Gastroenteritis (Stomach flu): Symptoms & Treatments!

Though most of us tremble at the sound of the word, the truth is that gastroenteritis happens! What symptoms indicate it, how is it transmitted and what will help to deal with it?

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract, and it usually affects the stomach and intestine, resulting in frequent diarrhea and vomiting. It may be due to:

• viruses
• bacteria (e.g. salmonella)
• parasites
• bacterial toxins
• chemicals (eg lead poisoning)

Generally, nn the winter months, viral gastroenteritis, which is caused by a virus, is more common, while in the summer, bacterial gastroenteritis is more often, which is associated with some bacteria from contaminated food or drink.

Symptoms

When acute gastroenteritis occurs, it is very quickly noticed. We all pretty much know its main symptoms (1):

1. Sudden diarrhea
2. Motion sickness
3. Vomiting
4. Cramps and stomach pain
5. Low fever and chills
6. Dizziness or even fainting
7. Stiffness in the joints
8. Headache or muscle aches
9. Weakness and fatigue
10. Dehydration (indications: dry mouth, dark urine, dry skin and lips, intense thirst, fast heart rate, dizziness or lethargy, dry diapers in infants)

In addition, various symptoms may appear even in the period after the acute phase. Such are:

• white or yellow stools
• anorexia
  

Is it contagious?

What concerns many is how gastroenteritis is transmitted. Certainly, the chances increase if we come into contact with a person who is sick or in recovery.

That is why it is often observed that after the first case, the rest of the family or colleagues at the workplace also become infected. The transmission of viral gastroenteritis can happen when we use the same toilet, the same towels and even the same computer.

So, in order not to get infected, it is important to wash our hands well, especially after visiting the toilet, and not to share towels with others.

However, when it comes to bacterial gastroenteritis, it very often occurs during a trip as well. What we choose to eat and drink needs special attention, as it is very likely that germs will be found in the ice cubes in our drink, the water we drink, food that is not well washed or cleaned or that has not been kept in the right conditions.

• Transmission time

Depending on the cause, symptoms may appear 1-3 days after being infected with the virus. We must keep in mind that viruses survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours, so even contact with them and not necessarily with the person who is sick can lead us to gastroenteritis.

• Is it transmitted in recovery?

It is important to know that care is needed even when these subside, as for the next 48 hours the risk of infecting someone around us continues to lurk. (4)

• How long does gastroenteritis last?

In most people, symptoms usually last from 24-48 hours, but can last up to 14 days, depending on the infecting cause!(1)

Treatment

Usually, stomach flu is a disease from which we recover completely and relatively quickly, as long as we make the right moves. Some important steps that will help us are the following:

1. Electrolyte replenishment
2. Proper diet
3. Home recepies (e.g. lapas rice, chicken soup, etc.)
4. Herbs
5. Taking probiotics

1. Electrolyte replenishment

Our main concern is to replace the fluids we lost through diarrhea or vomiting. In addition to water, some tea or chamomile, it is good to stock up on electrolytes (e.g. Almora), which will help us fill our empty stores with precious metals and trace elements, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, etc. .

Keep in mind hydration is the keypoint, especially if it is infants, small children or the elderly we are talking about. Consume water, tea (decaffeinated) and electrolytes in small doses about every 15 minutes.

Also, a surprise drink is coconut water, which is a natural electrolyte!

2. What to eat

The main question of everyone is what is the right diet for gastroenteritis. In such cases, the organism weakens and we often have anorexia.

In general, be sure to eat small amounts so as not to strain your gastrointestinal tract and focus on fluids.

Some light and easily digestible foods for gastroenteritis are (5):

• soups with rice or vermicelli
• broths
• toast, crackers
• pasta, rice, noodles (white)
• lean meats
• toast
• jelly
• bananas
• apples and applesauce (contain pectin)

Other foods for gastroenteritis are low-fat dairy products such as yogurt (cultured), boiled vegetables (eg carrot), eggs and lean fish.

3. Home remedies for gastroenteritis

Of course, there are always the classic home remedies for gastroenteritis, such as a warm chamomile, lapas rice, trachanas, a chicken soup, ideal for natural treatment.

• Vinegar

There are many who extol vinegar in gastroenteritis, specifically apple cider vinegar! Because it is fermented during its preparation, it is particularly rich in pectin which helps to treat diarrhea, while favoring the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.

In addition, its antimicrobial properties make it more effective in bacterial gastroenteritis, and it seems to calm the stomach and help with nausea.

Although there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness, a general rule of thumb is to dissolve 1-2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar in a glass of liquid, ideally chamomile, to which we can also add honey. We can drink this mixture 2-3 times a day gradually, and not all at once, until the symptoms subside.

It is very important not to drink the vinegar or apple cider vinegar straight, but diluted in some liquid, otherwise the diarrhea may worsen.

4. Treatment with herbs

As we mentioned, tea is an important beverage for gastroenteritis, as long as it doesn’t contain caffeine (so we don’t get even more dehydrated). However, black tea seems to be particularly effective when it comes to diarrhea.

Other important herbs for gastroenteritis are:

• chamomile
• mint
• ginger
• fennel
• licorice
• mint
• oregano and oregano oil

5. Take probiotics

Probiotics are our valuable ally in the effort to balance our intestinal microbiome and strengthen our immunity.

Some studies have shown that certain types of probiotics (L. rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacerium lactis Bb-12, S. bulardii) may reduce the duration of diarrhea and the severity of symptoms, especially in children with gastroenteritis.

What not to eat

In order not to worsen the condition, avoid (5):

1. concentrated juices with sugar
2. caffeinated drinks eg coffee
3. chocolates and syrups
4. fried or fatty foods
5. spicy food, spices
6. cruciferous vegetables and legumes
7. foods rich in fiber e.g. whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits

Some may be lactose intolerant, so it is best to avoid milk. However, they can consume yogurt as it has been fermented.

In general, remember that the diet for gastroenteritis is light.

Regarding diarrhea pills or anti-emetic pills, many experts recommend avoiding them, as the body makes an effort to flush germs and toxins from the body through the mechanisms of diarrhea and vomiting. If we block them, other problems may arise. So consult your treating physician before making such choices on your own.

Gastroenteritis or food poisoning?

The thruth is there are many similarities between gastroenteritis and food poisoning, such as diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. But the main difference is that food poisoning – which is basically bacterial gastroenteritis – appears 2-6 hours after consuming a contaminated food or drink, whereas viral gastroenteritis takes 24-48 hours to develop. virus.

In addition, in food poisoning symptoms such as (3):

• muscle pains
• chills
• headache
• thirst
• breathing difficulty
• profuse sweating
• eye swelling

When to see the doctor

Seek medical attention if any of the following occur(10):

• Vomiting persists for more than 2 days
• Diarrhea persists for more than 3 days
• If you cannot consume liquids for more than 24 hours
• You notice blood in your vomit, diarrhea or you have black stools
• The fever exceeds 39°C, for their children 38°C
• You feel dizzy or prone to fainting
• You are confused
• Severe abdominal pain occurs
• If you are pregnant, in order to avoid dehydration. However, if you are close to your due date, it could be a sign that you are in labor!

In general, make sure to pay proper attention to treating the problem and allow your body to rest so that you can recover as soon as possible.