GASTROENTERITIS
Overview
If you or someone is feeling weak and dizzy while standing, it might be a sign of dehydration. If you're unable to consume fluids due to factors like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it's important to contact your doctor. If you seem excessively drowsy or disoriented, seek immediate medical attention at a hospital's emergency department.
If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, head to the Emergency Department:
- Presence of blood in vomit or stool
- Vomiting persists for more than 48 hours
- Fever exceeds 101ยฐF
- Noticeable swelling in the abdomen or abdominal pain on the right lower side
- If you're dehydrated (check for reduced urination, intense thirst, absence of tears, and dry mouth)
Self-Care Tips
The primary focus of home treatment for gastroenteritis is adequate fluid intake. This helps restore electrolyte balance, which can help alleviate vomiting.
Children should be provided with oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, Rehydrate, ORS, and Rice-Lyte.
- Cola, tea, fruit juice, and sports drinks do not effectively replace lost fluids or electrolytes due to diarrhea or vomiting. Plain water is also not as well-absorbed by irritated intestines. Additionally, it does not replenish electrolytes and may lead to seizures.
- After every loose stool, children under 2 years should consume 1-3 ounces of any rehydration solution. Older children should aim for 3-8 ounces, while adults should drink as much as possible.
- This guideline is meant to replace fluid loss caused by diarrhea. Continue to consume your usual amount of fluids.
- In regions without access to commercial pediatric drinks, the World Health Organization recommends a simple rehydration recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar (or honey) with ยผ teaspoon of table salt and ยผ teaspoon of baking soda (or an additional ยผ teaspoon of table salt). Combine with 1 liter (1 qt) of clean or previously boiled water.
- You'll eventually need solid foods to help end the diarrhea. After 24 hours, start with bland foods like those in the BRAT dietโbananas, rice, unsweetened applesauce, toast, pasta, or potatoes.
While adults and adolescents have a larger electrolyte reserve than children, electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can still occur due to vomiting and diarrhea. Severe symptoms and dehydration usually arise as complications of medication use or chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure. However, symptoms may also occur in healthy individuals.
- Initially, adults should consume ice chips and clear, non-caffeinated, non-dairy liquids such as Gatorade, ginger ale, fruit juices, and Kool-Aid or other commercial drink mixes.
- After 24 hours without vomiting, transition to a soft-bland solid diet like the BRAT diet.
Prevention
The key to dealing with most infectious germs is to prevent their spread.
- Always practice proper hand hygiene.
- Consume properly prepared and stored food.
- Use bleach for soiled laundry.
- Vaccinations for Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and rotavirus have been developed. However, their administration depends on your medical history and travel experiences.
- For lactose intolerance, supplementary enzymes are available over-the-counter for adolescents and adults to aid in the digestion of milk sugars. Soy formulas and other lactose-free products are also accessible in most grocery stores for formula-feeding infants.