Colon Bacterial Infection

At six feet long, the colon is one of the largest organs in the body. As the final section of the digestive system, the purpose of the colon is to absorb water and some of the fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K and get rid of the toxic waste. The healthy bacteria in the colon help to break down fiber which is used to feed the cell walls of the colon. When this organ suffers a colon bacterial infection it is unable to perform its proper functions. This is can lead to diarrhea, gas and many other physical ailments.

What Causes A Colon Bacterial Infection?

A colon bacterial infection is caused by the introduction of unhealthy bacteria into the digestive system. Simply drinking water that has not been purified can lead to a bacterial infection. Eating food that has not been properly cooked can lead to sickness. Coming in physical contact with someone who is ill or not washing hands properly can also lead to a bacterial infection.

Types of Bacterial Infections

Some of the most common colon infections include E. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Clostridium difficile. These bacteria work in different ways to damage the colon and can cause disease. Most are quickly treated by medication if caught early enough. Extreme cases can lead to prolonged hospitalization. A severe colon bacterial infection can be especially debilitating to the young, the elderly and the ill.

Food Borne Illnesses

Some strains of E. Coli are toxic and usually get into the body through contaminated food. This can cause mild to extreme diarrhea or can be severe enough to cause potentially fatal symptoms like hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Salmonella can result from food poisoning and leads to bloody and mucus filled diarrhea because the bacteria irritates and inflames the colon. Colon bacterial infection irritates the lining of the colon and thus causes inflammation.

Infection from unsanitary practices

Shigella is another colon bacterial infection that is the result of ingesting contaminated feces. This is why it is very important to wash hands thoroughly. Shigella destroys the lining of the colon and results in fever, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pus filled bloody stools. Finally, Colstridium difficile destroys the healthy flora in the gut and causes flu-like symptoms as well as abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloating. This is a common disease found in nursing homes or hospitals that provide long-term care. While this bacterium can be present in small amounts in a normal colon, taking antibiotics can destroy the healthy bacteria and allow Clostridium difficile to take over.

Preventing colon bacterial infection

There are several practices that can be put into place to prevent colon bacterial infection. Begin by washing all vegetables thoroughly and cooking food well. Also wash hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or picking up after your pet. Eat plenty of fiber to facilitate the movement of feces through the bowel. Regular colon cleansing is a great practice to rid the colon of waste that is stuck in the colon. Waste that remains in the colon allows toxins to be absorbed back into the body. Frequent colon cleanses removes this built up waste. Also drink plenty of water to help flush the bowel.