Gastroenteritis: what it is and how to treat it

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation in the stomach that can be caused by viruses or bacteria, called viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis, respectively, by ingesting substance from some toxic substance or side effect of some medicine, called acute gastroenteritis.

The classic symptoms of gastroenteritis are diarrhea, with or without blood, and vomiting, and it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. In addition, it is recommended to follow a diet suitable for gastroenteritis, rich non-whole grains, teas and fruits that have plenty of water, such as watermelon and melon.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

If you think you may have gastroenteritis, select your symptoms to find out what the risk is:

1. 1. Constant diarrhea Yes No
2. 2. Stool with blood Yes No
3. 3. Frequent abdominal pain or cramping Yes No
4. 4. Nausea and vomiting Yes No
5. 5. General malaise and tiredness Yes No
6. 6. Fever below 38º C Yes No
7. 7. Loss of appetite Yes No

Dehydration is one of the worst consequences of gastroenteritis, which is especially severe and fatal in children and very sick or elderly people. Thus, it is important to drink plenty of water, juices or teas to replenish the amount of fluid and minerals lost in the gastroenteritis crisis. Learn about the symptoms of dehydration.

How is the treatment done?

Treatment of gastroenteritis involves a lot of rest and fluid replacement with oral rehydration salts or homemade whey, water and coconut water. In some more severe cases this fluid replacement can be done directly in the vein, in the hospital, for faster stabilization of the patient.

Food should be light and easy to digest to provide the necessary nutrients without causing vomiting or diarrhea. It is important to avoid frying, coffee and food that cause gas to alleviate gastroenteritis symptoms and improve inflation. Learn how the diet for gastroenteritis is made.

The use of medicines to stop vomiting and diarrhea should only be done with the recommendation of the gastroenterologist, as this may worsen the patient's condition, since some medications may cause irritation in the stomach. However, there are some special supplements called probiotics that help regulate bacterial flora and is a way to speed recovery.

Watch the video and see how to prepare homemade whey: