Gastroenteritis: How to respond to symptoms

Gastroenteritis (also known as gastro, gastric flu, tummy bug in some countries, and stomach flu, although unrelated to influenza) is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine (see also gastritis and enteritis) and resulting in acute diarrhea.

Here are some steps on how to respond to the symptoms of gastroenteritis. These recommendations will improve the health status of adults in few days. However, it is strongly recommended that infants and elderly should consult a doctor as soon as the first signs of the disease appear.

Fight against dehydration

The first negative consequence of gastroenteritis is dehydration. Therefore drink at least two liters per day. Water, salty broths, sodas (stirred well to remove all the gas), and sweetened teas will do very well.

Eating

To begin, the ideal is to make several small meals throughout the day. Preferred foods are rice noodles, fish and meat, and carrots, always well cooked, also milk, cheese and yoghurt. Fresh fruit should be avoided, except bananas, which should be consumed ripe. A patient must especially avoid all vegetable fibers contained in fresh fruit and green vegetables and fatty foods too.

Protect the entourage

Gastroenteritis is very contagious. Washing the hands regularly is the best protection against transmission. If you are a parent of a child with gastroenteritis, you should always wash the hands after changing his diaper or giving him the bottle.

If symptoms persist

If the loss weight is too high and the diarrhea and vomiting persist, it is imperative to visit the doctor. Any presence of blood in the stool should lead to act immediately.

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