The main aim of bowel infection treatment is to eliminate the cause of infection and restore normal functioning of the digestive system. This article highlights the causes and treatment of bowel infection.
Bowel is the lowermost part of the digestive tract. When it is infected, inflammation occurs in the tract. It has an adverse effect on the bowel movements. Some people get diarrhea characterized by frequent watery stools while others may get constipation or hard bowel movements. Besides, there are other symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating and distension, rectal bleeding, fever, etc. A person with infected bowel feels sick and weak all the time.
How Does the Bowel Get Infected?
Bowel infection occurs when the lining of the bowel is attacked by any of the pathogens like bacteria, virus, parasites, etc. There are several bacteria present inside the bowel. Some of them are ‘good’ bacteria and some are ‘bad’. When a balance is maintained between these two types of bacteria, then the digestive system functions normally. Infection is mostly triggered when this balance is disrupted and there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Some of these pathogens may enter the digestive tract due to consumption of contaminated food and water. Intestinal obstruction is another cause of this kind of infection.
How to Treat a Bowel Infection?
When you visit a doctor with infected bowel symptoms, he/she conducts a stool sample test to identity the pathogen that causes the infection so as to treat the condition accordingly. It is treated with the help of medicines and dietary changes. Antibiotics are used for the treatment of a bacterial infection in the bowel. There are antiparasitic medicines that can destroy the parasites responsible for the infection. However, there are no such medicines that can be used for treating a viral attack in the bowel. Medicines are also prescribed for the treatment of various symptoms. Those who complain of diarrhea are given antidiarrheal drugs to control the symptom. If a patient is vomiting recurrently, then medicines are given to stop that. Those who have constipation are prescribed with laxatives. Severe pain due to an infected bowel is relieved with the help of pain relieving medicines.
An integral part of bowel infection treatment is proper diet and self care. You need to take good amount of rest to boost the immune system, which will enable the body to fight off the infection. You have to drink plenty of water for fast elimination of the toxins from the body. When you have diarrhea because of the infection, then the body loses out large amount of water and electrolytes, which have to be replenished in order to prevent dehydration. Instead of drinking plain water, prepare a rehydrating solution at home which is going to be more effective for this condition. Take 4 cups of water, dissolve 4 tablespoons of sugar, half teaspoon of table salt and a pinch of baking soda and it is ready to drink. Take it in small sips very frequently. Along with it, you can try out other options such as weak tea, apple juice and thin chicken broth.
In case of excessive diarrhea, only liquid diet is advisable for the first 24 hours. After that, easily digestible bland foods like rice, plain noodles, dry toast, etc. should be taken. Dairy products, spicy foods, raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided for the time being. On the other hand, if you have constipation due to infection, follow a healthy diet which has a high amount of fiber rich fruits and vegetables that can facilitate bowel movements.
Natural Remedies for Bowel Infection
There are a number of naturally occurring substances that can bring about marked improvement in the condition of bowel infection. They are as follows:
Ginger: Ginger is a widely used natural remedy as it reduces inflammation in its lining. Half teaspoon of ginger juice should be taken twice a day to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Alternately, you can prepare ginger tea or add some grated ginger while cooking your meals.
Banana: Banana is one such fruit which is highly recommended at the time of diarrhea. It is easily digestible and does not irritate the stomach. Moreover, it has the ability to neutralize the stomach acids. And not to forget, it supplies you with essential ingredients, which are badly needed by your body.
Chamomile Tea: Abdominal cramps caused by a bowel infection can be relieved with the help of chamomile tea as it has excellent antispasmodic properties. Prepare the tea by soaking one teaspoon of the herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Add some honey or sugar for flavor and drink this tea. Take it 2-3 times in a day to get relief from abdominal spasms.
Mint and Lemon: This combination works well on constipation as well as bacterial bowel infections. Boil a few mint leaves in a cup of water and then add juice of a lemon slice to it. Strain out the liquid and have it in small sips in the morning. Mint can destroy the bacteria and lemon juice is an effective cure for constipation.
You can get rid of a bowel infection with the help of proper treatment and diet within a short span of time. However, do not start eating normal food as soon as the symptoms are alleviated. Wait for a few days and continue with your dietary restrictions for a week. After that, introduce your usual diet gradually. And yes, do consult your doctor at the earliest if the infection persists.
