Gastrointestinal Infection
Gastrointestinal infection, often called gastroenteritis or “stomach flu”, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It produces diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, and typically lasts a few days. Bacterial strains, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, are frequent culprits, particularly where street food, warm temperatures, and variable water quality create higher exposure risk.
Key points
- Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can inflame the gut, producing a short illness of vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and cramping.
- Replacing lost fluids and salts with an oral rehydration solution is the main way to avoid dehydration setting in.
- Confirmed bacterial infection may need an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin, which targets the gram-negative bacteria responsible.
When antibiotics come into the picture
Most episodes resolve on their own with fluids and rest, but confirmed bacterial gastrointestinal infection may warrant antibiotic treatment. Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for bacterial gut infections and belongs to the antibiotics category. It targets gram-negative bacteria and is commonly used for travellers’ diarrhoea.
Oral rehydration salts remain the cornerstone of care regardless of cause, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes prevents the dehydration that most often turns a mild infection serious. Seek medical attention if symptoms include blood in the stool, a high fever, or diarrhoea lasting more than 72 hours.