Treatment of intestinal infection

The treatment of intestinal infections is based on a comprehensive approach; in addition to destroying pathogenic flora, it is important to restore water-electrolyte balance and neutralize toxins (products of pathogenic microflora that are harmful to the body). First aid for the patient consists of enema therapy and taking sorbents.

Treatment will be more effective if you know the exact type of infection (determined by tests).

Depending on the infectious agent and concomitant diseases, the specialist determines the treatment; in case of a viral intestinal infection, antiviral and general strengthening drugs are prescribed; in case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessarily included.

For some types of infection, which are accompanied by prolonged intoxication of the body, fever, weakness (for example, with adenovirus infection), drugs are prescribed to restore electrolyte balance and temporary fasting, since eating can provoke further growth of pathogenic flora.

Remedies for intestinal infections

To treat intestinal infections, antibiotics from the cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, carbapenem, fluoroquinolone, and amphenicol (chloramphenicol) groups are used.

The choice of drug is based on laboratory studies that determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to a particular group of antibiotics.

For intestinal infections, the following drugs are available:

• Kapekt, Kaopektate, Neointestopan, Attapulgite are sorbents that absorb toxins in the intestines and normalize the composition of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. The substances included in the preparations help reduce inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane, eliminate spasms, reduce the amount of bowel movements, and the preparation thickens feces.

Usually prescribed 150 mg after each bowel movement (no more than 12 tablets per day).

• Baktisuptil - improves the composition of intestinal bacteria. The drug contains bacterial spores that are resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach; when they enter the intestines, the bacteria begin to germinate.

Bacteria produce proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in the body, breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Bactisuptil creates an acidic environment that prevents putrefactive processes in the intestines.

Prescribed 1 capsule 3 to 6 times a day, in severe cases a specialist may prescribe up to 10 capsules a day

• Bifidobacteria (powder) – represents dried bifidobacteria, which are part of the normal intestinal microflora.

The drug has an antibacterial effect, helps restore beneficial microorganisms in the intestines, normalizes the digestive system, and improves immunity.

Prescribed 5 doses three times a day, the course of treatment is determined by the doctor taking into account the severity of the condition (usually from 2 to 4 weeks, in rare cases - up to 3 months).

• Bificol (dry) – dried bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli bacteria strain M, which, when taken, have an antimicrobial effect and normalize the composition of bacteria in the intestine.

Prescribed before meals depending on age (from 1 to 5 doses per day). The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease - from 2 weeks to 1 year.

• Bifiform – normalizes the composition of intestinal microflora, taken 2 to 4 capsules per day.
• Gastrolit – stops diarrhea, has an astringent effect, restores electrolyte balance.

Before taking, 2 tablets must be dissolved in boiling water (100 ml) and cooled.

Depending on age, 74 ml to 200 ml per 1 kg of weight is prescribed. Adults are prescribed 1 liter or more, depending on the severity of the disease.

• Diosmectite, Smecta - preparations of natural origin that protect the mucous membrane and actively absorb toxins. Prescribed from 1 to 3 sachets per day, taking into account age (before use, dissolve well in 50 ml of water or mix with tea, compote, porridge, etc.).
• Intetrix is an antibacterial, antifungal drug. It is used to treat intestinal infections caused by protozoa (amebiasis, dysentery). Prescribed from 4 to 6 capsules per day. The course of treatment is 3-5 days.
• Lactobacterin (powder) – dried bacteria with the addition of lactose, a factor that enhances bacterial growth. The preparation has an antibacterial effect, helps to normalize microflora, the digestive system, and stimulates the body's defenses.

Prescribed from 1 to 10 doses per day (to prepare 1 dose, dissolve 1 teaspoon of powder in warm water).

Taken before meals (30-40 minutes), the course of treatment is from 2 weeks to several months.

• Linex is an antidiarrheal drug that normalizes the bacterial composition of the intestine.

Prescribed 1-2 capsules 3 times a day.

• Loperamide, Suprylol, Loperamide, Imodium, Enterobene are antidiarrheal drugs.

After taking the drug, the tone and motor activity of the intestines decreases; 2 to 4 mg is prescribed after each bowel movement (no more than 16 mg per day).

In drops - 30 drops after each bowel movement.

Loperamide should not be taken for more than two days.

