Food sensitivity is not to be confused with food allergies. Whereas food allergies are caused by the body’s immune system reacting to a certain food, food sensitivities and intolerances occur when the body is unable to process or digest a certain food. However, sometimes a bacterial infection can throw a wildcard on the table, so understanding the different symptoms can help differentiate between different conditions.
Causes and Symptoms of Food Sensitivity
These are some of the reasons you may have a food sensitivity or intolerance:
- Lack of necessary enzymes to digest a certain food
- Reactions to food additives or preservatives like sulfites, MSG, or artificial colors
- Sensitivity to sugars naturally found in certain foods like onions, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Although symptoms of food sensitivity vary, they are all related to digestion. People with a food sensitivity may experience gas and bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and even nausea.
Causes and Symptoms of Bacterial Stomach Infection
When a virus or bacteria has been introduced to the digestive system, people will often suffer from a condition called gastroenteritis. Numerous bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, including:
- Yersinia, found in pork
- Staphylococcus, found in dairy products, meat, and eggs
- Shigella, found in water (often swimming pools)
- Salmonella, found in meat, dairy products, and eggs
- Campylobacter, found in meat and poultry
- coli, found in ground beef and salads
Unfortunately, gastroenteritis can come on quite suddenly, with symptoms that are not fun at all. The symptoms for a bacterial infection (gastroenteritis) may include:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Abdominal pain/cramping
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Blood in stool
- Fever
With so many similar symptoms, how can you tell the difference between food sensitivity, and a bacterial infection in the stomach known as bacterial gastroenteritis?
Knowing when it’s time to see a doctor for a clear diagnosis
One of the big differences between food sensitivity and bacterial infection symptoms is the presence of a fever. This usually occurs in cases of bacterial gastroenteritis, but not in food sensitivities.
Still, the only way to obtain a definitive diagnosis is to see a doctor. They will ask questions about your illness and check for signs of dehydration and abdominal pain. In order to determine if bacteria are causing your infection (as opposed to a food sensitivity), your doctor may take stool and blood samples to determine if infection causing bacteria is present, and to check for dehydration. These tests will also help the doctor identify the precise type of bacteria causing the gastroenteritis.
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis because bacterial gastroenteritis infections can cause complications, primarily in older adults, very young children, and those with compromised immune systems. These patients will need to be closely monitored and be under a doctor’s care.
Some of the most serious complications include:
- High fevers
- Muscle pain
- Inability to control bowel movements
- Kidney failure
- Intestinal tract bleeding
- Anemia
- Brain damage
With good medical care and proper treatment, bacterial gastroenteritis infections should go away within a few days.
If you suspect you may have contracted bacterial gastroenteritis, or need help with a food sensitivity or allergy, contact Austin Gastroenterology at (513) 579-3200. Austin Gastroenterology has locations from Georgetown to Kyle, and from Marble Falls to Bastrop. Clinic offices are where you’ll go for consultations, ongoing follow-up, and more. For certain procedures, you will visit one of two endoscopy centers, conveniently located in North and South Austin. Austin Gastroenterology can help you take care of your digestive system, allowing you to enjoy a happy, healthy life.
