Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

Everything about Stomach flu (Viral Gastroenteritis).

Stomach flu, sometimes called gastroenteritis, is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection or by some poisons.

Medical treatment is not required for Stomach flu it usually goes away in 1 to 2 days. Home treatment can relieve the symptoms of stomach flu and prevent problems, such as dehydration.

Occurrence of Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

Swallowing one of viruses like rotaviruses, adenoviruses, and Norwalk virus causes stomach flu (Viral Gastroenteritis). Sometimes the body fluids of infected people contain the virus, even before their symptoms begin. The virus can be spread by direct contact with an infected person or by sharing food, drink, or eating utensils.

The virus causing stomach flu enters the stomach and intestine and inflames the lining of these organs. As a result, the stomach and intestine are temporarily unable to perform their usual functions. The virus can also cause food to move more rapidly through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Some bacteria, parasites, medicines, or other medical conditions can cause infections that have symptoms similar to those of stomach flu.

Stomach Flu Symptoms.

For details about stomach flu symptoms click here.

Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis) Diagnosis.

Examining the patient and having a lab test to rule out more serious illnesses, such as appendicitis, and to detect complications, such as dehydration, can do diagnosis of stomach flu.

Treatment of Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

The most important thing in the treatment of stomach flu is to rest the stomach and intestines. You can do this by first eating nothing solid and drinking only clear liquids. A little later you can eat soft bland foods that are easy to digest.

If you have been vomiting a lot, it is best to have only small, frequent sips of liquids. Drinking too much at once, even an ounce or two, may cause more vomiting

Consumption of liquids you can drink without vomiting is also important if water is the only one that is okay. Sport drinks or other commercial electrolyte replacement drinks could help you replace minerals, sodium and potassium that are lost when you vomit for a long time.

Other clear liquids you can drink are weak tea and apple juice. You can drink chilled soft drinks without caffeine after letting them go flat (lose their carbonation). If you want to cure stomach flu as early as possible avoid liquids that are acidic (such as orange juice) or caffeinated (such as coffee) or have a lot of carbonation. Do not drink milk until you no longer have diarrhea.

If you have not vomited for several hours and are able to drink clear liquids without further upset you may start eating soft bland foods like Soda crackers, toast, plain noodles, gelatin, eggs, applesauce, and bananas. Try to avoid acidic, spicy, fatty, or fibrous foods. Also avoid dairy products.

Sometimes treatment of stomach flu includes prescription medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Nonprescription medicine is available for the treatment of diarrhea, which can be very effective, but before using it, make sure you use only the dose recommended on the package. If you have chronic health problems, always check with your health care provider before you use any medicine for diarrhea.

If you have been vomiting for more than a day or have had diarrhea for over 3 days, call your health care provider. You may need to have an exam to rule out more serious problems and to check for dehydration. You may also need to have lab tests to determine whether bacteria or germs such as giardia are causing your illness.

Dehydration is a potentially serious complication of stomach flu. It can occur if your body loses too much fluid because you keep vomiting or having diarrhea. If you are severely dehydrated, you may need to be given fluids intravenously. In children and older adults, dehydration can quickly become life threatening.

Duration of Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

Stomach flu rarely lasts longer than 1 to 3 days. However, it may be 1 to 2 weeks before your bowel habits return completely to normal.

Possible care to be taken during stomach flu

• Prevent dehydration by drinking enough liquids and rest your stomach and intestines by following the guidelines above. Drink just small amounts often during the vomiting phase of your illness.
• Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDS without checking first with your health care provider.
• Call your health care provider if:
  • You develop symptoms that are not usually caused by stomach flu, such as blood in your vomit, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain.
  • Your symptoms are getting worse.
  • You continue to have severe symptoms for more than 2 or 3 days, or you are just not getting better after a few days.

Prevention of stomach flu

The single, most helpful way to prevent the spread of Stomach flu is frequent, thorough hand washing. Also, avoid contact with the body fluids of an infected person, including saliva. Don't share food with someone who has Stomach flu.