Gastroenteritis: First aid-Conditions-Prevention
What is Gastroenteritis: First aid?
Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is a common condition that causes inflammation of the intestines. It is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection and is characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Gastroenteritis can be highly contagious and is often spread through contaminated food or water. It is important to take proper precautions, such as practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals, to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis.
Causes
Bacteria contaminated food / water
Viral infection
Stress
Irregular/ improper diet
Tobacco or substance abuse
Reaction to a new food
Reaction to medication
Symptoms
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea
Cramps/Abdominal pain
Dehydration
Weakness
Fever/Chills, occasionally
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of your stomach and intestines. It can be caused by many things, including:
Viruses
Food or water that has been contaminated with bacteria or parasites is not safe to eat or drink.
Side effect from medications
Some signs and symptoms of a fever include:
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Low-grade fever (sometimes)
The symptoms of inflammation can last from one day to a week or more.
If you think you may have gastroenteritis, do the following:
Sip liquids,Drink fluids slowly in order to prevent nausea and vomiting. Try taking small sips over a few hours instead of drinking a large amount at once.
Take note of urination. You should be urinating regularly and your urine should be light and clear. If you are not passing enough urine, you may be dehydrated. Feeling dizzy and lightheaded can also indicate dehydration. If any of these symptoms occur and you cannot drink enough fluids, seek medical attention. Pay attention.
Gradually add foods back into your diet.If you feel sick to your stomach, try to eat small amounts of food often. If that doesn't work, gradually begin eating bland, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, applesauce, rice, and chicken.If you start feeling sick again, stop eating. Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and spicy foods. Cooking fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days will make them taste better.
Get plenty of rest.If you have the illness or get dehydrated, you may become weak and tired.
Seek medical attention if:
If you vomit for more than two days, it's important to get help.
Diarrhea persists more than several days
Diarrhea turns bloody
Fever is more than 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius).
When you stand up quickly, you can feel lightheaded or faint.
Confusion develops
Worrisome abdominal pain develops
If you think your child has gastroenteritis, do the following:
Allow your child to rest.
If your child's vomiting stops, begin to offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution (CeraLyte Infalyte Pedialyte). Don't give only water or only apple juice. Drinking fluids too quickly can make the nausea and vomiting worse, so try to give small frequent sips over a couple of hours. Instead of drinking a large amount all at once, try sipping on rehydration solution using a water dropper.
gradual introduction of bland foods such as toast rice, bananas, and potatoes. Do not give your child full-fat dairy products such as whole milk and ice cream, or sugary foods such as sodas and candy. This will help to avoid diarrhea.
If you are breastfeeding, let your baby nurse. If your baby is bottle-fed, offer them a small amount of an oral rehydration solution, or regular formula.
Seek medical attention if your child:
Becomes unusually drowsy.
Vomits frequently or vomits blood.
Has bloody diarrhea.
When a person is dehydrated, they may have dry mouth and skin, and they may be thirsty even if they are not crying. You may also notice that the infant's head has sunken in and that their diapers have not wetted for more than three hours.
Is an infant and has a fever.
If your child has a fever of 102 degrees or more, they may be sick.
