Contents
What's Behind That Stomach Bug?
Published: Mar 18, 2024
Acute infectious diarrhea is a common ailment, often linked to foodborne pathogens. This article explores the various causes and clues that can help identify what's making you sick.
Common Culprits
In resource-abundant settings, many cases of diarrhea are due to viruses, especially norovirus. Bacterial causes like Salmonella and Campylobacter are more common in severe cases. Identifying the food source can sometimes clue you in on the specific pathogen involved.
Symptoms Speak Volumes
Watery diarrhea often points to small bowel infections caused by viruses, while bloody diarrhea suggests bacterial infections like E. coli or Shigella. The timing of symptoms can also provide hints, with some toxins causing symptoms within hours, while others take days.
Not Just Food
While food is a common source, other exposures like travel, animal contact, and recent antibiotic use can also lead to infection. These factors should be considered when determining the cause of illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Viruses like norovirus are common causes.
E. coli and Shigella are frequent culprits.
Yes, travel to resource-limited areas can expose you to pathogens.
Some toxins cause symptoms in hours, others take days.
Wrapping Up
Identifying the cause of diarrhea involves understanding symptoms and potential exposures.
References
- Chai SJ, Gu W, O'Connor KA, et al. Epidemiol Infect 2019; 147:e285.
- Jones TF, McMillian MB, Scallan E, et al. Epidemiol Infect 2007; 135:293.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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