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What Causes Stomach Infection?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014

Question: I had abowel obstruction operation that consisted of an adhesion removed at the opening of the small intestine Now I have been diagnosed with an infection through a lab report on my stool.the information was that I coud have this fromdrinking well water but that is not feasible since I have city waterand have been hom recuperating since the operation. What is the name of the infection they wouldn't tell me over the phone'It is a weekend and I will have to wait till Monday to see a doctor.In the meantime I have had bowelmovements that are not normal and none for forty eight hours and some cramping in my legs.It was suggested tha I should ake cipro or leviquin but I am allergic to both.then it was suggested that I would have to use antibiotics that are admoninstered by IV. Home nursing is suppose to be ableto do that so onMonday I might get that started but in the meantime do you have any idea what the infection would be called?they would not tell me over the phone and what would you suggest I do in thenext 24 hours to relieve this situation?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be E Coli

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms,

It would be difficult to tell what organism could have been isolated from the stools. The causative organism can be one of many thousand bacteria present. One of the common organism that could be present in drinking water leading to stool infection is Escherichia Coli(E Coli).
E Coli is also normally presnt in stools, but not all bacteria are pathogenic(disease causing).
Lets come to management, even if there are organism isolated from stools, its also important to have clinical co-relation. If there are no loose stools/blood in stools, no sever pain in abdomen and absence of fever there is no cause for concern. Its not urgent to start any antibiotic, I would not put my patients on any antibiotic just because something is positive in stool. I would like to co-relate it with clinical symptoms. The other issue is that you have no passed stools since 48 hours, if there is no distension of abdomen and absence of vomiting its unlikely to be intestinal obstruction. Its more likely to be due to impacted stools in the rectum. Consider following these suggestions
1. Rectal Suppository: Single Dulcolax(Bisacodyl) rectal suppository will be helpful in evacuation of stools
2. Consume plenty of oral fluids
3. High fiber diet.

In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (14 hours later)

I have had two bowel movements which were sort of solid since I sent the message.however I have since had the loose bowels movements.I have been watching my diet.I have had no pain accompanying this situation and I am drinking lots of water.Do you think that it would be okay to take an over the counter fiber product? I am going to find out the actual name of the infection tomorrow. the advice was from my gastro clinic that I would need antibiotic but my primary doctor I will be in touch with tomorrow.There is no fever and no pain accompanying this symptom but it is making me very fatiqued. I appreciate your response and just now had the time to receive your first advice. thank you and will be waiting for your answer about the fiber.I have had two bowel movements(which were sort of solid) since I sent the message however I have loose bowel movements since.I have been watching my diet and have no pain accompanying this situation and I am drinking lots of water.do you think it would be okay to take an over the counter fiber product? I am going to speak tp my primary doctor tomorrow.there isno pain accompanying thissymptom but it is making me very fatiqued.I appreciate your response and just now was able to receive your first response.thsnk you

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can take fibre supplement

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

You can definitely take fibre supplements. I would also advise you to ensure good intake of water, as taking fibre alone without sufficient water may lead to impaction of fibre. I would also advise you to take probiotics.

Do keep me updated about your progress.
Wishing you a happy and healthy life.

Take Care Madam

Regards
Dr Deepak

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar