Symptoms of gastroenteritis suddenly appeared and usually disappear after a few days. Gastroenteritis usually healed spontaneously, without special treatment and regardless of cause if it was a virus or bacteria. Though diarrhea is almost always occurs because of diarrhea is the most common symptom of gastroenteritis, but not all patients get the same symptoms.
Sudden vomiting is a symptom of gastroenteritis which very often. Patients may also be less appetite and/or feel nauseous. But he had to keep eating, although in small numbers. Anyway, the body needs energy, especially when the infection.
If vomiting is harmful? No, the gag itself doesn't hurt. However, severe and recurring vomiting can cause dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea can reduce or even prevent the absorption of the drug. This is the case. If in doubt, consult with your doctor.
Stomach flu is often accompanied by a low-grade fever (> 38 ° C). That usually disappear after a few days. If that is not the problem, or if you are experiencing a temperature of 39 ° C or more, You should consult a doctor.
Other symptoms of stomach flu
In addition to diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and fever, gastroenteritis disease may have other symptoms:
- headache
- fatigue
- muscle pain and/or general weakness
- blood in the stool
- some of the more rare forms of gastroenteritis can also be associated with complaints of colds, angina, etc.
Children are more sensitive to stomach flu: a disease gastroenteritis in children
Gastroenteritis affects mainly young children. On the one hand because of their undeveloped immune system strong as in adults. But also because of the contact between children in schools facilitate the spread of this disease. In addition, infants and young children are more at risk of experiencing dehydration than adults.
Stomach flu in children: when to consult the doctor?
Diarrhea is quite common in young children. Fortunately, this can be treated properly at home. However, it is better to consult a doctor in the following cases:
- the child shows signs of dehydration;
- There is blood in the stool;
- apathy or excessive sleep (baby is sleepy all the time or it's hard waking up);
- persistent vomiting (hours);
- hot fever over 38.5 ° C;
- a quick breath and restless;
- When diarrhea settled for more than 48 hours;
- in infants who are younger than two months.
Gastroenteritis: Diagnosis Examination
Stomach flu: When should adults consult a doctor?
Commonly, gastroenteritis may disappear by itself. However, you should consult a doctor in the following cases:
- Symptoms or suspicion of dehydration;
- Can't urinate more than 12 hours;
- The presence of blood in the flooded and/or time of defecation;
- If there is no obvious symptom improvement after five days.
Other causes of diarrhea: diarrhea and vomiting are the classic symptoms of gastroenteritis complications. But it can also have other causes, such as infection with a type of pneumonia (pneumonia), or blood poisoning, the use of antibiotics, gluten intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), etc.
The Treatment Of Gastroenteritis
Rehydration: the best first drink is in gastroenteritis. Adults should drink 1 to 2 liters of water per day, total 8 to 16 cups.
Probiotics
Our digestive system contains no less than 100,000 billion bacteria, where there are more than 500 different species. There are good bacteria, which are indispensable for the proper functioning of our organism. Bad bacteria can cause disease. If the number of bad bacteria is increasing, health problems will arise.
What is a probiotic? : According to the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are living microorganisms (bacteria, etc) that provide health benefits when consumed in sufficient amounts. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are the most important representatives in the House of the good bacteria.
As far as concerns the probiotic strains: one is not the other. Better use of strains that have been studied in depth and their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea has been scientifically proven. Saccharomyces boulardii is a micro-organism that its effectiveness against diarrhoea is the most studied. S. boulardii-reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria that cause stomach flu and work against the toxins being released. This works as an anti-inflammatory and therefore reduce the duration and frequency of diarrhea. In our probiotic bacteria found some lactobacilli, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, like and l. reuteri.
Dietary supplements or drugs
Probiotics are available in pharmacies, in the form of nutritional supplements or drugs. Medicines offer better guarantees, both in terms of quality and quantity.
Antidiarrhoeal drugs
Peristaltic accelerated (movement of muscles that push food into the digestive tract) can cause diarrhea. Some anti-diarrheal drugs slow down the Peristaltic and therefore it is indicated in the treatment of non-infectious diarrhea (a sensitive bowel, diarrhea by use of antibiotics, except Clostridium difficile).
However, the diarrhea on gastroenteritis infeksiosa (viruses, bacteria or parasites) doesn't need to be combated with costly fees. Lest we forget that diarrhea, such as vomiting, is a natural defense mechanism. The body tries to expel pathogenic microorganisms. So, the first days it is better to let the body ' idleness '.
Treatment is symptomatic of another flu stomach
Against: vomiting Antiemetic is drugs for nausea and vomiting. They work on the contractions of the esophagus and stomach muscles.
Against stomach ache: Antispasmodic (killer cramps) relieve stomach cramps.
Against fever: Paracetamol against fevers, headaches and muscle pain.
Caution: all these drugs can cause side effects and have contraindications. It is important to read the usage instructions and ask for the advice of the doctor. Do not use this medicine for more than a few days. Do not give this to the children without a doctor's advice.
Vaccines against rotavirus
Rotavirus is a family of viruses that often cause severe abdominal pain in infants. For example, no less than 98% of all children under two years of age get at least one rotavirus infection. As a result, many of the babies had to be hospitalized each year. There is an oral vaccine in liquid form that can protect against most strains of rotavirus.
What about antibiotics for stomach flu? Antibiotics are only indicated for certain specific forms of bacterial gastroenteritis. The goal is to reduce the duration of symptoms and reduce the risk of infection. But in many cases they are not necessary.
Gastroenteritis disease prevention: prevent contamination
How gastroenteritis transmitted?
Stomach flu can be transmitted through two ways:
- due to food poisoning (particularly bacterial and parasitic gastroenteritis)
- through contact with an infected person or infected objects (mainly viral gastroenteritis).
Reduce the risk of viral contamination
The virus is transmitted through saliva, hands and in the intestine. When the epidemic of malignant semakain or family member experiencing gastroenteritis, take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands several times a day, especially before you eat (preparation) or after to the toilet;
- Avoid direct contact with people who are sick;
- Do not Exchange food, tools (cutlery, glasses, dishes, etc.) or towel with patients;
- Do not use the same toothbrush;
- Don't let the sick person preparing food.
To prevent food poisoning
Our food can contain many bacteria that cause stomach flu: eggs, oysters, chopped meat, poultry, contaminated water, etc. Some rules to avoid food poisoning:
- do not freeze frozen products again;
- grilling food properly, especially red meat, poultry and eggs;
- store leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours after preparation;
- Rinse raw fruits and vegetables with clean water;
- clean kitchen utensils and kitchen table as a whole;