Overview
- Gastroenteritis is inflammation of stomach and intestines
- Can affect- any one, any age, any time
- Symptoms prominent in children
- Depending on cause, it may last for a day or a week
- Use of drugs like aspirin can increase the risk
Causes
- Bacteria contaminated food / water
- Viral infection
- Stress
- Irregular/ improper diet
- Tobacco or substance abuse
- Reaction to a new food
- Reaction to medication
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cramps/Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Weakness
- Fever/Chills, occasionally
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Treatment
- Adequate rest is advised
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Gradually eat easy -to-digest food
- Avoid diary products
- Avoid eating if nauseated
- Do not give water to a child with gastroenteritis
- Give other prescribed rehydration liquids
- Or give a mixture of salt and glucose in water
- Consider nursing the baby
- Consider acetaminophen for relief
- Avoid acetaminophen in case of liver disease
- Avoid aspirin
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Consult a doctor if
- Vomiting/Diarrhea persists
- Diarrhea is bloody
- Acute dehydration occurs
- Fever persists
