With all the foodborne disease outbreak news, names likenorovirusIE coliare on the front line of the Americans. However, many other worms can cause equally unpleasant - if not worse - gastrointestinal symptoms.
Stomach flu, also calledgastroenteritis, it can sneak into your body through the food you eat or through contact with a person. While the list of worms that cause stomach flu is long and varied, it is based on SummerlandHealthGrove16 relapses were found.
HealthGrove used data fromCenters for Disease Control and Preventionprepare this list of the 16 most common stomach upsets. These errors caused the largest number of outbreaks in the United States between 2009 and 2013. An epidemic is defined as an increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected of the population of an area.
While there is no way to completely protect yourself from these diseases, simple precautions such as hand washing and careful food handling can reduce your risk.
#16. Enterotoksigena E. coli
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:1
This strain of E. coli is one of the leading causes of traveler's diarrhea and the leading cause of diarrhea in underdeveloped areas. This bacterium lives in the intestines of humans and animals and is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Most people recover from infection within 48 hours and require no special treatment.
However, this strain is rarer than many other forms of E. coli, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which causes many more outbreaks.
Note: This E. coli strain caused only one outbreak between 2009 and 2013, but the visualization includes outbreaks caused by all strains.
#15. Circulation
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:1
It causes the microscopic cyclospore parasitecyclosporosisbowel disease. People usually get cyclosporiasis by eating food or water that is contaminated with the bacteria. People with a healthy immune system usually recover without treatment.
However, untreated symptoms can last from a few days to a month or more.
Common treatments include antibiotics such asBactrimIseptra.
#14. Astrowirus
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:1
Astrowirusaffects the digestive system and causes diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms can cause dehydration, so it is important to drink fluids if you are infected with this virus.
Symptoms last three to four days and usually go away without medical intervention.
#13. Listeria
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:2
According to the CDC,exchangeIt usually affects the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
This disease is usually caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches and diarrhea.
This disease is especially dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or death of the newborn.
#12. Jersinija
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:2
More casesgerizinosiscaused by Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria.
Although Yersinia usually affects young children, anyone can become infected. The infection can cause symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear four to seven days after exposure and can last one to three weeks.
#11. Choroba Staphylococcus
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:2
The bacteriaIt is most commonly known to cause staph infections in hospitals, but it can also cause food poisoning if food is not handled properly. If food is contaminated and not refrigerated properly, bacteria can multiply rapidly and produce a toxin that causes disease.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and mild fever.
However, the illness is usually short-lived as most people get better within 24 to 48 hours.
#10. Sapowirus
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:12
Sapowirusis unknown to many clinicians, but is responsible for many cases of viral gastroenteritis in the United States.
This pathogen was discovered in 1977 and belongs to the same family as norovirus. It was named after herSapporo, Japan, where the virus was first detected after an outbreak in an orphanage.
Symptoms of infection include diarrhoea, vomiting and fever and usually resolve within 48 hours.
#9. Clostridium
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:19
Clostridium difficile, also known as C. diff., lives in the intestines of many people and is part of the normal balance of bacteria in the human gut. Although it usually doesn't cause problems, if the balance of microbes in the gut is disturbed, C. diff can get out of control and start releasing toxins that attack the lining of the gut.
Typical symptoms are diarrhea and abdominal pain.
If Clostridia develops while taking antibiotics, treatment usually involves discontinuation of the antibiotic regimen. If not, antibiotics may be prescribed. However, antibiotics may be prescribed sparingly becauseClostridium difficile resistant to antibioticsis already a threat to many hospitals.
#8. Rotawirus
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:19
This virusit is more common in infants and young children, although the elderly are not immune.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and fever that can last three to eight days. While there is no antiviral drug to treat rotavirus, there is a vaccine for infants.
If you experience rotavirus symptoms, drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration.
#7. Cryptosporidium
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:36
This little parasite causes diarrheacryptosporidiosis. Commonly transmitted through drinking and recreational water, this parasite can survive outside the body for a long time due to its outer protective coating.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis usually appear two to 10 days after infection, with watery diarrhea being the most common symptom. Other symptoms include vomiting and fever, which can last for one to two weeks.
#6. Giardia
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:48
Giardia, a diarrheal disease, is caused by the parasite of the same name. It is found in soil, food and water contaminated with the feces of infected humans or animals, but is most commonly transmitted through drinking water. Symptoms include diarrhoea, gas, vomiting and dehydration and can last for one to two weeks.
Treatment usually includes medications such asmetronidazole,tinidazoleIwatched.
#5. Campylobacter
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:60
Thecampylobacter bakeryis one of the most common causes of diarrhea in the United States. Typically, this bacterium is not associated with cluster outbreaks, as it most often affects those that dohandle raw poultryinappropriately, for example by cooking poorly and forgetting to clean food preparation surfaces.
