Viral Gastroenteritis

Viral Gastroenteritis Symptoms And Treatment

What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis is often called a stomach virus or "the stomach flu" even though viral gastroenteritis is not a form of influenza. Viral gastroenteritis is usually triggered by a viral infection that causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

The goal of this page is to answer the question what is gastroenteritis and to briefly list and describe gastroenteritis symptoms, causes and treatment options. The terms gastroenteritis and viral enteritis are used interchangeably in this article.

Gastroenteritis causes

There are a number of different "bugs" responsible for causing most cases of viral gastroenteritis. One half to two thirds of affected adults get it from a virus known as a norovirus. Children seem to be more susceptible for a form called a rotovirus.

But gastroenteritis can also result from the presence of bacteria and parasites. These types are contagious and can easily pass from one person to another.

You can also get gastroenteritis from something you eat or drink. Many people who travel overseas or to third world countries can get gastroenteritis from contaminated food or water.

Gastroenteritis symptoms

Viral gastroenteritis symptoms are not subtle. They usually include

• abdominal cramps,
• chills
• diarrhea,
• fever,
• headaches,
• muscle aches,
• nausea, and
• vomiting.

Diarrhea and vomiting are especially dangerous gastroenteritis symptoms because they can quickly deplete the body of important electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Anyone with viral gastroenteritis should be on guard against dehydration, which can be life-threatening.

Gastroenteritis treatment

Viral gastroenteritis treatment is most effective when it starts with a visit to your doctor. He or she can tell you the best course of treatment based on your symptoms. But even before you get to your doctor's office, there are some ways you can treat a case of gastroenteritis yourself.

Rest and try to relax. The truth is, you're probably not going to feel very energetic anyway, and you're definitely going to want to stay near a bathroom.

Avoid eating anything for a few hours after the onset of symptoms.

Take small sips of clear liquids. Don't gulp or drink large amounts quickly. You can let ice chips melt in your mouth if vomiting persists.

If you're caring for an infant or small child with gastroenteritis, give them oral rehydration solutions (also known as ORS) to keep their fluid levels up. These solutions are available at most pharmacies, and you don't need a prescription.

Carefully start to eat bland, soft, easily digestible food. Broth, apples, bananas, pretzels or crackers, plain noodles and toast are good.

Avoid acidic fruit juices, dairy products, anything containing caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages. Non-caffeinated soft drinks are okay as long as you let them sit until they're flat, or are no longer "fizzing."

When you have viral gastroenteritis, be ready for some pain or discomfort from stomach cramps and headaches. You may also experience muscle aches. It's okay to take pain killers with acetaminophen, like Excedrin and Tylenol. These don't upset your stomach as easily as medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen.

If the pain becomes severe, ask your doctor for Oxycodone, which will reduce the pain and relax you so you'll have a better chance of getting some rest.

Remember, most cases of gastroenteritis come from viruses, so antibiotics are useless. Antibiotics, in fact, can make your symptoms worse. Don't expect your doctor to prescribe one.

As your symptoms pass and you get back to normal, you can gradually reintroduce the foods you normally eat. Don't rush it.

There are more articles in our section on stomach viruses.