Gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system and bowel. The most common signs and symptoms are throwing up and recurring episodes of diarrhoea (several episodes within 24 hours).
The reasons and remedy for gastroenteritis can differ between adults and children. In this posting, we are going over stomach flu in adults.
What may cause gastroenteritis in adults?
Probably the most standard reasons for stomach flu in adults would be the norovirus and food poisoning. The virus disrupts one of the primary functions of the digestive system - the intake of water from the contents of your intestines into the body. That is why the most typical symptom of stomach flu is watery diarrhoea and why dehydration is such a common issue
How stomach flu spread
Most types of stomach flu are highly contagious. The illness is principally spread when germs found in faeces are moved to the mouth area.
Bacteria might be transmitted via poor hygiene. As an example, if someone doesn't wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or germs on their hands will be transferred to anything they touch, like a cup, kitchen utensil or food.
If you contact the contaminated object and then touch your mouth, or if you consume contaminated food, you may become infected by the virus or germs. After infected, you will have the symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as throwing up and diarrhoea.
Treating gastroenteritis
Most people with stomach flu just have minor symptoms and the disease passes after a couple of days without treatment.
Nevertheless, you may need treatment in hospital if your symptoms are intense, or if you are vulnerable because of your age or another illness. It is because diarrhoea can rapidly result in dehydration which, if severe, may be fatal.
The hazards of dehydration mean that it is vital to replace fluids that are lost via throwing up and diarrhoea. You should drink a minimum of 2 litres of water daily, plus 200ml of water after every occurrence of diarrhoea.
In extreme cases of stomach flu, antidiarrhoeal drugs or anti-emetics (anti-sickness medication) can be recommended.
Preventing gastroenteritis
As stomach flu is highly infectious, you must take measures to prevent it from spreading to other people. These include:
· cleaning both hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food
· cleansing the restroom, such as handle and the seat, with anti-bacterial after each round of throwing up or diarrhea
· not sharing bath towels, flannels, cutlery or items with other people in your home
· not returning to work until 48 hours after your last bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
About Author: Judy Kagen is health blogger writing about common cold and flu symptoms. For more info, please visit http://dailyhealthnet.wordpress.com
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