If your stomach’s acting up with cramps, diarrhea, or fever, you might be dealing with an intestinal infection. These bugs are common, but they’re not something you have to live with. Below we’ll break down why they happen, how to spot them, and what you can do at home before calling a doctor.
The most frequent culprits are bacteria (like E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (norovirus, rotavirus) and parasites (Giardia). You can pick them up from contaminated food, water, or even by touching surfaces that haven’t been cleaned properly. Bad kitchen hygiene, undercooked meat, and unpasteurized dairy are classic sources.
Traveling to places with different sanitation standards also raises the risk. Even a simple mistake like eating a salad that’s sat out too long can introduce nasty germs into your gut.
The most common symptoms are watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes fever. If you notice blood in your stool, severe pain, or dehydration signs (dry mouth, dizziness), that’s a red flag and you should get medical help right away.
Most mild cases start to improve within a couple of days. Keep an eye on how long the symptoms last – if they persist beyond three days without improvement, it’s time to talk to a pharmacist or doctor.
The first step is staying hydrated. Sip clear fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or broth every few minutes. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine because they can worsen diarrhea.
For bacterial infections, doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin, but you should never take them without a prescription. Over‑the‑counter options like loperamide (Imodium) can slow down diarrhea, but only use them if you don’t have a fever or blood in stool.
Probiotics are handy for restoring good bacteria after an infection. Yogurt with live cultures or probiotic capsules taken as directed can shorten the illness by a day or two.
If you’re pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or notice any of these: high fever (>101°F), bloody stools, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration, call your healthcare provider. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable, so err on the side of caution with them.
Sometimes the infection is viral, like norovirus, which won’t respond to antibiotics. In those cases, rest and hydration are the main treatments, and symptoms usually clear up in a week.
Good kitchen habits go a long way: wash hands before handling food, keep raw meat separate from veggies, cook meats to safe internal temperatures (165°F for poultry), and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
If you’re traveling, drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes, and peel fruits yourself. Using hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available adds an extra layer of protection.
Intestinal infections can be uncomfortable, but most are manageable with simple steps. Stay hydrated, use the right meds, and keep your kitchen clean – you’ll reduce the chances of getting sick again. Got more questions? Our pharmacy team is ready to help you pick the safest over‑the‑counter options or guide you on when a prescription is needed.
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