Gastroenteritis is acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small bowel due to infection from contaminated food or water.
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea, weakness and fever
- Intense rectal burning
- Presence of mucus and blood in stools and loose motions.
- Resultant dehydration, muscle cramps and rapid respiration.
- Disease may last for a few hours or a week.
Causes of Gastroenteritis
- Germs cause the worst attacks. Foods contaminated by poisons or toxins especially milk, different desserts, fish and meat. Contaminated water is also a common cause.
- Allergy to certain foods, drugs and chemicals.
- Skin infections on the hands of who handle food.
- Infected nails, and coughing.
Attacks occur within 2 to 4 hours after consumption of contaminated food or water.
Home Remedies For Gastroenteritis
- Take complete bed rest till the symptoms subside and you feel better.
- Apply gentle heat to abdomen to relieve spasm and pain.
- Drink lime juice repeatedly, prepared by squeezing a lime to a glass of water, with a pinch of salt and 5 teaspoons of sugar.
- Apply cold compress or ice bag to throat, spine, stomach and abdomen for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce vomiting.
- Later sip warm rice water or barley water.
- Ripe bananas, apples, curd and rice should be taken after acute symptoms subside.
- Avoid spicy and oily foods. Gradually adopt a well-balanced diet.
Prevention of Gastroenteritis
- Avoid uncooked and stale foods, especially in summer and monsoon.
- Drink only boiled water in rainy seasons.
- Nails should be cut and hands should be thoroughly washed before eating food.
- Fruits should be washed with a solution of potassium permanganate.
- Food should be stored in a well-ventilated cool place free from flies.
- Kitchen must be kept thoroughly clean.
- Everybody should observe personal cleanliness.