How to properly treat gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a common and highly contagious inflammation in winter.

The main symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain which may be accompanied by fever.

Here are some tips to get rid of gastro and speed up healing.

This winter, perhaps you were unable to avoid gastroenteritis, one of the most prevalent viruses in winter. In early January, “Consultations for acute gastroenteritis are increasing for SOS Médecins, especially in people over five years of age.“, public health France alert. Feared by all, this inflammation of the stomach, small intestine and intestinal lining causes numerous discomforts, although symptoms usually disappear between 24 and 72 hours. As recalled by the MSD manual, it causes can happen. Viruses, bacteria or parasites. Usually, people complain of diarrhea, moderate or severe, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. To get back on track quickly, drugs are not prescribed systematically: the most effective treatment is still some Basic rules are to be followed.Cleanliness.

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How to avoid the onset of gastro?

Highly contagious, gastro spreads quickly and very easily, especially among children. For prevention, the High Authority of Health particularly encourages vaccination of infants against rotavirus, which is the main cause of gastroenteritis in very young children. To avoid contamination, the most effective tip is to wash your hands carefully before meals and after going to the toilet: 1 gram of faecal matter of an infected person can contain up to 10 billion particles. Viral! If you don’t have a sink and soap available, hydro-alcoholic solutions (HAS) can kill many germs. To avoid contaminating those around you, remember to disinfect the toilet with bleach after each loose stool. The same goes for furniture, especially toys, and your children’s bedrooms. When preparing your meals, cook meat properly and wash your fruits and vegetables in clean water. Because it also happens that a person can get sick by drinking food or drinking water contaminated by infected feces, the MSD manual adds.

Beware of dehydration!

If you do get sick despite all these common precautions, it’s important to have an effective response. With gastro, the main danger is electrolyte dehydration, especially in infants. Drink plenty of water, in small sips, at least one and a half to two liters per day. To hydrate your baby, you can use oral rehydration solution (ORS) in powder form mixed in a bottle. To get back on track, relax! In France, the health insurance recommends stopping work for a maximum of three days, especially in case of severe symptoms of gastroenteritis, especially if you work in contact with vulnerable people. When caused by a virus, antibiotics are not helpful in treating gastroenteritis. Certain natural remedies, such as charcoal or green clay, help remove toxins from the digestive tract and fight diarrhea.

How to eat during gastro?

Finally, it is necessary to adapt your diet according to your condition. Eat small amounts of food, but do not stop eating. Health insurance advises patients to create a menu based on foods rich in glucose, but above all, light salty! Avoid excessively large meals which may cause more distress to your stomach. Pasta, rice, lean meat, fish, eggs, bread, vegetables and fresh fruit are also strongly recommended. On the other hand, keep raw vegetables and fiber-rich foods (grains, beans) as well as dairy products aside when you’re back on your feet. Likewise, air bottles are also not recommended for children. Gastrointestinal symptoms should be carefully monitored. If you are over 75 years old, have a weakened immune system or have diabetes and are experiencing extreme fatigue and difficulty drinking, do not delay in consulting a doctor. In case of viral or bacterial gastrointestinal illness, do not leave your child at daycare or school to limit the risk of spreading the disease.