• Tannakomp is a combination drug that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent effects. It is prescribed at 0.5 - 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, the drug is taken until the loose stools stop.
• Activated carbon – has high absorption properties. Prescribed 20-30g several times a day.
• Carbactin (crushed activated carbon). Taken before meals and other medications (1-2 hours). The powder is prescribed at 0.1-0.2 g per kilogram of body weight, the course of treatment is from 5 days to 2 weeks.
• Enterol is an antidiarrheal drug. Take 1-2 capsules (bags) in the morning and evening after meals.
• Nifuroxazide, Ercefuril, Ersefuril, Antinal are antidiarrheal drugs. I take 1 capsule 4 times a day.
• rhizomes of burnet - have an astringent effect.

Decoctions and alcohol extracts are prepared from the dried roots of the medicinal plant.

To prepare a decoction, pour 1 tbsp of roots with boiling water (250 ml), simmer for 25-30 minutes. Cool the resulting decoction at room temperature, then strain.

Take 1 tablespoon several times a day (up to 6 times).

Alcohol extract of burnet is prescribed from 30 to 50 drops 3-4 times a day.

• Bird cherry fruits have an astringent effect and are taken as an infusion or decoction (15 g of fruit per 250 ml of water) 1/4 cup 2-3 times a day.
• Blueberries - have an astringent effect, take in the form of an infusion or decoction 2-3 times a day (half a glass).

Fluoroquinolones (Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin) are commonly used, which have a broad spectrum of action, due to which this group of antibiotics shows high efficiency in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Typically, 200 to 500 mg is prescribed once or twice a day for a course of 4-5 days.

Enterol is used for diarrhea; the effect of the drug is due to its activity against opportunistic and pathogenic flora (clostridia, klebsiella, staphylococci, salmonella, E. coli, shigella, yersiniosis, dysenteric amoeba).

The drug has an antitoxic effect, especially to cyto- and enterotoxins, and also improves the process of digestion of food in the intestine.

Viferon destroys viruses, prevents the growth of various cells, regulates the immune system. It contains human recombinant interferon, ascorbic acid, tocopherol acetate. A distinctive feature of the drug is that even with prolonged use, bacteria do not develop drug resistance.

The drug is used to treat many infectious diseases of the respiratory system, urinary system, and intestines.

Viferon normalizes the composition of intestinal microflora, destroys fungi, bacteria (Candida, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, E. coli)

Suppository medications are most often prescribed to small children who are difficult to get to take a pill or syrup. Suppositories act locally, and are usually more effective because they are not exposed to the destructive acidic environment in the stomach.

For intestinal infections, the doctor may prescribe suppositories for fever, immunomodulators, antimicrobial drugs (kipferon, viferon, lactonorm, cefekon, etc.).

Suppositories are inserted after defecation, a cleansing enema (it is recommended to wash before insertion) deep into the large intestine. To insert the suppository correctly, you should control the insertion with your finger (push until the finger falls through, which means that the finger has penetrated the sphincter and the suppository is in the intestine).

After administration, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

Activated carbon is a simple and affordable way to help with poisoning or intestinal infections, it is the most famous of the enterosorbents

In the acute period of the disease, complex treatment is recommended, which must include adsorbent drugs.

There are now many enterosorbents that differ in cost, but the mechanism of action for all of them is approximately the same - absorption of substances and gases using the surface layer.

You need to take charcoal 4-8 tablets (1 tablet per 10 kg of weight) every 1.5 – 2 hours for several days (a course of at least 7 days is recommended).

Activated carbon, due to its porous structure, absorbs toxins well in the gastrointestinal tract, binds pathogenic bacteria and promotes their elimination from the body, large doses of the drug are well tolerated by patients, with prolonged use (more than a month) it can cause constipation and impaired absorption of nutrients in the intestines.

Enterol is used as an antidiarrheal agent that helps normalize the composition of intestinal microflora.

A distinctive feature of the drug is that it is classified simultaneously into several pharmacological groups - antibacterial, antihelminthic, antiparasitic drugs, means for restoring the balance of bacteria in the intestine. In addition, Enterol stimulates the immune system due to the microorganisms included in its composition, which destroy pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, and helps to neutralize intestinal and cellular toxins, which often cause diarrhea.

Enterol suppresses the growth of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria in the body, including Klebsiella, Clostridia, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, dysentery amoeba, etc.

The drug is available in three forms: capsules and powders for the preparation of suspension and solution.

