Boost Your Digestive System To Prevent Viral Gastroenteritis

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Gastroenteritis or viral gastroenteritis is a highly discomfiting and contagious disease. It is related to a patient’s stomach and digestive system, and usually has a lot to do with his eating habits. The world is teeming with foodies suffering from viral gastroenteritis or viral enteritis. The sad truth is that a majority of them do not bother to mend their eating habits their condition notwithstanding. Consequently, they suffer because of that.

History cites the examples of King Adolf Frederick of Sweden, King Henry I of England, the English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray and the twelfth US President Zachary Taylor. Interestingly, all of them had one thing in common. They were all epicureans who indulged themselves to death. Besides, before his passing, the US President had a gastroenteritis diagnosis. Despite having sick stomachs, these gastronomes committed themselves to gluttony and died as a result of it.

However, we are grateful to God and advances in medical science for sure shot remedies for gastroenteritis. Not only have these breakthroughs provided the most effective cures to humanity but have also made a majority of folks realize the relevance and need for a healthy lifestyle.

Understanding Viral Gastroenteritis:

For those researching stomach ailments, the symptoms of viral enteritis characterize a sick stomach. Hence, if you want to learn more, read the article carefully.

Sick To My Stomach:

Viral enteritis is another name for gastroenteritis, which is also synonymous with colic, food poisoning, and indigestion. In reality, it is a rather disgusting disease that makes you vomit. So, if your stomach gets sick, or if you feel nauseous, you could have gastroenteritis. But then, there could also be other reasons for stomach problems though.

However, if you have consumed excessively spicy or contaminated food, or indulged in overeating, it could be gastroenteritis. In short, Gastroenteritis is a ‘stomach flu’ that affects the stomach, intestines, and digestive system. A patient may also develop a fever, though that could occur due to other reasons as well.

Nail It Down Through Testing:

Only a thorough physical examination by a qualified doctor can help ascertain the cause of your fever and stomach sickness. If it is gastroenteritis, he will recommend medication and diet per your condition. Then again, the doctor may recommend a stool test to diagnose whether it is a virus or bacteria that is causing the problem. This could go a long way in helping him decide the exact nature and course of the treatment.

It’s A Viral Disease!

Usually, it is a virus that causes gastroenteritis. However, in some cases, it’s the bacteria that cause the disease. These viruses are present in the stool and vomit of gastroenteritis patients. Therefore, those handling vomit and stool from these patients should handle it with care. Caregivers of patients with gastroenteritis need to be careful every step of the way. They should wash and sanitize their hands as often as possible. Apart from this, they should also avoid having their meals in their presence. Even a small mistake on their part may infect them.

The Rogue Viruses:

As far as gastroenteritis is concerned, two viruses are primarily responsible for its outbreak. These are the rotavirus and the norovirus. Of the two rotaviruses mainly affect children, while norovirus is the main cause of gastroenteritis in adults. While stomach flu can make you sick all year round, it is more prevalent in winter. That is why it is also known as stomach flu in winter. The norovirus or the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is the main cause of this.

The Signs That Tell It All:

Patients with stomach flu in winter or any time of the year, complain of

• Soft or liquid or tarry stools
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fever

Types Of Gastroenteritis:

There are four types of gastroenteritis:

• Viral gastroenteritis
• Bacterial gastroenteritis
• Amoebic dysentery
• Bacillary dysentery

Patients with gastroenteritis usually suffer from viral gastroenteritis. It is one of the most common forms of this disease.

What Is Viral Gastroenteritis?

Viral gastroenteritis or viral enteritis is the swelling of the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This is one of the most common forms of gastroenteritis, affecting adults and children alike.

Norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus are responsible for this disease in humans, but not the only causes of it. Besides these, sapovirus and astrovirus are the other types of stomach viruses in adults that are responsible for causing gastro viral infection.

Rotavirus In Infants:

As far as children are concerned, rotaviruses are the main cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants under two years of age. Getting them vaccinated against rotavirus is one way of protecting them against this disease. Children aged two years and older are more susceptible to the Shigella virus. Rotavirus is the second most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children of this age group.

