In severe cases, you may become dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance. Bacterial gastroenteritis is sometimes treated with antibiotics. If severe cases are not treated, they can lead to severe dehydration, neurological problems, kidney failure, and even death.
Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.
In most cases, viral gastroenteritis is not harmful. However, viral gastroenteritis can become dangerous if it leads to dehydration. Anyone with signs or symptoms of dehydration should see a doctor right away. A person with severe dehydration may need treatment at a hospital.
Stomach flu has to run its course. The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help get through it.
Long-Term Effects
While the body typically clears an infection within a few days, sometimes there can be lasting effects. Gastroenteritis can modify the microbiome balance, leading to a decrease in the diversity and quantity of good bacteria in the gut, which can cause health complications in the long-term.
Rotavirus: Symptoms of this virus can last between 3 and 8 days. However, it is less common in the U.S. due to vaccinations. Astrovirus: Symptoms of this virus can last between 1 and 4 days. Adenovirus: Symptoms of this virus can last between 1 and 2 weeks.
If you have a stomach bug that is lasting for weeks (or months), it could be post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.
The CDC recommends bleach to kill the stomach bug-causing norovirus on surfaces. But if that will damage your counter or you'd rather not use it, look for “phenolic solution” on the label of a concentrated disinfectant. To kill the germs, the EPA suggests you use 2 to 4 times the recommended amount.
Most stomach bugs are always followed by pale stools or diarrhoea. If you're experiencing either of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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.
However, the key distinction is time: The symptoms of a stomach bug will take 12 to 48 hours to develop, while the symptoms of food poisoning typically develop much faster, usually within 6 hours of consuming an infected dish. Another common difference between the two is the length of illness.
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.
Why does stomach flu hit at night? In some people, the stomach flu symptoms may be more pronounced at night due to their circadian rhythm. At night an increase in immune system activity releases infection-fighting chemicals. These can cause inflammation that make you feel worse as you battle your flu.
Most cases of the stomach flu can be treated at home, but see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Blood in your vomit or poop. Severe dehydration — you can't pee, or there's very little when you do go, you're very thirsty, can't make tears, and your mouth is always dry.
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).
They may last for 3–8 days. Adenovirus: Symptoms of adenovirus often begin 3–10 days after exposure to the virus. They may last for 1–2 weeks.
Gastritis tends to affect the lining of the stomach, whereas gastroenteritis affects the intestines. Gastritis is inflammation, or irritation, of the stomach lining. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the intestine, or the stomach and the bowel. Gastritis can be acute or chronic.