Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an infection of the stomach and intestines. Even though it's called the "flu," it's not the same as influenza. The gastrointestinal tract is not always affected by influenza and the respiratory tract is the site of the majority of symptoms.
Gastroenteritis refers to an infection of the stomach and intestines. Viruses are the most common cause of stomach flu but bacteria and parasites can also cause illness.
Is there a difference between stomach flu and food poisoning?
Food poisoning is not the same as stomach flu. There are a variety of non-infectious forms of food poisoning. Many of the symptoms of food poisoning and the stomach flu are similar. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever are all common symptoms. Food poisoning, on the other hand, occurs fast after consuming contaminated food and normally subsides within a few hours.
What are the symptoms and indicators of stomach flu?
The following are signs and symptoms of the stomach flu:
- Cramping or pain in the abdomen
If you have the stomach flu, what should you eat or drink?
- Fluids: Diarrhea and vomiting dehydrate the body. Make sure you're getting enough water, sports drinks, or other clear liquids in your system. Take tiny sips of water. Toddlers can take electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte, and infants should have lots of breast milk.
- Sucking on ice chips can help you rehydrate if you're having difficulties keeping fluids down. Ice chips should not be given to little children since they can cause choking.
- The BRAT diet is a low-carbohydrate, high Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast (BRAT) is an acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are bland and bond together, making your stools firmer. Bananas also contain potassium, which can assist in the replacement of nutrients lost due to vomiting or diarrhea.
- Tea: Caffeine-free teas can assist replace lost fluids, and some varieties, such as peppermint and ginger, can help with nausea. To receive a boost of vitamin C, add a squeeze of lemon. (Avoid caffeine, which can serve as a diuretic, causing you to pee and lose vital fluids.)
- Some people claim that apple cider vinegar relieves nausea and stomach distress.
What natural or home treatments, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, can help relieve and cure stomach flu symptoms?
There are various things you may take to help ease symptoms if you have a stomach illness.
- Rest: Most people require a few days of rest to allow the disease to run its course.
- Heating pad: Using a heating pad to ease stomach cramps may be beneficial.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you're in pain or have a fever. This is preferable to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), which can cause stomach problems.
- Loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is OTC anti-diarrheal drug that can help treat diarrhea.
- Lactobacillus casei GG and S boluardi are probiotics that can aid with watery diarrhea in some cases of viral gastroenteritis. These probiotics are commonly found in yogurt. If you can tolerate dairy products, go for low-fat or fat-free yogurt.
- Zinc pills may help to shorten the length and severity of stomach flu.
- Acupressure: Finger pressure is used to stimulate trigger points on the body, which can help ease nausea and vomiting. Pressure point P-6 is a point on the inner wrist that can be massaged.
- Spicy foods, such as chili, hot pepper, and garlic, can exacerbate your symptoms and upset your stomach. Furthermore, many spicy dishes are fried in oil, making them fattening.
- Caffeine: Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which will cause you to urinate and lose fluids, and you could become dehydrated. When you are already dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea, you want to stay hydrated. Caffeine can also cause loose stools. Fiber: Usually, fruits, vegetables, and beans are good for you. But when you have diarrhea, fiber can aggravate already loose bowels, especially in people who are not used to eating fiber regularly. Stick to the binding foods suggested in the BRAT diet.
- Alcohol can irritate and inflame the stomach lining (gastritis) and the digestive tract, as well as encourage the creation of gastric acid, which you should avoid if you're already sick.
- Sugar: Sugar in foods and drinks can cause blood sugar levels to rise. This may cause nausea in some people. Sugary foods are frequently fatty, adding to the aggravation of symptoms.
- Colas have a high amount of caffeine, which is a diuretic. Non-caffeinated sodas, on the other hand, contain chemicals and are acidic, which might irritate the stomach. You may feel more full and belch as a result of the carbonation, which can increase nausea.
- Acidic foods: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, etc) citrus drinks, pineapple, and tomato products contain a lot of acids, which can irritate the stomach, create acid reflux, and cause more stomach discomfort.
For expert advice at just Rs.100/- click here
Comments
Write your first comment.