Salmonellosis
This disease is caused by the salmonella bacteria present in raw or undercooked meat, fish, dairy products, and water. Those most susceptible to salmonellosis are children, the elderly, and people with weakened immunity.
The disease develops very quickly with chills, body temperature rising sharply, weakness, cramps and abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and loose stools, which are sometimes mixed with mucus and blood. If you do not consult a doctor, peritonitis, infectious-toxic shock, and dehydration are possible — and in severe cases, death.
Listeriosis
The causative agent of listeriosis is a bacterium that, at low temperatures and sufficient humidity, actively multiplies in water and food, including when products are stored in the refrigerator. The greatest danger is posed by salads, soft cheeses, meat, and fish. It usually takes 2–3 weeks from infection to the first signs of the disease. The first signs of the disease are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
If you do not take action, after 3–4 days the patient's condition will deteriorate sharply. Signs of damage to the central nervous system, meningitis, and encephalitis may develop. Listeriosis is transmitted from person to person, so the patient must be isolated. Listeriosis is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it can negatively affect the development of the fetus.
Dysentery
Distinguishing dysentery from poisoning is not as difficult as other diseases, since intestinal manifestations do not occur immediately. First, the temperature rises, appetite disappears, a severe headache occurs, and blood pressure drops. Within a day there are often dull pains throughout the abdomen, which gradually turn into sharp cramping down the left side of the body. Loose stool mixed with mucus and blood also occurs. In the acute period, the patient should follow a strict diet in addition to taking appropriate medications.
Rotavirus infection
People call it intestinal flu because the clinical picture resembles this infectious disease. The disease typically begins acutely, with an increase in body temperature around 102 °F. Complaints of aching bones and muscles as well as chills are the primary symptoms. Following that, gas and abdominal pain, profuse watery stools (up to 20 times a day), and repeated vomiting begin.
The most characteristic difference between diarrhea caused by rotavirus from dysentery or salmonellosis is the absence of blood and mucus in the stool, as well as a rather rapid relief of the condition as the patient typically, recovers after one day.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a violation of the digestive function of the pancreas, in which excess enzymes accumulate in the pancreas. Pancreatic juice begins to act inside the gland itself and destroying tissue, which leads to disruption of all its functions.
When the pancreas is inflamed, the most common symptoms are girdle pain, which is worse after eating, and bloating. Pancreatitis may also be accompanied by vomiting. A mild form of pancreatitis may be alleviated by not eating for a while; however, the disease tends to progress without further treatment.
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is a violation of the passage of contents through the intestine, caused by a narrowing of its lumen, compression, spasm, hemodynamic, or innervation disorders. The first symptoms are easy to confuse with poisoning and include abdominal cramps accompanied by nausea, vomiting, stool retention, and difficulty passing gas.
An increase in symptoms should be taken seriously — especially vomiting, which occurs regardless of food intake and is accompanied by sharp pains in different areas of the abdomen. With intestinal obstruction, urgent hospitalization is necessary.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix can resemble almost any medical condition. The pain usually occurs in the upper abdomen and gradually shifts to the right and down; however, pain may be felt in the center of the abdomen or on the left in the stomach. One of the characteristic signs is increased pain at the slightest change in position, and the person freezes in one position.
With immobility, pain can disappear completely, but when you try to change position, it returns. The only method of treatment is surgery and removal of the appendix, so you should call an ambulance if you have any suspicion that you have appendicitis.
