If your stomach’s been acting up with cramps, sudden diarrhea, or fever, an intestinal infection could be the culprit. These infections happen when harmful germs invade the gut and start messing with digestion. Knowing the common sources and how to treat them can stop a bad day from turning into weeks of misery.
Most gut bugs arrive on food or water that’s not clean enough. Undercooked chicken, raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy, and salads washed in contaminated water are top offenders. Even fresh produce can hide parasites if it’s been grown near livestock.
Bacterial culprits like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter cause classic food‑poisoning symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and watery stools that last a few days. Viral agents—most often norovirus or rotavirus—spread easily in crowded places like schools or cruise ships and can hit anyone, regardless of diet.
Parasites such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium tend to show up after drinking from untreated springs or traveling abroad. These infections often produce prolonged diarrhea and weight loss because the parasites cling to the intestinal lining and steal nutrients.
Most mild infections clear on their own with plenty of fluids, rest, and a bland diet—think bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. Staying hydrated is key; oral rehydration salts or sports drinks help replace lost electrolytes.
If symptoms persist beyond 48‑72 hours or you have a fever over 101°F, it’s time to consider medication. For bacterial infections, doctors often prescribe azithromycin (brand name Azeetop) because it works well against many gut bugs and is easy on the stomach. The usual dose is 500 mg once daily for three days, but follow your prescriber’s advice.
When a parasite is confirmed, drugs like metronidazole or tinidazole are standard. These clear the infection in a short course, but you’ll still need to drink fluids and avoid irritants like caffeine or alcohol until you feel steady again.
If you’re taking antibiotics, remember they can disrupt good gut bacteria. Probiotic supplements—such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG—or foods like yogurt help restore balance and may shorten recovery time.
Never ignore red‑flag signs: bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or vomiting that won’t stop. Those symptoms signal a more serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.
In short, spot the warning signs early, keep hydrated, and use targeted medication when needed. With the right steps, most intestinal infections resolve quickly, letting you get back to everyday life without missing a beat.
