This extended monsoon has seen many cases of stomach infections and gastroenteritis across the country. Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says stomach upsets in urban areas have surged due to factors like increased consumption of contaminated food and water. He says that poor hygiene practices in food handling, especially in street food or crowded eateries, often leads to bacterial contamination such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. Not only that, rapid urbanisation has strained water sanitation systems, allowing waterborne pathogens to thrive, as well as viruses like norovirus and rotavirus to spread quickly. Another factor is antibiotic overuse, which weakens the gut flora’s ability to fend off infections. “Changes in lifestyle, such as erratic eating habits, excessive consumption of processed foods, and increased stress can impair digestion too.”
When to seek medical help
Stomach infections can last from a few days to a week. Viral gastroenteritis typically resolves in 1-3 days, while bacterial infections may persist for 5-7 days. Parasitic infections, like those caused by Giardia, can linger for weeks if untreated. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps generally improve with hydration and rest. However, if they persist beyond a week, such as with high fever, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or bloody stools, it is crucial to seek medical attention. These may indicate more serious infections, such as dysentery, cholera, or complications like kidney damage. In young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, even mild infections can rapidly worsen, leading to dehydration or organ failure. Therefore, early medical intervention is essential. Seek an expert if symptoms are persistent despite remedies.
Effectiveness of anti-protozoans and probiotics
Anti-protozoans and probiotics are commonly used to treat stomach infections, but their effectiveness depends on the cause. Anti-protozoal medications like metronidazole or tinidazole are highly effective in treating infections caused by parasites like Giardia lamblia or Entamoeba histolytica. These medications target and eliminate protozoa, providing significant relief from diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Probiotics are beneficial in restoring the healthy gut flora balance by promoting bacteria that aid digestion and inhibit pathogen growth. However, they are typically adjunctive treatments that work best in mild cases or during recovery to prevent recurrence and not effective in treating the root cause. For bacterial infections, antibiotics may be necessary, but they should be used judiciously. Thus, while anti-protozoans and probiotics play important roles, they may need to be complemented with other treatments.
Basic recovery plan
Beyond medication, several measures can support recovery from stomach infections. Hydration is paramount. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) with electrolytes are particularly effective in preventing dehydration. Eating small, bland meals helps ease digestion, and foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast are gentle on the stomach, along with probiotics. Avoiding dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or fatty foods is important. Rest is essential for allowing the body to fight the infection. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and using safe drinking water, helps prevent reinfection. Infections caused by viruses or bacteria can be highly contagious, so isolation and avoiding food handling until symptoms resolve is recommended.
Danger signs
While most stomach infections are self-limiting, certain danger signs necessitate immediate intervention. Severe dehydration is a primary concern, especially in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Signs include extreme thirst, dry mouth, minimal urination, dark-coloured urine, dizziness, prolonged vomiting, and inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours. The presence of blood in stool or vomit, black tarry stools, or high fever indicates potentially serious infection. Sharp or localised abdominal pain can possibly signal appendicitis. Neurological symptoms, such as confusion, lethargy, or fainting, may indicate electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, prolonged symptoms that do not improve or worsen despite treatment require further medical evaluation. These signs warrant immediate consultation with a healthcare provider to prevent complications and ensure appropriate care.