Enema for intestinal infection

In the first few hours of the disease, when the main symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) appear, the body needs help to get rid of bacteria and toxins. During the acute period of the disease, the body tries to get rid of pathogenic flora and their waste products on its own. In this case, an enema will help cleanse the large intestine and wash out most of the pathogens, alleviate the patient's condition and speed up the recovery process.

An enema can be made from regular boiled water (approx. 200C) or from an infusion of medicinal herbs (chamomile, sage, calendula).

When performing a cleansing enema, it is important to ensure that all water has left the intestines.

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Linex for intestinal infection

Linex contains several types of lactic acid bacteria, which are part of the normal intestinal microflora. Lactic acid bacteria make the intestinal environment acidic, which helps suppress the growth of pathogenic and opportunistic flora and improves digestive function.

In addition, Linex prevents the attachment of pathogenic microorganisms to the intestinal walls and participates in the production of substances with antibacterial action.

The principle of action of Linex is based on maintaining normal intestinal microflora and restoring the balance disturbed due to taking antibiotics, intestinal infection and other conditions that disrupt the intestinal microflora.

Homeopathy for intestinal infection

Homeopathic medicines for the treatment of intestinal infections are selected by a homeopathic doctor individually for each patient. Homeopathy can be used both as an independent treatment and as an adjunctive therapy. Depending on the symptoms, type of infection, and condition of the patient, specialists select medicines for the treatment of the infection. Usually, in such cases, arsenicum, camphor alcohol solution, colchicum, sulfuricum, etc. are used.

Antibiotics for intestinal infections

In case of intestinal infections of bacterial origin, antibiotics are prescribed without fail.

The most common drug is Levomycetin, which has a wide range of action. The main disadvantage of the drug is the large number of side effects.

In second place is ersefuril, which is active against a large number of bacteria. The active substance is practically not absorbed into the blood, it acts only in the intestine. The drug has low toxicity, patients in most cases tolerate it well, in addition, it can be used to treat infants.

During pregnancy, Phthalazole is prescribed with a broad spectrum of action and low toxicity. The peculiarity of this drug is that it is slightly absorbed into the blood and acts locally (in the intestine). Phthalazole is well tolerated, in rare cases allergic reactions occurred after taking the drug.

Children are prescribed Cefix, which prevents the proliferation of the main pathogenic bacteria. The drug belongs to a new generation of antibiotics and has maximum safety, which is extremely important in childhood. In addition, the active substance of Cefix prevents the penetration of infection into the blood or other internal organs, and also prevents functional changes in the intestines that occur due to the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms.

Antibiotics suppress the proliferation of pathogenic flora in the intestines, which improves the patient's condition and helps reduce the main symptoms of the disease (vomiting, diarrhea, fever).

Enterofuril (nifuroxazide) acts only in the intestine and is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

The antibiotic effectively suppresses the growth of a large number of pathogenic microorganisms and causes virtually no side effects.

After administration, the active substance accumulates in the intestines in high concentrations, which leads to effective suppression of the activity of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, salmonella, shigella, etc.). The drug, in combination with metronidazole, also acts against some types of parasitic protozoa (amebiasis).

Suprax belongs to the third generation of cephalosporin antibiotics. The drug destroys pathogenic flora and promotes its elimination from the body.

Suprax is effective against aerobic and anaerobic, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (streptococci, klebsiella, shigella, salmonella, clostridia, etc.).

Gentamicin is an antibiotic of the aminoglycoside group. The drug is quite old, but despite this, it continues to be widely used in the treatment of various bacterial infections.

Gentamicin is available as injections, topical ointments, and ophthalmic preparations.

The antibiotic's action is based on changing the genetic information of pathogens, as a result of which they lose the ability to reproduce normally. In high doses, the drug has a detrimental effect on microbes.

Gentamicin is active against Klebsiella, Salmonella, Shigella, and Staphylococcus.

Resistance to the drug takes quite a long time to develop in pathogenic microorganisms.

The dosage of the drug is selected individually, taking into account the age and condition of the patient.

Sumamed is an antibiotic of the macrolide group, active against a large number of pathogenic microorganisms (intracellular, gram-negative, gram-positive, anaerobic). The principle of action is based on the destruction of the membrane and membrane of pathogens, which leads to a decrease in intoxication and an improvement in the general condition.

A distinctive feature of this antibiotic is that it activates the immune system.

