best antibiotic for intestinal infection - #13518
I am really worried because I've been dealing with these terrible stomach cramps and diarrhea for a few days now, and it feels like it's only getting worse. I don’t usually get sick like this and it started after I ate some questionable street food while traveling a couple weeks ago. I went to my doctor, and after some tests, they mentioned I might have an intestinal infection but didn’t really explain much else. I’ve heard that there are specific medications for this kind of thing, and I just can't shake the feeling that I need to know what's the best antibiotic for intestinal infection. What do you guys think? Are there specific antibiotics that work better for this? I kind of feel lost here since I’m used to being healthy, and the waiting for results is making me even more anxious. The doctor didn't prescribe anything yet, saying we’d wait for the test results, but I'm really starting to wonder if I should be more proactive and ask about what the best antibiotic for intestinal infection might be. Is there a chance that waiting too long could be bad for me? Has anyone experienced something like this before? Any advice would be super helpful right now, thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
When it comes to treating an intestinal infection, the choice of antibiotic largely depends on the specific bacteria involved, as well as the severity of the symptoms. Common causative agents include bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and certain strains of E. coli. For cases like travelers’ diarrhea where bacterial infection is suspected, empiric antibiotic therapy might be initiated in after considering severity and patient background, but generally it’s based on culture results. Ciprofloxacin or azithromycin are often used in these cases, but only when bacterial infection is confirmed, because unnecessary use of antibiotics can contribute to resistance and may not be effective if the infection is viral.
It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidance here, as they will tailor treatment based on the lab results and your specific situation. You mentioned being quite anxious about the wait, and that’s understandable, but starting antibiotics without specific indications, especially without identifying the bacteria, could do more harm than good. Make sure to stay hydrated, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is a significant risk in such infections. Sport drinks that replenish electrolytes can be helpful.
If symptoms worsen, or if you notice things like blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, or high fever, seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a more serious condition requiring prompt intervention. Your doctor is likely waiting on results before prescribing to ensure you receive the most effective treatment. Patience in these cases helps provide more accurate and personalized care. If you’re feeling uneasy, asking your doctor about the types of infections the tests are targeting might provide some peace of mind as you wait for results.
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