Colon Infection Symptoms

There are so many microorganisms that can invade the body and cause infections in the colon. Identification of the actual causative agent will require some clinical analysis of stools. However, getting to know the symptoms of colon infection will help in getting to deal with the problem promptly.

Colon infection symptoms come in different forms depending on the cause of the infection. The symptoms though do follow a similar pattern.

 

In order to elaborate this we are going to look at three kinds of colon infections

Clostridium difficile infection

This is an infection of the colon which is brought about by the use of antibiotics. The infection occurs when normal gut flora has been wiped out by antibiotics thus leaving behind the clostridium species bacteria which cause diarrhea. The colon infection symptoms associated with this condition are passing watery stools for more than three times a day (diarrhea), abdominal pains and fever.

Toxic megacolon

This is a condition that is characterized by an extremely dilated colon which is also coupled by abdominal bloating. The disease can be caused by some clostridium species of bacterium or in some cases can be present from birth. The colon infection symptoms associated with this disease are abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, dehydration, increased heart rate and fever.

Trichuriasis

This is an infection caused by parasites such as the whipworm and roundworm which invade the tissue of the colon. The pirate is carried by several vectors among which include cockroaches and domestic flies.

Humans get infected when they ingest the parasitic eggs through contaminated food. Some of the parasites can also be transmitted from the soil.

The colon infection symptoms associated with this disease are abdominal pains, diarrhea, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, intestinal bleeding and a weakened immune system making the individual prone to opportunistic infections.

The above three are just some examples of some colon infections. It is evident from the symptoms that all of the infections have something in common which can either be abdominal pains or diarrhea.

Understanding the symptoms of colon infection is very important for you will be able to determine your problem and seek medical help without any delays.

If you do not understand the symptoms well you may just think that your stomach problems are as a result of diet adjustments and there may be nothing wrong with you whilst in actual fact you may be nursing an infection which can become lethal.