Gastroenteritis is most commonly referred to as stomach flu, this is mostly triggered because of infection and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system including stomach and intestines). The main wellhealthorganic.com : key signs of gastroenteritis is dehydration and if you take enough fluid intake then you can prevent it. It is usually caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or parasites. It can also be caused by food poisoning and medication.
Down here we have mentioned a few wellhealthorganic.com: key signs of gastroenteritis.
Wellhealthorganic.com : Key Signs Of Gastroenteritis
- Dehydration
You feel extremely dehydrated because of loss of fluid due to vomits and diarrhea your mouth is dry, you feel thirsty more often than normal, your urine output is less and you feel dizziness.
- Muscle pain
As you are dehydrated your body doesn’t have enough electrons you feel tired, you have body aches and muscle pain.
- Fever
Whenever your body detects some kind of infection it responds to it with high body temperature. High body temperature increases metabolic rate which speeds up the immune system, trying to eliminate the infection from body.
- Diarrhea
You get diarrhea in gastroenteritis because the mechanism is disturbed in your digestive tract and absorption. Toxins are released in your intestine wall, which secrete excessive amounts of water in the intestine, results in watery tools. PH level of your stomach is disturbed because of which digestion is affected.
- Stomach cramps
When you have inflammation caused by parasites in your stomach it leads to discomfort in the stomach lining which leads to pain in muscles and you get stomach cramps. When digestion is disturbed you can have excessive gas in your intestine that can cause bloating and cramps.
- Headache
Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of headache. When you are dehydrated you’re your brain doesn’t get sufficient fluid supply and shrinks slightly, which reduces the brain’s ability and causes headaches.
- Vomiting and nausea
One of the reasons for gastroenteritis is food poisoning you consuming contaminated food or water which can cause vomiting. When your stomach is upset it can also affect your nervous system which can cause nausea.
Causes of gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is caused by various reasons like it can be caused as viral infections, bacterial infections, parasitic causes, and other common reasons like food poisoning. Down here we have mentioned all the known causes of gastroenteritis.
- Rotavirus
It is mostly found in young children who are being vaccinated and it can lead to severe diarrhea it can be spread through oral route, contaminated hands objects, and food. This virus lasts from 3 to 8 days if you start treatment.
- Norovirus
One of the most common viruses that can cause gastroenteritis. It spreads quickly even in close contact with an infected person and transmits you virus. It lasts for 1 to 3 days if you start treatment.
- Adenovirus
This virus is also mostly found in children and can be transmitted by breath exchange and oral routes. It can last for 1 to 5 days.
- Astrovirus
It is common in children and adults both but it mostly affects people with weak immune systems. It can be transmitted by oral route or contaminated surface, food, or water.
- Food poisoning
If you food that contains toxins like bacteria like bacillus, cereus and Clostridium perfringen. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms
- Cryptosporidium
It is caused by contaminated water. It spreads through contaminated water, surfaces, food, and contact with infected persons.
- Giardia lamblia
A common parasitic cause of gastroenteritis, which can lead to intense diarrhea. It is common in developing countries with no sanitation and in wildlife areas. It can be spread through water, food, surfaces, and even physical contact with the person.
- Salmonella
Common bacterial infections that caused by poultry, dairy, and eggs. It can be mostly found in undercooked food and can be transmitted by affected water, food, and surfaces. It can last for 4 to 7 days.
- Campylobacter
Another bacterial cause of gastroenteritis that is caused by poultry. Spread through uncooked raw food, polluted water, and unpasteurized milk. It mostly lasts for 2 to 5 days.
Treatment of Wellhealthorganic.com : Key Signs Of Gastroenteritis
You should look for medical attention if wellhealthorganic.com: key signs of gastroenteritis are severe but there are few things that you can do to mild symptoms and make recovery faster.
- Hydration
Try to take an ORS sachet dissolve it in water and keep consuming it in short breaks, ORS contains the right amount of slats and sugar, which helps oral hydrated. Besides try to consume as much fluid as you can like herbal teas, juice, and water. In case of severe dehydration go for a medical assistant and they will hydrate you through IVs.
- Diet
Try to eat a semi-liquid diet that is easy to digest to keep it easy on your stomach. Try to avoid dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, and high-fiber food until you recover.
- Medications
Try to take medication that your doctor recommends but you do have some over-the-counter options as well like anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medication. If you have viral gastroenteritis then you should go for antibiotics and if you have a parasitic infection then go for antiparasitic medication.
- Take a rest
You need to understand your body’s needs you should give it a break so all its energy is put into recovery. Don’t do physical exertion it can slow down your recovery or even worsen it.
Preventing measures to take
If you want to prevent gastroenteritis you need to be careful of infections viruses and bacteria. We have some important preventive measures.
- Maintain hygiene
Try to keep your surroundings clean, regularly clean the things that you are in contact with, and disinfect them. After the washroom or before eating food wash your hand hands and sanitize them. Try to keep your kitchen and washroom clean.
- food sanitation
Wash your fruits and vegetables properly and try to keep raw and cooked food separately to avoid contamination. Whenever you are cooking poultry products like dairy, meat, eggs, etc cook them on the proper internal temperature. Try to avoid undercooked seafood and try to avoid unpasteurized dairy food.
- Storage
Perishable food is likely to decay and develop bacteria if you don’t put it at the right temperature below 4 Celsius.
- Clean water
Drink boiled and treated water and don’t drink water from pools, lakes, or other recreational water sources.
- Vaccination
Keep yourself updated with vaccination if there is any viral infection going on do take its vaccination dose to prevent yourself from it.
You can prevent gastroenteritis by following the above mention steps, but if you get it in case try to follow treatment tips, and if symphtms are extreme take medical assistants. And if you are infected try to avoid physical contact with people and disinfect things that you have been in contact with to avoid spreading it further.
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