Common Symptoms of Enteric Disease

Enteric diseases are infections that develop in the intestinal tract and can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Recognizing the symptoms of these diseases can reduce the chance of developing complications and prevent the spread of illness to others.

Types

• Enteric diseases commonly cause people to develop symptoms including abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea, stool containing blood or pus, fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, and weight loss.

Time Frame

• Depending on the disease, symptoms may begin within a few hours to a few days after infection and last for up to eight days.

Identification

• Doctors diagnose symptoms of enteric diseases by examining and interviewing the patient. The doctor may order tests such as stool cultures, blood tests, endoscopy, x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography scans.

Effects

• People, especially children, infected with E.coli 0157:H7 disease might develop a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is the leading cause of kidney failure in North America.

Treatments

• Symptoms of enteric diseases such as C. difficile can be treated with antibiotics and probiotics. Enteric diseases caused by viruses or parasites are usually treated with rehydration, good nutrition and rest.

Prevention/Solution

• There are several things you can do to prevent enteric diseases. Take antibiotics as prescribed. Wash hands after using the restroom, changing a diaper, preparing food or handling animals or animal bedding. Thoroughly cook meat and poultry. Avoid unpasteurized dairy and juices. And sanitize food preparation areas.