eMedicine defines gastroenteritis as the inflammation of the stomach and intestine.  Gastro-enteritis has become prevalent in many countries, but most cases are usually particular in the developing countries.  Basically, there are several causes of this acute problem. First, it can be due to bacterial infection including Salmonella, E. Coli, Shigella, Campylo bacter (suchas in gastritis), and yersinia species. Bacterial gastroenteritis is usually a result of ingesting contaminated food.  These food-poisoning toxins may get into the food thus resulting to this contagious infection.  Viral gastroenteritis, on the other hand, is caused by the rotavirus while parasitic infection includes Giardia and Cryptosporidium species. SO, what signs and symptoms are associated with this? How do you go about treating and providing care for a person suffering from this problem?  Learn more as we tell you the gastroenteritis  symptoms and treatment.

Gastroenteritis Symptoms and Treatment

Apparently, its symptoms vary depending on the causative agent.  However, the condition depending on the cause may all result in diarrhea as well as other symptoms including the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite

The duration of this condition may last for three to five days.  Home remedies can be done whe treating gastroenteritis as you wait for it to run its course.  Some of the things you can do are:

• Take a rest.  Allow
  your system to recuperate fully from the illness.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
  Dehydration should be watched out especially in infants and in children.
• Another home remedy is to give the patient electrolyte
  solution to replace what’s lost during diarrhea and vomiting episodes.
• Diet should consist of soft foods like gelatin.  BRAT diet may also be observed, but refrain from other solid foods as well as dairy products until diarrhea is gone.
• OTC medication can be taken to help to cure slow diarrhea.

In severe cases though, the patient may need intravenous theraphy especially in dehydrated patients. Antibiotic drug is not prescribed unless the diarrhea is not usually severe. Moreover, medical attention should be sought in instances where blood in the stool, fever, chronic abdominal pain, excessive vomiting, and persistent diarrhea is experienced.  This is gastroenteritis symptoms and treatment.  Hope this has been helpful!

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