Campylobacteriosis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by the Campylobacter bacteria. In the U.S., the condition is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness. The bacteria are transmitted to humans primarily through the consumption of undercooked or contaminated food items, mainly chicken. Other routes of transmission include sexual contact, exposure to contaminated water supplies, and exposure to sick pets.

Known risk factors and symptoms of campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis is a common cause of traveler’s diarrhea or food poisoning. The following symptoms occur at least two to four days after exposure.

• Cramping abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Watery or bloody diarrhea

For people with weakened immune systems, campylobacteriosis may enter the bloodstream and cause severe complications.

Body systems affected by campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis affects the digestive tract of an infected individual.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent or relieve campylobacteriosis

Like all cases of food poisoning, keeping the body hydrated and minimizing the amount of stress are key factors in maintaining a healthy diet despite the condition. Here are some recommended food items and other tips during this time.

• Keep your fluids up – Dehydration is a serious risk for people with food poisoning, especially if vomiting or diarrhea is part of the condition. Try to drink (or at least sip) fluids every 10 minutes after the vomiting dies down. However, if drinking makes your body start vomiting, hold off drinking for at least one more hour, then try again.
• Do the BRAT diet and go for bland foods – The BRAT diet – which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast — is a good choice to start introducing food again, once the symptoms become a bit better. Other options available include crackers and cooked cereals.
• Start slow – If you’re ready to start a normal diet, go first with soft-cooked eggs, stewed fruits, cooked vegetables and white meat chicken. Avoid consuming dairy products, fried, greasy or spicy foods, raw vegetables, and alcohol until you’re fully recovered.
• Add some probiotics into the mix – Having probiotics after you recover can aid in restoring the balance of gut bacteria that might have been affected by the condition.

Treatment and management options for campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis goes away on its own, with most people recovering in a span of five to eight days.

Where to learn more

• Raw Milk Sickens 45 People in Utah, Improper Cleansing of Udders Noted
• Kissing your puppy could send you to the hospital; CDC says virus is spreading
• Report: 83 percent of grocery store chicken meat found infected with bacteria
• New Zealand under fire for alleged dirty food practices, questionable environmental standards
• More than 1.9 million pounds of ‘under-cooked’ ready-to-eat chicken products recalled

Summary

Campylobacteriosis is an infection caused by the Campylobacter bacteria, which are transmitted to humans primarily through the consumption of undercooked or contaminated food like chicken. Other routes of transmission include sexual contact, exposure to contaminated water supplies, and exposure to sick pets.

Campylobacteriosis is a common cause of traveler’s diarrhea or food poisoning. Like all cases of food poisoning, keeping the body hydrated and minimizing the amount of stress are key factors in maintaining a healthy diet despite the condition.

The condition usually goes away on its own, with most people recovering in a span of five to eight days.

Sources include:

eMedicine.Medscape.com

MedLineplus.gov

LiveStrong.com