Gastroenteritis is acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small bowel due to infection from contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
- 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.
- Allergy to certain foods, drugs and chemicals.
- Skin infections on the hands of who handle food.
- Infected nails, and coughing.
- Attacks occur within 2-4 hours after consumption of contaminated food.
Treatment of Gastroenteritis
- Rest in bed.
- 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 teaspoon sugar. Apply cold compress or ice bag to throat, spine, stomach and abdomen for 15-20 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 monsoons.
- Drink only boiled water in monsoons.
- 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.
- Related Topics
- Gastroenteritis or Bacterial Diarrhea Treatment | Causes, Cure for Gastroenteritis
- Natural Remedies for Gastroenteritis | Cure Gastrointestinal Infection
- Prevention of Gastroenteritis | Causes of Gastroenteritis
- Gastroenteritis Symptoms in Children: Home Remedies and Prevention
- Natural Remedies for Gastroenteritis or Stomach Virus Infection
What is Gastroenteritis?
Gastro is a sudden and violent gastrointestinal upset due to infection or irritation of the stomach, small intestine and/or colon, that is not fatal. It could be due to stomach or intestinal infection. It maybe identified as Intestinal flu, stomach flu, food poisoning or travelers diarrhea.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
1. Pain or cramps in the abdomen.
2. Loss of appetite.
3. Fever, diarrhea and nausea and vomiting.
Causes of Gastroenteritis
1. Food allergens, food borne bacteria and virus, and bacterial infections are the major causes.
2. A trip abroad, antibiotics or illness are other factors.
Home remedies for Gastroenteritis
1. For all your major symptoms to clear have plenty of rest.
2. Drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. For infants and children electrolyte sugar solutions and for adults, sports beverages should be given throughout the day. Suck ice chips if anything doesn’t work.
3. For second day of the illness and for the following 2 days, eat mild bland food consisting of Toast, applesauce, bananas and rice.
Preventing Gastroenteritis
1. Food should be prepared and stored with great care.
2. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after going to the bathroom.
3. When you are traveling avoid drinking un-bottled water and beverages, and uncooked food and fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Use and store your utensils separately (avoid sharing).