GASTROENTERITIS

  

GASTEROENTERITIS

 Gastroenteritis is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites; when the source of such infection is contaminated food, it is called food poisoning

. Gastroenteritis may also be referred to as "gastric flu" or "stomach flu.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

With gastroenteritis, the main symptoms you probably have are watery diarrhea and vomiting. You might also have stomach pain, cramping, fever, nausea, and a headache. 

Because of diarrhea and vomiting, you also can become dehydrated. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry skin and a dry mouth, feeling lightheaded, and being really thirsty. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Stomach Flu and Children

Children can get dehydrated quickly, so if your child has the stomach flu, it's important that you look for signs that he is very thirsty or has dry skin or a dry mouth. If you have a baby, look for fewer, drier diapers.

Keep children with gastroenteritis out of day care or school until all symptoms are gone. Check with your doctor before giving your child any medicine. Drugs used to control diarrhea and vomiting aren't usually given to children younger than 5.   

What Causes Gastroenteritis

There are many ways gastroenteritis can be spread:

• Contact with someone who has the virus
• Contaminated food or water
• Unwashed hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper

Other unusual ways    get gastroenteritis:

• Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury) in drinking water
• Eating a lot of acidic foods, like citrus fruit and tomatoes
• Toxins that might be found in certain seafood

Medications such as antibiotics, antacids, laxatives, and chemotherapy.

 TREATMENT

Home Remedies

     1 Bed rest

There is no doubt that the best form of treatment for gastroenteritis is bed rest. .

2   Homemade electrolyte

To avoid dehydration dissolve five teaspoons of sugar in a glass of water. Add a pinch of salt and stir well.. Keep sipping this drink to replace the lost fluids and minerals.

3   Ice Pack

You can ease your discomfort by applying an ice pack on your stomach and throat. . Do not let the ice pack stay for more than 20 minutes on your stomach or throat.

4 Baking Soda

. Mix a pinch of baking soda in a glass of clean water. Sip the water periodically to soothe your gastrointestinal tract and get relief from the symptoms

PREVENTION

Use diposable paper towel to dry your hands rather than cloth towels, since the bacteria can survive somemore time on objects.

Keep cold food cold  (below   5 C)and hot food hot (below  60 C) to discourage the growth of bacteria.

Make sure that foods are thoroughly cooked.