Treatment for intestinal infection can be done with oral rehydration, rest, easy -to -digest diet, use of probiotics or even antibiotics prescribed by the doctor and aims to promote the elimination of the infectious agent, relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration.
Intestinal infection may be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites due to contaminated food or water, or poorly cooked or raw foods, for example, resulting in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or fever. Check out the main symptoms of intestinal infection.
It is important to consult the gastroenterologist if the symptoms of intestinal infection do not improve in 2 days to start the most appropriate treatment. In the case of babies less than 3 months old or people with symptoms of dehydration, you should go to the hospital immediately.
Main treatments for intestinal infection
The main treatments for intestinal infection are:
1.
Resting is important to help the immune system combat viruses or bacteria that may have caused intestinal infection.
This is because, doing any physical activity when one is sick decreases the defenses of the body, increases the risk of exposure to other infectious agents and slows the cure.
2. Oral hydration
Oral hydration is one of the main treatments for intestinal infection, as it helps replenish liquids and minerals that are lost due to diarrhea or vomiting, avoiding dehydration. Check out all symptoms of dehydration.
Oral hydration can be done with homemade serum or with oral rehydration solutions or salts purchased from pharmacies such as hydraplex, rehidrat, peialyte or floralryte, for example. Learn how to prepare homemade serum.
In cases of severe dehydration, it may be indicated by the medical hospitalization to receive serum in the vein.
Also read: Peialyte: What is it for and how to take (Peialyte 45, Max and Children)
tuasaude.com/pedialyte
3. Light and easy to digest
During the treatment of intestinal infection, it is recommended to make a light and easily digestible diet, giving preference to foods such as cooked white rice, pasta, white meats, cooked and peeled fruits as they help calm the gut and relieve diarrhea.
In addition, dairy products, sugar, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, spicy or greasy foods should be avoided as they may worsen diarrhea. See what to eat and what to avoid in diarrhea.
4. Probiotics
The use of probiotics can also be indicated in the event of intestinal infection as they help rebalance the intestinal microbiota, so that infection infection infection can be fought more easily, promoting relief of symptoms. Learn more about probiotics.
5. Remedies to relieve symptoms
Remedies to relieve symptoms of intestinal infection, such as metoclopramide or wavenstron, can be indicated by the doctor to treat nausea or vomiting.
In addition, to relieve intestinal gases, the doctor may recommend the use of Simeticone.
In the cases of intestinal colic, it can also be indicated by the doctor to scopolamine (Buscopan) as it acts by decreasing contractions or spasms of the gut muscles.
6. Antibiotics
Antibiotics for intestinal infection are usually indicated in case of bacteria and parasitic infection and are recommended along with general resting guidelines, increased liquid consumption and light food.
In the case of intestinal infection caused by bacteria, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or metronidazole, for example, especially in cases of intense diarrhea.
Already in cases of intestinal infection by parasites, the use of antiparasites, such as albendazole or mebendazole for about 3 days or according to the doctor’s indication. See more about the drugs for intestinal infection.
Care during treatment
During the treatment of intestinal infection, some precautions are important, such as:
- Wash and cook food wellavoiding the ingestion of more microorganisms;
- Do not take medicines that attach the intestinebecause thus the infectious agent cannot be eliminated;
- Wash your hands frequently with water and mild soapespecially after using the bathroom or changing children.
- Feed on small quantitiesmore often a day.
In addition, it is recommended to wash the bedding or personal clothing in hot water, separated from other people’s clothes in the house, to avoid transmitting the virus or bacteria causing intestinal infection.
Which doctor consult
In case of intestinal infection it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist, as it is the doctor responsible for evaluating and treating problems of the stomach and intestines.
Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist in the nearest region:
However, many situations can also be dealt with by a general practitioner or pediatrician.
How to treat intestinal infection in the baby
Treatment for intestinal infection in the baby should be done by a pediatrician as treatment will vary according to the cause of the infection.
However, the most important thing is to maintain the proper hydration of the baby, offering oral rehydration serum or breast milk, at 15 minutes, and maintaining good hygiene, preventing the baby from contacting dirty objects, feces, urine or other sources of microorganisms.
Source: www.tuasaude.com
