Infected food, unclean beaches, and dirty hands: How to avoid intestinal infections in summer

Causes of acute intestinal infections

The most common pathogens of intestinal infections include:

• Bacteria (salmonella, E. coli, shigella, staphylococcus, klebsiella, campylobacter, proteus)

• Viruses (rotavirus, enteric adenoviruses, norovirus, enteroviruses)

• Protozoa (amoeba)

Why intestinal infections occur

Most often, intestinal infections are transmitted through:

• Consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly raw animal products (meat, eggs, unpasteurized milk, seafood), unwashed fruits and vegetables

• Swimming in polluted bodies of water

• Dirty hands and household items

Symptoms of intestinal infections

Pathogens of acute intestinal infections cause inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. This disrupts fluid absorption in the intestines and increases its secretion by cells.

As a result, the following symptoms occur:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue and weakness

• Signs of intoxication – fever, headache, muscle pain

• Dehydration

Why dehydration is dangerous

A person with an acute intestinal infection loses a lot of fluid due to diarrhea and vomiting. This can lead to a dangerous condition — dehydration.

When the body is dehydrated, the heart has to work harder, and blood vessels in the brain constrict.

This condition affects memory and coordination, and worsens overall well-being. It may lead to seizures and even heart rhythm disturbances.

Severe dehydration can result in kidney failure, which requires treatment in intensive care units.

Most common symptoms of dehydration in children:

• Dry mouth

• No tears when crying

• No urination

• Drowsiness, weakness, lethargy, or irritability

Most common symptoms of dehydration in adults:

• Intense thirst

• Dry mouth

• Headache

• Rapid heartbeat and breathing

• Decreased urination and dark yellow urine

• Shortness of breath

• Sudden weakness and dizziness

• Sunken eyes

• Blue lips and earlobes

How intestinal infections are treated

In cases of acute intestinal infection, it is important to consult a doctor.

Treatment is prescribed depending on the identified pathogen, which requires laboratory diagnostics.

Fried, salty, spicy, and fatty foods, as well as raw vegetables and fruits, should be excluded from the diet.

Plenty of fluid intake is essential. Enterosorbents should also be taken. Other medications will be prescribed by a doctor after examination.

Medical attention should not be delayed if signs of dehydration appear.

How to prevent intestinal infections

To avoid intestinal infections, the following rules should be followed:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap after being outdoors, using public transport, going to the toilet, before eating, and before cooking

• Do not consume expired food

• Avoid eating food if you are unsure it was stored properly

• Ensure proper thermal processing of meat, fish, eggs, and other animal products

• Store raw meat and seafood separately from other food items

• Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly under running water before consumption

• Clean kitchen utensils and surfaces well

• Use separate knives and cutting boards for raw products

• Swim only in clean, officially approved recreational waters and avoid swallowing water while swimming

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.