Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestine that can be caused by viruses or bacteria, called viral gastroenteritis or bacterial gastroenteritis, respectively, and which usually results from the consumption of contaminated foods, although they can also be a side effect of use. certain medications, such as antibiotics.
Classic symptoms of gastroenteritis are diarrhea, with or without blood, and vomiting, which can cause a large loss of fluid. For this reason, one of the most important precautions during treatment is the increase in water intake to avoid dehydration.
- In addition.
- It is also recommended to follow a diet adapted to gastroenteritis.
- Which contains less fiber and helps the gastrointestinal system to rest and recover.
If you think you have gastroenteritis, select how it feels to know your risk:
Although it is more common in children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems, gastroenteritis can occur to anyone, as viruses and bacteria can be easily transmitted in case of poor hygiene, reaching the mouth with their hands or with food. Contaminated.
Most cases of viral gastroenteritis improve within 3 to 4 days, without specific treatment, only taking care to eat a light diet, drink plenty of fluids and rest.
Cases of bacterial gastroenteritis take longer and may even require antibiotics to improve symptoms.
Gastroenteritis is more common in children and the elderly due to the consumption of food contaminated with:
In addition, gastroenteritis can also be caused by chemical toxins or medications, but is less common.
Learn more about viral gastroenteritis
Treatment of gastroenteritis involves a lot of rest and replacement of fluids with oral rehydration salts or homemade serum, water and coconut water. Watch the video and find out how to prepare a homemade serum:
Most cases of gastroenteritis improve at home, without the need to go to the hospital for specific treatment. However, in people with weakened immune systems or when gastroenteritis is caused by more resistant bacteria, it may be necessary to start with an antibiotic or even stay in the hospital to replace lost fluids with vomiting and diarrhea.
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 fiber-rich foods such as bread, papaya or seeds, to relieve symptoms of gastroenteritis and improve inflammation of the digestive system. Learn more about the diet for gastroenteritis.
Medications to stop vomiting and diarrhea should only be done on the recommendation of the gastroenterologist, as this may worsen the infection. However, probiotic supplements can be used to regulate bacterial flora, especially after the cure of gastroenteritis.
To avoid infection and therefore the development of gastroenteritis, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom or before cooking, avoid sharing cutlery and other objects with sick people, keeping surfaces clean at home, especially in the kitchen, avoid eating raw meat and fish or unwashed vegetables.
In addition, children are also at high risk of developing gastroenteritis from infection with a virus called rotavirus. In such cases, it is recommended to vaccinate against the virus, which can usually be done during the first year of life. Know when to get the rotavirus vaccine.