Gastroenteritis

AKA Stomach Flu is not associated with the influenza AKA (flu).

INFLUENZA is a respiratory illness. Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.

Gastroenteritis is an irritation and inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines (digestive tract). In the United States, it is second only to the common cold in frequency of occurrence. It is often called the "stomach flu," although it is not caused by the influenza viruses.

IS IT CONTAGIOUS?
Gastroenteritis caused by viruses and bacteria can easily be passed on to others. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food. Because the causative organism lives in the gastrointestinal tract, hand washing is also very important after a bowel movement or urination.

WHAT CAUSES IT?
There are many causes of gastroenteritis. The most common causes are infecting organisms such as viruses, bacteria or parasites. Food poisoning, allergies, certain medications, stressful situations, and overindulgence of alcohol may play a causal role.

WHAT ARE ITS COMMON SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Most people experience two or more of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, low-grade fever (99 degree F) and muscle aches. Viral gastroenteritis may last several hours to several days, with the average episode lasting 24-48 hours. In contrast, bacterial or parasitic infections can last well over a week and may require medication for treatment. In these cases, laboratory tests are necessary before appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed.

IS IT SERIOUS?
In a normal healthy person, a case of gastroenteritis is no more significant than a common cold. However, prolonged bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and disruption of important body chemistry. Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or kidney problems may put you at additional risk for complications from gastroenteritis.

HOW IS IT TREATED?
Treatment for this problem consists of two important parts: what you can do, and what your health care provider can do.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Stay at home and rest until symptoms subside.

2. Avoid solid foods.

3. Take only ice chips until vomiting stops.

4. As soon as you are able, take small amounts(about 1 oz. every 15 minutes by the clock) of clear liquids such as tea, ginger ale or broth. If vomiting recurs, wait 1-2 hours before trying clear liquids again. Once you are retaining fluids without difficulty, try to increase the amount you take each hour, gradually (or decrease the amount of time between sips).

5. After 24 hours without nausea, vomiting, you should try dry toast, saltines, or white rice, with jelly or honey for energy.

6. Progress to soft, mild flavored foods that are low in fiber until you are back to good health. You may wish to use the "BRAT" diet as a guide: Bananas - Rice(white) - Applesauce - Tea and Toast.

7. Many people can temporarily lose the ability to digest milk sugar for 1-2 weeks after an episode of gastroenteritis. Avoid milk products, oils and spices until you are feeling better - and resume them gradually, as tolerated.

WHAT CAN YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER DO?

If appropriate, your health care provider will probably advise you to continue the self-help measures recommended (above). If vomiting is severe, an anti-emetic drug may be prescribed in suppository form, or given to you by injection. Persistent diarrhea is sometimes treated with other medications such as narcotic-type drugs, which harden your bowel movements, or antispasmodic drugs that slow down bowel activity. Any such treatment is usually stopped as soon as the bowels begin to function normally. Analysis of bowel movements may be necessary if diarrhea is prolonged. Such testing can identify more severe causes of this illness so that specific therapy may be targeted to the cause.

CAN YOU PREVENT IT?

Persons can reduce their chance of getting infected by frequent handwashing, prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners, and promp washing of soiled articles of clothing. If food or water is thought to be contaminated, it should be avoided.

IS THERE A VACCINE FOR GASTROENTERITIS?

There are no vaccine or medicine currently available that prevents viral gastroenteritis.