All these situations usually cause symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and fever; see prevention methods
Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and fever They are classic symptoms of numerous diseases, especially those that affect the stomach and intestines. In these cases some diagnostic hypotheses usually come to mind, such as virusfood poisoning and infections with H. pylori bacteria, quite common images. It turns out that, despite similar repercussions, these problems have different causes and, therefore, specific treatments.
Below, gastroenterologist Gerson Nogueira de Morais, from the Hospital do Público Estadual (HSPE), cites the main characteristics of each condition – remembering that the ideal is to consult a specialist to confirm the diagnosis and indicate the ideal control measures.
Virus
What is popularly known as “virus” concerns infections caused by viruses that affect the lower digestive tract, i.e. the large intestine – place where feces are formed. That is why the main symptom of these infections, also called gastroenterocolitisand the diarrhea.
The main agents behind viruses are rotavirus and the adenoviruswhich are highly transmissible, according to Morais.
The specialist explains that the virus is a disease of fecal-oral transmission, that is, transmitted through contact with fecal materials contaminated by the virus. Morais points out that transmission can occur through contact with infected material with the airways and not just from food or fluid intake.
The severity of the condition varies: for some people it may be asymptomatic, while others may experience diarrhea, dehydration, fever and vomiting. In this sense, the expert underlines it children and the elderly are more vulnerable complications, since they have a more fragile immune system and, in the case of the elderly, they lose fluids more easily.
Treatment of viruses is primarily about improving symptoms dehydrationsince with diarrhea you lose a lot of fluids.
Food poisoning
It is also an infection of the large intestine caused by bacteria and some toxins – and not by viruses, as is the case with viruses.
The person is infected exclusively from the ingestion of contaminated water or food with the microorganism, and never by aspiration, as can happen with viruses.
The symptoms are similar to those of intestinal viral infections, but usually include more intense diarrhea, including the presence of blood and/or pus, according to the specialist.
The treatment of these cases consists in the use of antibiotics and other medications to combat symptoms that need to be determined on a case-by-case basis by a specialist.
H.pylori
Is called H. Pylori infections caused by bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the mucosa of the stomach, i.e. in the membrane that lines the internal wall of the organ.
Infection can cause gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), ulcer (injury) to the stomach and hips cancer in the region, according to the gastroenterologist.
Transmission occurs through contact with feces, saliva, water and food contaminated by the microorganism.
Since the main site affected is the stomach, and not the intestine, as happens with food poisoning and viruses, the main symptoms of infection with H. Pylori These are severe stomach pains and not diarrhea, according to Morais.
The treatment consists, according to the specialist, in the use of antibiotics and antisecretory drugs (which reduce the secretion, normally of gastric acid, produced in the stomach).
Prevention
Even though they are different diseases, The prevention strategies against the three diseases are similarwith particular attention to hand and food hygiene, especially before meals, as well as adequate storage of groceries.
“It is worth paying particular attention to the conservation of non-perishable foods, especially in the heat, a condition that facilitates the proliferation of microorganisms”, advises the specialist.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
