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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patients with stomach flu in winter or any time of the year, complain of
There are four types of gastroenteritis:
Patients with gastroenteritis usually suffer from viral gastroenteritis. It is one of the most common forms of this disease.
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.
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:
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.
It is but natural for adult patients of viral gastroenteritis to experience
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.
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.
Viral gastroenteritis spreads for the following reasons
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.
It is possible to prevent viral gastroenteritis in adults by the following measures
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 depends on their vaccination. Therefore, parents should get their infants immunized against rotaviruses.
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.
May 6, 2024
