Gastrointestinal Tract Infection Treatment in Brighton, CO
We Address Infectious Diseases in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract affect thousands of people across the country every day. Some individuals experience only minor complications, but others have severe symptoms that require medical attention. The physicians at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates are adept at caring for persons with infections caused by various types of bacteria and viruses. We operate 15 offices throughout Colorado – including in Denver, Thornton, Westminster, Aurora, Centennial, Brighton, Lakewood, and Littleton – and we are confident we can help you overcome your illness quickly and effectively. Call our friendly team today to learn more.
What Is A Gastrointestinal Tract Infection?
Gastrointestinal tract infections are bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections that result in gastroenteritis. This condition involves inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. In some cases, patients will have minor symptoms that they can battle with rest and hydration. But severe symptoms can have dire effects that necessitate medical assistance. Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates is the region’s premier provider of medical care for individuals with gastroenteritis.
Gastrointestinal Tract Infection Symptoms
Abdominal cramps and discomfort followed by diarrhea are typically the initial symptoms of an infectious disease in your gastrointestinal tract. Children and adults alike are vulnerable to such diseases. Sometimes, the symptoms will only last a few days. Your body may be able to fight off gastroenteritis on its own. But in more severe cases, symptoms will last up to two weeks and can be debilitating. Common signs of a gastrointestinal tract infection include:
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Mucus or blood in the stool
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Common Causes of Gastrointestinal Tract Infections
You can minimize your risk of acquiring an infection by washing your hands regularly, disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and avoiding contact with infected individuals. There are three types of gastrointestinal tract infections. They are:
- Bacterial – Bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can cause infections in your gastrointestinal tract. E. coli spread through contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. Salmonella infections typically occur after eating raw or undercooked meat or eggs. Other bacteria that cause infections include Shigella, Campylobacter, Giardia, C. difficile, and H. Pylori.
- Viral – Noroviruses cause foodborne illnesses and are likely to spread among people in confined spaces. Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis among children. Its spreads when people touch contaminated objects and then put their fingers in their mouths.
- Parasitic – Parasites such as giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis can also cause gastrointestinal tract infections. Giardiasis spreads through contaminated water and human contact, while cryptosporidiosis is a waterborne parasite.
We Can Diagnose Your Type of Infection
Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates can accurately diagnose a wide array of conditions, both infectious and otherwise. To begin your consultation, we will review your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. This allows us to rule out certain illnesses or diseases that may be uncommunicable. We will then perform laboratory tests to identify bacterial, viral, or parasitic markers consistent with an infection. We can complete these tests using blood or stool samples. Additionally, we may test for antibiotic susceptibility to help determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Infectious Diseases in Your GI Tract
In many instances, you can overcome your gastrointestinal tract infection in much the same way you overcome the common cold. Rest and hydration are necessary to enable your body’s natural defenses to fight off the infection. In severe circumstances, we may provide intravenous rehydration methods to ensure you are getting enough fluids. We will also recommend medications to treat the symptoms of your infection and help you feel better. For bacterial infections, we may prescribe antibiotics that will attack the bacteria and clear your infection quickly and effectively.
Contact Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates Today
If you experience abdominal cramps and diarrhea followed by loss of appetite, nausea, and fever, an infectious disease may be attacking your gastrointestinal tract. The physicians at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates can help. We have been diagnosing and treating GI infections throughout Colorado for more than 20 years, and we are confident we can help restore your health. Contact us today to request an appointment.
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