If you’re experiencing diarrhea, you may be suffering from an enterobacterial infection. This disease, which is caused by a group of bacteria, can affect both children and adults. The symptoms of enterobacterial infections vary, depending on the type of bacteria that causes the illness. They can range from a minor nuisance to a life-threatening condition.
The most common types of enterobacterial infections are those caused by E. coli and Salmonella. These bacteria normally live in the digestive tract of humans and animals, but they can also cause infections in other parts of the body. Those who have weakened immune systems are more prone to developing an infection from these bacteria. Antibiotics are used to treat these illnesses.
Enterobacteriaceae can also cause pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Some of these infections are serious and can cause kidney failure if left untreated. Other kinds of infections are usually non-life-threatening. It’s important to know what to look for in order to identify the problem and get the right treatment.
To diagnose an enterobacterial infection, a doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your history. Diarrhea is a common symptom of this type of infection, but some other signs can indicate a more serious illness. For example, blood in your stools, fever, and abdominal pain are all possible indicators of dysentery. Nausea and vomiting are also potential indications of an intestinal infection.
If the diarrhea doesn’t seem like it’s getting better, your health care provider can take samples of your blood or urine. He or she will then examine the sample to see if there’s anything in it that is causing the illness. Often, the bacteria causing the disease will be identified through a culture. During this process, your blood cells are soaked in a special dish called a “culture” so that they can be observed to see if they grow.
If you do test positive for an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. These drugs are designed to work against specific types of bacteria, but not viruses or fungi. You must take the medication as directed. Make sure you’re taking it as prescribed, and consult your physician if you have questions.
Some enterobacterial infections can be serious and are associated with high rates of death. However, the number of CRE outbreaks is decreasing. There are also some Enterobacteriaceae that are resistant to certain antibiotics, making them more difficult to treat.
Because these bacteria can be so dangerous, it’s important to learn how to prevent them. A good way to do this is to always wash your hands before and after you provide care for others. You can also talk to your doctor about other ways you can keep your hands clean.
If you are pregnant or have a weak immune system, you may have to deal with more severe symptoms, such as bacteremia. These conditions can cause destruction of red blood cells and lead to kidney failure. In these cases, you will need to receive intravenous antibiotics.
