arise from lack of hygiene. It is also possible to catch an infection due to close contact with animals or on consuming water or food that has been contaminated by bacteria.

What are the causes of Bacterial Gastroenteritis?

There are a number of types of bacteria that can cause Gastroenteritis such as:

Staphylococcus- This is found in meat, eggs, and dairy products

Yersinia- Related to pork

Shigella- This is associated with water and can be found in swimming pools

Campylobacter- This is found in poultry and meat

Salmonella- This bacteria is mostly found in dairy products, eggs, and meat

E. coli- This is found in beef and salads

If you find any of these symptoms or children showing these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.

What is the diagnosis?

The doctor will check for signs of abdominal pain and dehydration. Therefore, in order to determine the type of bacteria that causes infection, you may be asked to give a stool sample for the purpose of analysis. You may also be required to give blood sample to check for dehydration.

What is the treatment?

The aim of the treatment is to avoid further complications and keep your body hydrated. It is also essential that salts such as potassium, sodium remain within the required range these are important for the proper functioning of the body. If you suffer from sever bacterial gastroenteritis, you may be hospitalised and given salts as well as fluids intravenously. You can visit some of the best gastroenterology doctors in Hyderabad such as Apollo Hospitals, Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, and others.