Colon Infection Symptoms
There are so many microorganisms that can invade the body and cause infections in the colon. Identification of the actual causative agent will require some clinical analysis of stools. However, getting to know the symptoms of colon infection will help in getting to deal with the problem promptly. Colon infection symptoms come in different forms depending on the cause of the infection. The symptoms though do follow a similar pattern.
In order to elaborate this, we are going to look at three kinds of colon infections
Clostridium difficile infection
This is an infection of the colon which is brought about by the use of antibiotics. The infection occurs when normal gut flora has been wiped out by antibiotics thus leaving behind the clostridium species bacteria which cause diarrhea. The colon infection symptoms associated with this condition are passing watery stools for more than three times a day (diarrhea), abdominal pains and fever.
Toxic megacolon
This is a condition that is characterized by an extremely dilated colon which is also coupled with abdominal bloating. The disease can be caused by some clostridium species of bacterium or in some cases can be present from birth. The colon infection symptoms associated with this disease are abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, dehydration, increased heart rate and fever.
Trichuriasis
This is an infection caused by parasites such as the whipworm and round worm which invade the tissue of the colon. The pirate is carried by several vectors among which include cockroaches and domestic flies. Humans get infected when they ingest the parasitic eggs through contaminated food. Some of the parasites can also be transmitted from the soil. The colon infection symptoms associated with this disease are abdominal pains, diarrhea, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, intestinal bleeding and a weakened immune system making the individual prone to opportunistic infections.
The above three are just some examples of some colon infections. It is evident from the symptoms that all of the infections have something in common which can either be abdominal pains or diarrhea. Understanding the symptoms of colon infection is very important for you will be able to determine your problem and seek medical help without any delays. If you do not understand the symptoms well you may just think that your stomach problems are as a result of diet adjustments and there may be nothing wrong with you whilst in actual fact you may be nursing an infection which can become lethal.
Colon Infection Causes
Colon infections are common, even with the best hygiene routines one can still become infected. This is so for the causative agents of colon infection can be very resistant and they may survive even the toughest disinfectants. However, knowing what really causes colon infection is very important for that way you will be better prepared to protect yourself.
Colon infection causes can be in the form of parasites, bacteria and even microorganisms which are naturally found in the body.
We are going to look at some classical colon infection causes which are triggered by the use of antibiotics. Antibiotic treatments have been identified to cause diarrhea in some patients. This is so for some of the clostridium species of bacteria that are naturally resident in the gut are resistant to a great number of antibiotics.
Therefore in the presence of an antibiotic other competing bacteria which keep the clostridium species in check due to competition become eliminated leaving behind the clostridium species. The clostridium bacteria then proliferate and release toxins which trigger diarrhea in patients.
The avenue of colon infection causes is that triggered by parasites. There are so many parasites which exist outside the body of which from the moment we ingest them by accident we suffer gastrointestinal infections among which include infections of the colon.
Good examples of parasites that cause colon infections are roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
These parasites can be transmitted by insects such as flies and cockroaches. These insects are vectors of the parasites such that they transfer the parasite eggs from the ground to human food. Humans become infected when they unknowingly ingest the infected food.
Some of the parasites can be ingested from vegetables that have not been properly washed. This is so for the parasites are found in the soil and if vegetables are not properly washed there are high chances of ingesting parasitic spores.
Knowing the causes of colon infections helps you to determine the control measures you will need to take in order to reduce the chances of you ingesting any parasitic eggs.
For example, the fact that you now know that some of the parasitic eggs can be ingested from vegetables that have not been properly washed will help you make sure that your vegetables are thoroughly cleaned all the time.
This will significantly reduce your chances of being infected while an uninformed individual will fare badly as he/she doesn’t know where to apply the control measures.
Ways on How to Treat Colon Infection
Colon infection is caused by the bacteria C. difficile. This bacterium is most commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes, infant nurseries, etc. When the bacteria are still outside of the body, they are called spores, and they are present in these facilities. Another cause of this infection is eating too many fatty foods. Fat is hard to break down, and when not broken down, it stays on in the colon, which harbors the bacteria that causes this infection. Some symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. This infection can be caused by different factors, some of which are the use of certain antibiotics, eating spoiled food and a period of stay in a hospital or similar facility. Here are some treatment ideas.
- Discontinue the use of antibiotics that caused the colon infection. If your doctor says that your antibiotics are what are causing your colon infection, immediately stop your intake of the said medications.
- Antibiotics that kill the bacteria. While there are some antibiotics that cause colon infection, there are also certain antibiotics that counter the effects of the infection. It is important to consult your doctor in the antibiotic to take.
- Eat healthy food. Eat more foods rich in fiber to help the colon break down the food faster, and so that fat deposits do not stay in your colon.
- Colon cleansing. This method is done professionally. Ask your doctor if you are qualified to undergo colon cleansing to treat your colon infection.
Although it is not common for a colon infection to turn into colon cancer, regular checkups are still advisable to rule out colon cancer. There are very few cases when the infection turns into cancer, but you must still be vigilant to prevent the early onset of cancer. It is also wise to seek another expert opinion.