The CDC reports that approximately 14 out of 100,000 people develop the disease each year. Most infected people recover within two to five days - antibiotics are only prescribed in the most severe cases.
#4. E. coli that produces Shiga toxin
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:125
Also known as STEC,Shiga toxin-producing E. colilives normally in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains of E. coli live naturally in the human gut and are actually harmless, STEC is one of the most commonly heard of foodborne outbreaks.
STEC usually causes diarrhea, vomiting, and severe stomach cramps. Most people recover within five to seven days.
#3. Salmonella
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:251
Salmonella infections are more common in the summer and are usually caused by two strains, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella typhimuriumsalmonellaenteritis. After contracting salmonella, most people develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours.
People with weakened immune systems and the elderly or infants are more likely to develop severe reactions to this bacterium.
#2. szigella
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:301
A group of peopleShigelli bacteriacauses shigellosis, which causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps a day or two after exposure.
Shigellosis usually goes away in five to seven days. Frequent hand washing can prevent the spread of this disease.
#1. Norovirus
Outbreaks in 2009-2013:3.215
Also known as the vomit of winter,norovirusThe maximum incidence is in winter. ANDEpidemic in December 2015Norovirus has sickened hundreds of people in Santa Barbara County.
Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea usually occur within one or two days of exposure. Given these symptoms, victims of this virus should not drink a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration. Most people recover in one to three days.
Although this disease is relatively short-lived, the number of outbreaks far exceeds that of other insects on this list.
Comparison of stomach worms
Click here for more information on other conditions at HealthGrove.
—Sabrina Perry is associate editor atGraphic, a data analytics and visualization startup from Summerland. This article is based on data he preparedHealthGrove, a branch of Graphiq.
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FAQs
What is the most common ailment of the stomach? ›
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Heartburn happens, but if it occurs regularly, you may need to be evaluated for GERD. ...
- Chronic Diarrhea. ...
- Chronic Constipation. ...
- Gastroenteritis. ...
- Ulcers. ...
- Hemorrhoids.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) ...
- Gallstones. ...
- Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance. ...
- Crohn's Disease. ...
- Ulcerative Colitis. ...
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome. ...
- Hemorrhoids. ...
- Diverticulitis.
Other functional and structural diseases include peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, gastroenteritis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, gallstones, fecal incontinence, lactose intolerance, Hirschsprung disease, abdominal adhesions, Barrett's esophagus, appendicitis, indigestion (dyspepsia), intestinal pseudo-obstruction, ...
What are the 3 common disorders of the digestive system? ›Some of the more common digestive disorders include: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
What are common stomach symptoms? ›Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion/dyspepsia, bloating and constipation are common in the community. However, these symptoms may be misinterpreted and their impact and significance misunderstood both by health care providers and patients.
When are stomach problems serious? ›Call your doctor if you have any of these digestive symptoms: Chronic or unusual abdominal pain. Persistent or severe heartburn. Difficulty swallowing.
What causes digestive problems? ›Getting too little exercise. Taking certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, iron, and some pain medications (particularly narcotic pain medications) Medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, IBS, and hypothyroidism. Pregnancy.
How do you keep your stomach healthy? ›- Do not rush your food. Take the time to eat slowly and chew each mouthful well.
- Do not overeat. ...
- Eat regularly and try not to skip meals.
- Avoid eating a big meal just before you go to bed. ...
- Make sure you have plenty of water to drink.
Functional Dyspepsia is the term used to describe recurring upset stomach, bloating, discomfort or pain in the belly that occurs in people when there is no evidence of an underlying disease that is likely to explain the symptoms.
What foods to avoid if you have gastrointestinal problems? ›Some people with chronic stomach discomfort are more sensitive to certain foods like dairy, spicy foods, soda, fried foods or alcohol. These foods can relax the muscle that keeps food from traveling backward, increase stomach acid production or keep the stomach full for too long.
What are signs that your stomach is not functioning properly? ›
- Vomiting.
- Nausea.
- Abdominal bloating.
- Abdominal pain.
- A feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites.
- Vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier.
- Acid reflux.
- Changes in blood sugar levels.
The CDC recommends bleach to kill the stomach bug-causing norovirus on surfaces. But if that will damage your counter or you'd rather not use it, look for “phenolic solution” on the label of a concentrated disinfectant. To kill the germs, the EPA suggests you use 2 to 4 times the recommended amount.