Prescribed for streptococcal infection, clostridia and other diarrheal diseases, usually 100-150 mg 4 times a day, the course of treatment is from 5 to 10 days.

The drug is used only for intravenous infusion (drip).

Furazolidone is an antibiotic of the nitrofuran group, active against a large number of pathogenic bacteria and parasitic protozoa. It is prescribed for salmonellosis, shigellosis.

The drug is prescribed in a course of 2-3 tablets 4 times a day.

Amoxiclav is an antibiotic of the penicillin group with the addition of clavulanic acid, which blocks the ability of microbes to develop resistance to drugs.

The drug is active against a large number of bacteria, including clostridia, klebsiella, staphylococci, streptococci, listeria, shigella, cholera, etc.

Biseptol is an antibacterial drug with combined action, active against most pathogenic microorganisms (salmonella, cholera, shigella, staphylococci, yersinia, etc.).

Flemoxin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic from the penicillin group. It is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (streptococci, clostridia, staphylococci, listeria, helicobacter pylori).

It is less active against salmonella, shigella, cholera, and E. coli.

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Care for intestinal infections

In case of intestinal infections, patients require special care. Sanitary and hygienic issues are of great importance, after the specialist's appointments.

At home, especially when caring for small children, it is necessary to monitor changes in stool and general condition.

You should also keep your underwear clean, change it daily (soiled underwear should be changed immediately), and maintain cleanliness in intimate areas (after each bowel movement, you should wash yourself with soap, preferably laundry soap).

The caregiver is advised to wash their hands with soap every time after contact with the patient.

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Recovery after intestinal infection

After an intestinal infection, the walls of the stomach and intestines remain inflamed for some time, in addition, the normal microflora is disrupted. After the disease, you should follow a diet that will reduce the load on the digestive system and will not irritate the mucous membrane even more.

Fatty, spicy, fried foods should be completely excluded from the diet; light foods that do not overload the stomach are recommended - baked, boiled vegetables, rice cereal (or dishes based on it), crackers or dried bread. You need to eat small portions; as the microflora and mucous membranes are restored, other foods are introduced into the diet.

Lactic acid cultures with live bacteria will help restore microflora.

To prepare natural sourdough, you will need boiled milk and a few pieces of black bread. Put the sourdough in a warm place for 2-3 days. You can add fruits, berries or sugar to the resulting sourdough.

After an illness, your doctor may prescribe enzyme preparations to improve digestion.

Against the background of antibacterial therapy, immunity is weakened, so it is not recommended to overcool, be nervous, or be in crowded places.

Diet for intestinal infection

After the main symptoms of the disease have subsided, it is important to follow a diet and exclude foods that can irritate the inflamed gastrointestinal mucosa, as well as hot or cold dishes (food should be warm). Another important condition of the recovery diet is to eat small portions of food so as not to overload the gastrointestinal tract.

First of all, you need to give up dishes with a lot of spices, vegetables and fruits with coarse fiber (cucumbers, green peas, eggplants, radishes, beets, peppers, carrots), meat, fish broths,

After an infection, soups with vegetable broth, mucous cereals (rice, wheat), porridge (rice, buckwheat), kefir, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, lean fish, meat, steamed omelet, jelly, baked apples, pears, croutons or dried bread (best with rice broth) are recommended.

After the stool has completely returned to normal, it is recommended not to consume milk and sweets for a few more days; it is better to completely abstain from millet porridge, cabbage, radish, beetroot, garlic, onion, mushrooms, sorrel, apricots, melon, plums, puff pastries and baked goods, rye bread until complete recovery.

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Diet recipes

Rice soup:

• 450 ml water, 40 g rice cereal, salt to taste
• Place well-washed rice in boiling water, cook until done, then rub through a sieve (do not drain the water). Add salt, put on the fire and bring to a boil.

Slimy Oatmeal Soup:

• 40g oatmeal, 200ml water, salt, sugar
• Add oatmeal to boiling water, cook on low heat for about an hour. Strain the resulting soup through a fine sieve or cheesecloth (do not rub), put on the fire and bring to a boil, add salt and sugar to taste.

Oven baked fish:

• Lean fish (hake, pollock, blue whiting, bream, pike), salt to taste.
• Rinse the fish well, add a little salt, wrap in baking foil and place in the oven for 40-60 minutes.

