wellhealthorganic.com : key signs of gastroenteritis: As commonly referred to as the “stomach flu,” gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestines and stomach that often results in fever, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. While symptoms typically subside within days or so on their own, its discomfort can significantly impede day-to-day activities and quality of life can significantly improve by learning how to prevent and treat gastroenteritis effectively. Here we explore its causes, prophylactic measures and therapeutic approaches.
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Symptoms of Viral Gastroenteritis
As opposed to influenza, which primarily targets respiratory organs of the body, viral gastroenteritis affects only the intestines and stomach of its victims. Patients may exhibit symptoms related to gastroenteritis such as:
Watery diarrhoea. In some instances, diarrhoea can last over several days and should not be ignored; you should contact your physician without delay if this occurs. Nausea and vomiting; cramps in stomach and abdomens; low-grade fever; chills; body aches; appetite loss; Swollen lymph nodes (occasional); muscle pain or headache are other potential signs.
Usually, symptoms appear within three to three and a half days of coming in contact with a virus. Mild cases may only display gastroenteritis symptoms for two or three days while acute cases could last 14 days or more. If severe problems arise it is highly advised that medical advice be sought immediately.
What are the causes of Stomach Flu/Gastroenteritis?
Multiple viruses are known to cause gastroenteritis and should be considered potential sources. Rotavirus and norovirus viruses have long been implicated as culprits, however. Let’s explore some other potential gastroenteritis triggers:
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a viral illness that most often affects children aged three and younger, and as adults generally don’t get infected, adult immunity provides protection. Furthermore, there is now an effective vaccine available against it.
Norovirus
Norovirus is the most prevalent gastroenteritis virus, infecting over half of adult gastroenteritis patients and more resistant to disinfectants than other gastroenteritis-causing viruses.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus typically causes respiratory infections; when consumed orally it may also result in gastroenteritis.
Astrovirus
Astrovirus, in particular, has been linked with gastroenteritis outbreaks among children under three years of age.
Everyone is susceptible to gastroenteritis; your resistance and recovery from it depend on how healthy your immune system is. Children, infants and older people are at higher risk for gastroenteritis than others.
What Are My Treatment Options for Gastroenteritis?
An absolute cure for gastroenteritis does not exist yet, although most individuals usually recover in one to two weeks without medical help; your body is designed to rid itself of gastroenteritis naturally; in extreme dehydration cases however intravenous fluids may be needed; but there is no medicine specifically targeted against viral gastroenteritis; generally antibiotics only have limited efficacy due to being designed to target bacteria rather than viruses causing gastroenteritis.
As part of your gastroenteritis treatment, it is wise to rest at least for one week and drink enough fluids so as to prevent dehydration, as dehydration can delay recovery processes. Therefore, taking small sips of liquid periodically is recommended.
As your stomach flu symptoms lessen and you begin regaining energy, you may gradually return to following your normal diet.
But until your body has adjusted again, the following must be avoided: caffeine, milk, and alcohol.
Preventive Measures to Avert Viral Gastroenteritis
Even after successfully recovering from gastroenteritis, your body may still feel exhausted and weak. Therefore, it is advisable to be extra cautious. Here are some precautionary measures against gastroenteritis:
Drink only water and food from reliable sources to be sure of their quality and avoid drinking from unknown sources.
Always wash your hands after being outside, touching something contaminated, or after returning home from eating food outside – especially after returning from outside or touching any surface that might contain germs – it is very important that they are clean! Make sure you wash before and after touching anything that could contaminate them as often as possible to avoid diseases caused by viruses.
Keep your distance from people showing symptoms of gastroenteritis or stomach flu; wait to meet people until after you are completely recovered before socializing again. Keep your surroundings and home clean, using disinfectants on surfaces most likely to come into contact with people.
If you have an infant, be sure to wash your hands after disposing of diapers or stool from them. Furthermore, maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutritious meals.
Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial to staying healthy, and will not only aid in the fight against gastroenteritis but many other illnesses as well. Millions of people worldwide fall ill with gastroenteritis each year; typically this illness can be overcome naturally with fluid intake but some patients may require intravenous infusion or hospitalisation due to severe dehydration and weakness.
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