Smileband Health issues

What is bacterial gastroenteritis?

Bacterial gastroenteritis happens when bacteria causes an infection in your gut. This causes inflammation in your stomach  and intestines. You may also experience symptoms like vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

While viruses cause many gastrointestinal infections, bacterial infections are also common. Some people call this infection food poisoning. 

Bacterial gastroenteritis can result from poor hygiene. Infection can also occur after close contact with animals or consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria (or the toxic substances bacteria produce). Treating bacterial gastroenteritis

Treatment is meant to keep you hydrated and avoid complications. It’s important not to lose too much salt, such as sodium and potassium Your body needs these in certain amounts in order to function properly.

If you have a serious case of bacterial gastroenteritis, you may be admitted to the hospital and given fluids and salts intravenously. Antibiotics are usually reserved for the most severe cases.

Home remedies for mild cases

If you have a milder case, you may be able to treat your illness at home. Try the following:

• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, especially after bouts of diarrhea.
• Eat little and often, and include some salty foods.
• Consume foods or drinks with potassium, such as fruit juice and bananas.
• Don’t take any medications without asking your doctor.
• Go to the hospital if you can’t keep any fluids down.

A few ingredients you may have at home can help keep your electrolyte balance and treat diarrhea. Ginger can help combat infection and make stomach or abdominal pain less severe. Apple cider vinegar and basil can also soothe your stomach as well as strengthen your stomach against future infections. 

Avoid eating dairy, fruit, or high-fiber foods to keep diarrhea from getting worse. 

Over-the-counter medicines that neutralize your stomach acid can help fight these infections. Medicines that treat symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pains can help ease the stress and pain of the infection. Don’t take over-the-counter treatments unless your doctor tells you to do so.