A painful stomach is not only uncomfortable, but it also affects one’s productivity and makes an individual vulnerable to other health complications. With this said, bacterial gastroenteritis is a condition in the stomach wherein the leading cause for this disease is a bacterial infection of the stomach or intestines.
This condition commonly results from an individual’s consumption of food or water which has been contaminated with bacteria or toxins. Now, an individual that has developed this may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In today’s article, let us look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments of bacterial gastroenteritis. So, sit back and read more to learn more!
What are the Causes of Bacterial Gastroenteritis?
This condition is not only caused by a particular type of bacteria. Instead, several types of bacteria cause this illness.
Escherichia coli. These bacteria often occur in unwashed fruits and vegetables or undercooked beef.
Shigella. This can be present in contaminated water and raw food.
Yersinia enterocolitica. This bacterium can be found in undercooked or raw pork.
Campylobacter. This bacterium is present in milk and undercooked or raw poultry.
An individual develops bacterial gastroenteritis after eating or consuming contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. So, how does the food can get contaminated? That is without proper food storage, handling, and cooking, and then the food is at high risk for contamination.
Outbreaks of bacterial gastroenteritis can even occur if many people consume the same contaminated food, which can be possible through a restaurant, grocery store, or a supermarket.
Now bacterial gastroenteritis spreads rapidly from person to person. How? Well, our hands can get bacteria; thus, by handling the food or water, an individual can be contaminated — also, there are harmful bacteria that are present in the stools of individuals that have bacterial gastroenteritis.
These individuals that have bacteria on their hands can spread it quickly through touching objects, surfaces, or other physical interactions. Now, anyone with the bacteria on their hands is at high risk of becoming sick since it can be transferred to their mouth, eyes, or any other openings on the body.
Symptoms of Bacterial Gastroenteritis
The condition’s symptoms vary. It actually depends on the bacteria that cause your infection. However, here are the common symptoms which may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Blood in the stools
- Abdominal pain and cramps
With this said, you should call your doctor or healthcare provider if your symptoms are not improving after five days (two days for children) or it is getting worse. Now, if a child about three months old continues to vomit after 12 hours, then you should immediately call a doctor.
Treatments for Bacterial gastroenteritis
The treatment for this condition is meant to keep the patient hydrated and avoid further complications. With this said, it is essential you one does not lose too much salt, potassium, and sodium. These three elements are necessary for certain amounts in the body to function properly.
Now, if you have a severe case of bacterial gastroenteritis, then you may be admitted to the hospital and given fluids and intravenous salts. Additionally, antibiotics are reserved for most severe cases.
What is Zosyn?
Zosyn is a medication that is a combination of piperacillin and tazobactam. With this said, both piperacillin and tazobactam are penicillin antibiotics which fights the bacteria inside the body.
This medication is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria, which includes stomach infections, pneumonia, skin infections, and several serious vaginal infections.
Important Information About Zosyn
You should know that this drug should not be taken if an individual is allergic to the said medication or any of its likes (especially a penicillin antibiotic). Thus, before you take medicine, you should know if you are whether allergic or not.
Also, inform your doctor about your medical history wherein if you have had kidney disease, blood clotting disorder, cystic fibrosis, low levels of potassium in the blood, or if you are on a low-salt diet then you should inform your doctor about it.
In addition, this medication might cause some bleeding, especially with those people that are suffering from kidney disease or is currently using other medications. If by chance this happens, do inform your doctor immediately for appropriate action.
Lastly, this drug is used for the full prescribed length of time, so you should take this medicine without stopping it, not unless your doctor told you to do so. This drug can also be bought at any local pharmacy with a zosyn coupon.
Takeaway
As a patient, you must know what you are taking and in what way it can help improve your illness and situation. Even for those who are not patients are those that take care of the patient, one should know the importance when taking medications to avoid possible health issues.
