Infectious Disease | Gleneagles Hospital Johor

Pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi can cause infectious diseases, in which the diseases can be spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. Sepsis, influenza, tuberculosis, hepatitis are some of the common infectious diseases affecting the worldwide population.

Prevention of Infection

To minimize your risk of infection, you are advised to have good personal hygiene, eg: wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. Avoid sharing personal items like toothbrush, comb, razor, towel, drinking glasses and dining utensils. In addition, get vaccinated and practice safe sex can also reduce your chance of contracting many diseases.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of an infectious diseases depend on the organism causing the infection, but fever and fatigue are the most common signs and symptoms of infectious diseases. In addition, other general signs and symptoms include diarrhea, muscle aches and coughing.

- Have prolonged (more than 5 days) or unexplained fever with or without headache

Diverticulitis

Small pockets within the intestinal wall lining that tend to form with age are known as Diverticula. If these become infected, this progresses to what is known as diverticulitis and is commonly caused due to the lack of dietary fiber in one's diet.

Symptoms may include:

- Severe abdominal pains

- Fever

- Nausea

- Fatigue

- Bloody/Tarry stools

Haemorrhoids

More commonly known as piles, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal and lower rectal region, typically occurring due to straining one's bowel movements.

Symptoms may be associated with:

- A small sensitive and/or painful lump or lumps protruding from the anus

- Pain, itching and/or discomfort around the anal region

- Painless bleeding during bowel movements

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

This particular disease is due to a reflux of acid on a frequent basis, especially when stomach acid moves up and to the throat due to abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter muscles.

Common GERD symptoms include:

- Heartburn after meals (burning sensation in chest or throat)

- Sour taste in mouth

You can alleviate GERD by:

- Refraining from belts or tight clothing that constrict the stomach

- Keeping a healthy weight in check

- Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes

- Keeping meal portions smaller

- Avoiding foods that trigger GERD symptoms

- Waiting awhile before lying down after a meal

- Keeping your head and neck elevated while sleeping

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The two main causes of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis where ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of one's large intestine and rectum, causing chronic inflammation and ulcers or sores to develop. Whereas, Crohn's disease tend to include multiple different areas throughout the entire digestive tract, often occurring towards the end of the small bowel (the ileum) or the beginning. This disease can also affect the entire bowel wall where areas that are affected can be interspersed between the healthy sections of the colon.

Symptoms of IBD may be associated with:

- Inflammation triggered by overactive immune systems

- Viral or bacterial triggers

- Environmental triggers

- Genetic factors

Other symptoms of IBD may include:

- Fatigue

- Weight loss

- Abdominal pains

- Diarrhoea

- Intermittent rectal bleeding

Colorectal Cancer

More commonly known as colon or rectal cancer, this disease tends to develop when cells in this particular region begin to rapidly grow out of control.

A majority of these cancers start as small polyps that can be precancerous. Though most patients show no symptoms at this stage (asymptomatic), over time these polyps can become cancerous. Depending on the size and how deep the cancer has grown, the prognosis may vary and early stages tend to not show any symptoms whatsoever.

Take note of these colorectal cancer symptoms:

- Gastrointestinal cramps or pains

- Gassiness and bloating

- Bowel habit change (constipation or diarrhea)

- Bloody/tarry stools

- Loss of weight

- Loss of appetite

- Feeling nauseous

- Vomiting

- Fatigue

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects one's large intestine with a range of symptoms that include:

- Loss of appetite

- Gassiness and/or bloating

- Diarrhoea and/or constipation during intermittent periods

- Abdominal pain that is relieved with bowel movement