Patients with viral gastroenteritis suffer from the symptoms listed below.

Primary Indicators:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Soft stools
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Dehydration

Fever is another indicator of a viral gastrointestinal infection. However, some patients with gastroenteritis do not run a temperature, though they may have other symptoms of gastroenteritis. A viral gastroenteritis fever does not last more than two days. In some cases, it may take up to a week or more to subside though.

Dehydration:

It is not unusual for patients with gastro viral infections to become dehydrated. This dehydration results from the loss of body fluids caused by the above factors. The symptoms given below usually characterize dehydration in patients with gastro viral infections.

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Symptoms Of Dehydration In Adult Patients Of Viral Gastroenteritis:

It is but natural for adult patients of viral gastroenteritis to experience

• Excessive thirst
• Dry, itchy skin
• Less urge to urinate
• Weakness and dizziness

Dehydration Due To Viral Gastroenteritis In Infants Means That:

• Their nappies could be largely dry
• They might suffer from a dry mouth
• Tears might not fall from their eyes when they cry
• They may feel sleepier than usual
• The fontanel of the head may be sunken in

Viral Gastroenteritis Treatment

Treating Viral Gastroenteritis In Adults:

• Take plenty of fluids
• Avoid solid and spicy foods
• Take anti-diarrhea medicines
• Take proper rest

ADVICE:

A patient with viral gastroenteritis must ensure that his body is well-nourished and adequately hydrated. Parents should take responsibility for this in the case of infants and younger children. Failure to do so can have disastrous consequences. Hence, the patient should consume a light but wholesome diet.

Here Is What You Should Eat To Treat Viral Gastroenteritis:

• Bread
• Khichdi (a South Asian dish made of rice and lentils)
• Bananas
• Cooked rice with lentils
• Curd (if you are lactose tolerant)

Treating Viral Gastroenteritis In Infants:

• Administer oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
• Give them breast milk or formula as usual
• Consult a doctor if the baby’s condition worsens
• Severe cases may require hospitalization.

Is It Possible To Prevent Viral Gastroenteritis?

The answer is, ‘Yes, it is!’ All the same, it is always better to opt for its prevention than cure. An analysis of the causes of viral gastroenteritis would provide information on preventive measures.

Causes Of Viral Gastroenteritis:

Viral gastroenteritis spreads for the following reasons

• Contact with a patient with gastroenteritis
• Touching contaminated surfaces and objects
• Consumption of contaminated food and water
• Eating with contaminated hands
• Lack of adequate personal hygiene

So, it is quite clear that viral gastroenteritis is a highly contagious disease. Therefore, if you visit someone afflicted with it, be sure to wash and sanitize your hands and face properly. It is also advisable to have a bath and change and wash your clothes, if possible, after this meeting.

Prevention Of Viral Gastroenteritis In Adults:

It is possible to prevent viral gastroenteritis in adults by the following measures

• Avoiding contact with a patient with gastroenteritis
• Washing and disinfecting hands after touching contaminated surfaces and objects
• Maintaining proper personal hygiene
• Eating healthy foods
• Washing hands properly after going to the toilet
• Proper hand washing before and after each meal

Besides, adults should also ensure the consumption of healthy meals within limits to boost their immunity and digestive systems. While a good diet revitalizes the body, epicureanism often leads a person to an early grave as we have read above. Consistent fasting along with a healthy meal regimen can go a long way in keeping viral gastroenteritis at bay. Therefore, one should fast as often as possible, but not excessively. Remember, excess of everything is bad.

Prevention Of Viral Gastroenteritis In Infants:

Prevention of viral gastroenteritis in infants depends on their vaccination. Therefore, parents should get their infants immunized against rotaviruses.

Conclusion:

The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis subside after two to three days. However, in some cases, they can last for more than a week. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor as soon as the disease occurs.

In this way, you can prevent it from becoming serious. Taking anti-diarrhoeal medicines and eating sparingly can also help prevent the disease from assuming ugly proportions. All the same, it is advisable to take the precautions mentioned above. This can help you avoid the disease altogether.