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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis: Help, Support and Overcome

Gastroenteritis Overview

The inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving the stomach and small intestine, is known as gastroenteritis. Also known by the name of gastric flu or stomach flu, gastroenteritis results in acute diarrhea and vomiting. People residing in the areas with poor sanitary conditions are the most affected by gastroenteritis. Old people and children tend to catch the contagion of gastroenteritis more quickly as their immune system is weak. Developing countries report the largest cases of gastroenteritis owing to poor, urban sanitary conditions.

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Gastroenteritis affects the health of a person in an adverse manner as it leads to watery diarrhea and vomiting. Fever, chills and abdominal pains can occur as the body is drained of essential fluids. Gastroenteritis can turn into a serious health complication in case adequate medical attention is not sought in time.

Help and Support for Gastroenteritis

Virus and bacteria that spread through contaminated food or water are the common causes of gastroenteritis. Norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, parvovirus and astrovirus are the common viruses that are responsible for the spread of gastroenteritis. Escherichia coli and Clostridium difficile are the major bacteria responsible for the spread of gastroenteritis.

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Fever, nausea with or without vomiting, and mild to moderate diarrhea are the common symptoms of gastroenteritis. In case adequate medical attention is not sought in time, the symptoms can aggravate, leading to blood in vomit or stool and abdominal pains.

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Preventing the spread of the causal agent is a viable solution in curing the disease and one should always wash hands before meals and after defecation. Ensure that the food to be consumed is hygienically prepared. Vaccinations for Vibrio cholerae and rotavirus have been developed to cure gastroenteritis. Following a healthy life pattern is the key to prevent gastroenteritis. In case of serious complications, expert advise is to be sought. The doctor may perform laboratory tests that include complete blood count (CBC), kidney function tests and electrolyte tests.

Overcome Gastroenteritis

Alternative therapies work wonders for gastroenteritis and one should ensure that the patient intakes sufficient quantity of water in case of severe infection. This is essentially to replace the fluid lost from the body and to allow the body to recover and fight the infection. The person suffering from gastroenteritis should be put on liquid diet for the first 24 hours. The BRAT diet, comprising of bananas, rice, apples and toast, should be provided the next day.

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A medical practitioner may put the patient on IV (intravenous fluid) therapy in extreme cases. The alternative therapies and medicines taken in gastroenteritis do not have any side effects. Care and support from the family is essential for the patient to recover quickly.

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