Stomach infections are quite prevalent among individuals of all ages. It causes inflammation in the stomach lining and intestines, mostly occurring due to poor hygiene and contaminated food as well as water.
One of the common gastrointestinal illnesses resulting from infections is gastroenteritis, also referred to as “stomach flu.” This condition occurs when the stomach becomes irritated and inflamed. and is mostly triggered by infections from bacteria and viruses.
While the symptoms of gastroenteritis are similar in both cases, there are a few indicators that help to determine if it is viral or bacterial, says the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, Dr. Amitabha Saha.
In this blog, we will lay out the difference between the two common types of gastroenteritis in order to get the right treatment. Let’s have a look.
Gastroenteritis is inflammation that spreads from the stomach to the intestines. The condition is characterised by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. The condition is of two types: infectious and chemical.
Infectious gastroenteritis: It often spreads from contaminated food, water, or close contact with the infected person. Bacterial and viral gastroenteritis fall under this category.
Chemical gastroenteritis: It is a less common form and results from ingesting toxic chemicals or medicines that irritate the digestive tract.
Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus are responsible for the majority of the gastroenteritis cases. They spread quickly and come with a sudden onset of symptoms, which resolve within a few days.
Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and is not as severe as bacterial; however, if left untreated, it can become severe in vulnerable individuals.
Symptoms are as follows:
There is no special treatment for viral gastroenteritis, as antibiotics usually do not work on viruses. The best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, Dr. Amitabha Saha, focuses on preventing dehydration by replacing the lost fluids and electrolytes. Hence, make sure to include plenty of water and other fluids in your diet. Avoid heavier meals to ease digestion and take enough rest. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines are also recommended to relieve the symptoms.
Bacterial gastroenteritis, also known as food poisoning, is mainly caused by organisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Shigella. These infections result from eating undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy, or food that has not been hygienically stored.
The condition is extremely severe and can even prove to be fatal. The symptoms are intense and usually last for weeks. Hence, do not delay in consulting the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata if the signs are persistent.
Symptoms are as follows, which can be sudden or gradual.
Diagnosis of bacterial gastroenteritis is done through stool tests and blood samples. Treatment includes prescribing antibiotics, which need to be taken as instructed by the doctor. Patients are also required to drink plenty of fluids, and, in some cases, I.V. (intravenous) fluid replacement becomes necessary.
Both viral and bacterial gastroenteritis are extremely uncomfortable, and it is difficult to distinguish between whether they are caused by bacteria or a virus. This is why it is important to consult the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, like Dr. Amitabha Saha, who will conduct a thorough examination to ensure that a correct treatment plan is provided.