We don’t always give our stomach the credit it deserves. It breaks down food and ensures we receive the nutrients we need each day to fuel our activities and maintain good health. However, despite its important functions, our stomach is also vulnerable to illnesses and infections that can disrupt its workings. One such common infection is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines typically caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Gastroenteritis causes unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, and can quickly lead to dehydration if left untreated. With this article, we hope to provide an overview of the typical approach for gastroenteritis treatment.
Treatment of Gastroenteritis
Managing gastroenteritis requires a vigilant approach towards hydration, dietary adjustments, and timely medical intervention in severe cases. Understanding these steps and recognising the signs of dehydration are essential for effective gastroenteritis treatment and recovery. Let’s waste no time and discover the essential aspects of this.
1. Preventing Dehydration:
- Children: Offer oral rehydration solutions to kids from time to time. Consult a doctor for the correct dosage based on age.
- Adults: It is crucial to consume as much clear fluid as possible. Stick to water, broths, or rehydration drinks to compensate for the fluids you lose from your body.
- Consumption Method: Make it a point to drink fluids slowly in small and frequent sips. Gulping down large amounts of fluids quickly when you are already ill can exacerbate nausea. This can exhaust you even more.
2. Diet Management As Symptoms Improve:
- Gradual Food Introduction: Reintroduce food slowly into your diet once the symptoms start to subside.
- Recommended Foods: Start with bland and easy-to-digest foods. Ideal choices include crackers, bananas, toast, rice, and boiled chicken.
- Foods to Avoid: Steer clear of dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol until full recovery.
3. Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Emergency Situations: Call emergency services immediately if the person shows signs of severe dehydration like fainting, inability to walk, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
4. Signs of Dehydration Requiring Emergency Room Treatment:
- Look out for signs like minimal to no urination, extreme thirst, an absence of tears, a dry mouth, and sunken eyes.
- Noticeable symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid breathing, a quick heartbeat, and a lack of alertness.
- Severe symptoms include blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and muscle weakness.