In most cases, people with viral gastroenteritis get better on their own without medical treatment. You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms.
drinks with caffeine, such as coffee and tea, and some soft drinks. foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods, pizza, and fast foods. foods and drinks containing large amounts of simple sugars, such as sweetened beverages and some fruit juices. milk and milk products, which contain the sugar lactose.
Overview. Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.
Otherwise, gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, applesauce, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns. Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Get plenty of rest.
Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. You might also try drinking clear soda, clear broths or noncaffeinated sports drinks. In some cases you can try oral rehydration solutions. Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips.
How is it treated? The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach and intestine. You can do this by not eating solid food for a while and drinking only clear liquids. As your symptoms go away, you can start eating soft bland foods that are easy to digest.
Studies have confirmed that honey shortens the duration of diarrhea in patients with bacterial gastroenteritis through its antibacterial properties. In nonbacterial gastroenteritis, honey had the same effect as glucose on the duration of the diarrhea.
Clear liquids include: water, herbal tea, broth, Gatorade (or other non-caffeinated sports drinks), soda (7-Up, Sprite, Sierra Mist or other clear soda or ginger ale) that has been stirred to reduce the carbonation. Jell-O or Popsicles are acceptable if tolerated, but avoid orange or red colored choices.
nausea and vomiting that may last a day or two. diarrhoea which usually lasts one to three days, but can last up to ten days. stomach cramps and pain. fever (temperature over 37.5 C in adults and over 38 C in children).
Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)
When you have gastroenteritis, your body eliminates large quantities of water and mineral salts that are essential to your body's proper functioning. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and replenish mineral salts to prevent dehydration.
One widely known dietary recommendation when recovering from gastroenteritis is the BRAT diet. This stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These bland foods and are meant to be gentle on the gut, which is important when a person is recovering from gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis is a contagious illness. An infected person can transmit the illness as long they have symptoms and up to 2 weeks after they have disappeared. He or she can be contagious even a few weeks after symptoms have subsided.
Avoid the following until you are feeling better:
Raw or dried vegetables or fruits (except bananas and applesauce) Whole grain breads, cereals, or bran (including whole wheat breads and pastas and brown rice) Milk or milk products (cheese, yogurt, ice cream, or creamed soups)
CDC recommends using bleach to kill it, including chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. That's why health departments often require restaurants to use bleach to clean countertops and kitchen surfaces. It's also able to survive being dried out.
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples. This process increases pectin, which helps fight diarrhea, while favoring the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, vinegar is most effective in bacterial gastroenteritis, where it helps fight the infection better.
Gastroenteritis symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 days, but occasionally they may persist for as long as 10 days. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the diarrhoea and vomiting Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Most individuals with gastroenteritis will experience both diarrhea and vomiting, but some experience only one of these symptoms. Diarrhea is often very watery (type 7 on the Bristol stool chart), and can be bloody if the source of gastroenteritis is bacterial.
How is gastroenteritis diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will perform an exam and ask about your medical history. Your healthcare provider will likely ask for a stool sample to determine the source of your illness and whether it's bacterial or viral.
"There are some symptoms more specific to COVID-19, like loss of taste and smell, cough, or chest pains," explained Dr. Elliott, adding, "Patients do not generally get these symptoms with the stomach flu."