Why does my stomach hurt every morning and I have to poop? ›Your stomach may hurt when you wake up in the morning due to indigestion, IBS, IBD, constipation, acid reflux, GERD, a food allergy, pancreatitis, a peptic ulcer, period pain, gastritis, diverticulitis, or gallstones. Speak to a doctor if the pain doesn't go away or if it was severe enough to wake you up from sleep.
How do doctors test for stomach problems? ›Standard imaging tests for gastric conditions include upper gastrointestinal series (UGI), ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. For an even clearer picture of the gastrointestinal tract, a barium swallow or barium enema may be used in conjunction with an X-ray.
When should I see a gastroenterologist? ›You should see a gastroenterologist if you have any symptoms of a digestive health disorder or if you need colon cancer screening. Often, seeing a gastroenterologist leads to more accurate detection of polyps and cancer, fewer complications from procedures and less time spent in the hospital.
What is the most difficult disease to diagnose? ›- Executive Summary. ...
- Recommended Actions. ...
- Pulmonary embolus. ...
- Necrotizing fasciitis. ...
- Vascular pathology in the neck. ...
- Compromise of the spinal cord. ...
- Ischemic bowel. ...
- Sleep apnea and post-op hypoventilation.
And just as the muscles throughout your body might tire more easily than they did in your 20s and 30s, the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus and bowel, can slow down. This often leads to increased symptoms, such as acid reflux or constipation, respectively, over age 65.
What are red flags for abdominal pain? ›If the pain in your abdominal region is dull and persistent or sudden and severe and is also accompanied by vomiting, that's another major red flag. The combination of abdominal pain and vomiting – especially if the vomiting is intense and lasts for a prolonged period of time – could be a sign of a major complication.
Why does my stomach hurt everyday? ›Usually, stomach pains are harmless conditions caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion. Frequent or recurring sharp stomach pain often is due to stress and worry, even in children. But it can point to more serious medical problems like pancreatic diseases.
What are the 3 super foods for your gut? ›- Leafy Greens. Leafy greens are a powerful prebiotic and are high in vitamins C, K, B complex, folic acid, beta carotene, iron, iodine, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sulphur and chlorophyll. ...
- Asparagus. ...
- Oats. ...
- Greek Yoghurt. ...
- Apples. ...
- Ginger.
What foods heal your gut? ›
- Yoghurt. Live yoghurt is an excellent source of so-called friendly bacteria, also known as probiotics. ...
- Kefir. ...
- Miso. ...
- Sauerkraut. ...
- Kimchi. ...
- Sourdough. ...
- Almonds. ...
- Olive oil.
- Crohn's Disease.
- Gastritis.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Infections.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Ulcers.
Common gastrointestinal symptoms due to stress are heartburn, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and associated lower abdominal pain.
What drink is good to settle a stomach? ›- Sports drinks.
- Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale.
- Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
- Clear soup broth or bouillon.
- Popsicles.
- Decaffeinated tea.
Fatty foods, such as chips, burgers and fried foods, are harder to digest and can cause stomach pain and heartburn. Cut back on greasy fried foods to ease your stomach's workload. Try to eat more lean meat and fish, drink skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, and grill rather than fry foods.
Which fruit is best for digestion? ›On the other hand, berries and citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, contain less fructose, making them easier to tolerate and less likely to cause gas. Bananas are another low-fructose fruit that are fiber-rich and contain inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
What is the number one cause of stomach problems? ›The most common causes of stomach pain
This kind of pain stems from a digestion issue, menstruation, or a passing virus. For example: Digestion issues, including indigestion, gas, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, and food poisoning, are all extremely common causes of stomach pain.
- Gastritis. Gastritis is when the stomach lining becomes inflamed or swollen. ...
- Gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of both the stomach and small bowel. ...
- Gastroparesis. ...
- Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia. ...
- Peptic Ulcers. ...
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer.
- Fried Foods. 1/10. They're high in fat and can bring on diarrhea. ...
- Citrus Fruits. 2/10. Because they're high in fiber and they are acidic, they can give some folks an upset stomach. ...
- Artificial Sugar. 3/10. ...
- Too Much Fiber. 4/10. ...
- Beans. 5/10. ...
- Cabbage and Its Cousins. 6/10. ...
- Fructose. 7/10. ...
- Spicy Foods. 8/10.
Gastroparesis can interfere with normal digestion, cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. It can also cause problems with blood sugar levels and nutrition. Although there's no cure for gastroparesis, changes to your diet, along with medication, can offer some relief.
Which stress symptom is associated with the stomach? ›
- indigestion.
- stomach cramps.
- diarrhea.
- constipation.
- loss of appetite.
- unnatural hunger.
- nausea.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Bloating.
- Diarrhea.
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Malabsorption of nutrients.
- Oily or foul-smelling stool (steatorrhea)
- Poor appetite.
- Weakness.
- Weight loss.