Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu / Stomach virus) – Symptoms, causes and treatment
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu / Stomach virus/ stomach bug) – Symptoms, causes and treatment
Gastroenteritis Symptoms
major symptoms are Nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and muscle aches. Acute ymptoms generally last only 24-72 hours.
Gastroenteritis Causes
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes both the stomach and intestines. It is usually caused by viral (sometimes bacterial) infection, allergies, stress, chemical irritation, or medicinal drugs. Antibiotics are a frequent cause, and weaken the body so the virus can attack. This disease is contagious, so be careful. Wash hands frequently, sterilize cloths, etc.
Gastroenteritis Treatment
• Begin by giving the person activated charcoal: Each dose should be 4 capsules, 8 tablets, or 1-2 tbsp. of powder, stirred into a glass of water. Give a dose each time there is vomiting or diarrheal stools.
• Keep him in bed and give a clear liquid diet during the acute stage while there is nausea and vomiting. Throughout the day give small amounts of water, fruit juices, or ice chips, to help restore lost fluid.
• Do not give junk beverages (colas, black tea, coffee, or alcohol), for they will only irritate and intensify the symptoms.
• When vomiting and diarrhea cease, give small amounts of non-irritating food, such as cooked rice, plain cooked potatoes, cooked carrots, bananas, or apple sauce.
• Avoid processed and greasy foods; avoid milk and high-roughage foods.
• Do not be quick to let him up from bed, for the vomiting and loss of fluids may have weakened him.
• Especially in small children and infants, watch for signs of dehydration. These signs include drowsiness, rapid respiration, and dry skin and mucous membranes. This is important.
• Mix 1 tsp. of catnip tea leaves in a cup of water, steep for 15 minutes, and drink while warm. This is very soothing to the digestive system. If it is vomited up, give again immediately; it is more likely to be accepted and kept down the second time.
• If fluids cannot be kept down, then give small saline enemas, to replace lost body fluids. Using 1 level tsp. of salt per pint of water, inject 1-2 oz of the solution into the rectum (using a small rubber bulb syringe). Then hold the buttocks together for several minutes. Do this every 1-2 hours until improvement is seen, and he is able to take fluids by mouth.