Products for intestinal infections

At the beginning of the development of mild to moderate intestinal infection, it is recommended to drink only black sweet tea (with sugar or syrup) throughout the day.

You can also drink berry infusions (blueberries, bird cherry, rose hips, black currants).

A number of experts recommend applesauce, as it contains a large amount of pectin.

During illness, food should be boiled or steamed; it is recommended to eat chopped food to facilitate digestion.

It is better to choose lean meats - veal, poultry, during the preparation of which you need to completely remove fat, tendons, skin and not use fats and spices.

When you are sick, you can prepare steamed cutlets, meatballs, and patties.

The diet may also include low-fat fish and fermented milk products (kefir, low-fat cottage cheese).

In case of intestinal infections, it is allowed to eat eggs (soft-boiled, protein steam omelets), vegetable broths, potatoes, apples (preferably baked), buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, semolina.

Honey

Natural honey has high antibiotic properties. Unlike synthetic drugs, honey does not cause side effects (an allergic reaction is possible). In addition, this tasty treat creates an environment in the intestines that is favorable for the reproduction of beneficial bacteria, while pathogenic microorganisms are unable to survive in such conditions.

Honey helps to destroy pathogenic microflora and strengthen the body's defenses, but in case of intestinal infections it is not recommended to abuse this product; it is enough to eat only 2-3 spoons per day to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Milk

During illness, whole milk should be completely excluded from the diet, as it can provoke an exacerbation and worsen the condition.

Kefir

Among all fermented milk products, kefir occupies a special place. Experts note that the unique benefit of this product lies in the special bacteria that are used to ferment milk.

Kefir has a number of beneficial properties for the body, in particular, it improves overall well-being, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, and is a source of calcium (kefir contains several times more calcium than milk).

In addition, it improves the digestion process, motor and secretory functions. Thanks to lactic acid and lactobacilli, which are part of kefir, an antitoxic and bactericidal effect occurs.

It is recommended to drink kefir in small doses after the acute symptoms of the disease (severe vomiting, diarrhea) have subsided, gradually increasing the serving size.

Herbs for intestinal infections

In case of intestinal infections, the main treatment can be supplemented with herbal decoctions, but it should be remembered that you cannot use herbs that have an astringent or enveloping effect, since in this case the process of freeing the intestines from pathogenic bacteria and their waste products will be difficult and the recovery process will be delayed.

There are herbs that help destroy pathogenic microorganisms, for example, burnet root, bergenia leaves, St. John's wort.

Green tea (strong) also has a good antimicrobial effect and can be drunk during an infection by both children and adults.

Burnet decoction: pour 1 tbsp. of chopped roots with a glass of boiling water, simmer for 15-20 minutes, strain. Drink the decoction 1 tbsp. several times a day (up to 6 tbsp.).

St. John's wort decoction: pour 2 tbsp of the herb with 2 cups of water and simmer for 10 minutes, then leave for an hour and strain. Drink 1 tbsp several times a day.

In the acute period of the disease, cleansing enemas with chamomile decoction can be prescribed, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and cleanses the intestines of accumulated bacteria and toxins.

For the decoction, take 1 tbsp. of chamomile flowers, pour 200 ml of water, boil for 10 minutes in a water bath. Then strain the decoction, cool to a temperature of 15-18 ⁰ C and make an enema.

In addition to enemas, chamomile flowers are used to make tea, which helps the gastrointestinal tract fight infection, promotes the elimination of toxins, and has a mild analgesic effect.

To prepare tea, pour 1 teaspoon of flowers with boiling water (250 ml) and leave for 10-15 minutes, you can add sugar or honey to taste, drink warm several times a day.

In addition, chamomile infusion is used for a cleansing enema, in which case the intestines will not only be cleansed of toxins and pathogenic microorganisms, but the irritated mucous membrane will also be slightly calmed.

Vaccination against intestinal infections

The most important preventive measure against intestinal infections are sanitary and epidemiological measures. But there are cases when the risk of an outbreak of the disease increases, in which case specialists recommend preventive vaccination (if there is a vaccine against a specific pathogen) to prevent the spread of the disease.

Anti-epidemic measures for intestinal infections

Anti-epidemiological measures must be taken immediately after a patient or carrier of a dangerous infection is identified. First of all, the carrier is isolated from the group and the place where the infection was identified (group, class, office) is quarantined (for a period of 7 days or more).

After isolation, a complete cleaning is carried out with special means and disinfection of all objects.