Gastro-intestinal infections: What to do in case of diarrhea?

Gastrointestinal infections associated in most cases with diarrhea and vomiting. What are the four main pathogens, and what can diarrhea do, explains private lecturer Dr. Hans-Jörg Epple, from the Charité hospital in Berlin on the pharmacist-training Congress Pharmacon Schladming, Austria.

The symptoms in some cases, give the first note which section of the digestive tract is affected. "In the case of an infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract is likely to be more vomiting in the foreground and the diarrhea is secondary. If the lower area is affected, it is first and foremost to diarrhea. But here is Nausea and vomiting auftreten&quot can;, as a result, Epple. In the case of an infection of the colon blood are also often observed mucus admixtures, and cramping abdominal pain.

The malefactor there are many. A closer look shows, however, that the vast majority of intestinal infections are going back to just four pathogens: two types of bacteria Campylobakter and Salmonella, as well as Noro – and rotaviruses. These four are inflammation for 95 percent of all stomach-intestine-responsible, the physicians. "These are two viral diseases, against which there is no causal therapy, and two bacterial diseases that could be treated theoretically, with antibiotics." Antibiotics are used only in exceptional cases, for example, in the case of a particularly severe course, or in people who have an increased risk for complications. To this end, immunocompromised people, cancer patients or the elderly suffering from several diseases include, for example,.

Cola and salt sticks don’t help

The most important measure in all cases, the water and electrolyte loss. "What one loses, one must hineinbringen&quot again;, Eppler said. The world health organization has developed a standardized drinking solution, the sodium chloride (saline), glucose, and other electrolytes contains the pharmacies as ready-made solutions to offer. Eppler: "There is a sodium-glucose Co-Transport through the intestinal wall, which also works in the case of severe diarrhea still." Co-Transport means that the sodium and glucose is co-transported from the gut into the body, the Transport is coupled. The water then follows the resulting gap.

Of pretzel sticks and Cola, the physician advises against it clear. From the basic principle – Salt and sugar – notes this fit to. But the chemical composition is not voice here, so Eppler. Otherwise the conditions in the case of electrolyte solutions with the precise mix you get in the pharmacy.

HH

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