Gastroenteritis is usually caused by viruses – such as noroviruses or rotaviruses. Typical symptoms of such an infection include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, abdominal pain, headache and pain in the limbs may occur. In healthy adults, medical treatment is rarely necessary; in most cases, the stomach flu subsides on its own after a few days. In young children and the elderly, on the other hand, caution is advised. Read here what home remedies help with a stomach flu and what options there are to prevent such an infection.
Viruses as a cause
A stomach flu can have a variety of causes. As a rule, viruses, and more rarely bacteria or parasites, are the triggers. If a viral infection is present, noroviruses or rotaviruses are particularly often behind the symptoms. In the case of an infection with noroviruses, the course of the disease is often particularly severe. Particularly in older people, severe circulatory problems can occur due to the large loss of fluids. Noroviruses are extremely contagious – there is a risk of infection for up to 48 hours after the last symptoms have subsided. In some cases, however, noroviruses are still excreted weeks later, so that infection is still possible then. In children, gastrointestinal infections are often caused by rotaviruses. The viruses are considered the most common diarrheal pathogen in children under five years of age. There is now a vaccine against the virus, but vaccination is only possible until the child reaches 6 months of age.
Gastroenteritis is contagious
Gastroenteritis is highly contagious: usually, the pathogens are transmitted by smear infection. In this process, the pathogens from vomit or stool get onto other objects. In this way, they can get on the hands of other people and from there into the mouth (fecal-oral transmission). Once the pathogens have reached the body, they can also trigger gastroenteritis in the affected person. In addition, infection is also possible via droplet infection. In this case, the viruses are transmitted directly to another person through the air during vomiting. Infection can also occur via drinking water or contaminated food. However, this is more likely to be the case in countries with lower hygiene standards. After infection, it takes between four and 48 hours for the first symptoms of gastroenteritis to appear (incubation period).
Gastroenteritis: typical symptoms.
Gastrointestinal flu is usually very unpleasant, and many sufferers feel listless and miserable during the illness phase. The pathogens cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract, which is typically accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. In this way, the body tries to get rid of the pathogens as quickly as possible. Both symptoms can occur together, but also separately. In most cases, gastroenteritis begins relatively suddenly. In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal cramps and nausea, as well as headaches and aching limbs. From time to time, fever may also occur. Which symptoms occur exactly in the context of a gastrointestinal flu, is always also dependent on the respective pathogen.
Effective home remedies for gastrointestinal flu.
In the case of gastroenteritis, no medication is usually necessary. As a rule, the symptoms subside on their own after a period of two to six days. However, the healing process can be supported by the use of various home remedies:
- In particular, it is important that you allow yourself enough rest. The body needs its strength namely to be able to fight against the pathogens. Therefore, spare yourself extensively – it is best to stay in bed.
- An old home remedy for the treatment of diarrhea is healing clay, as this binds the toxins in the intestine. Simply add two teaspoons of healing clay in half a liter of water or tea. Then drink the liquid in small sips.
- Alternatively, a knife tip (no more!) Grated nutmeg can also help against diarrhea.
- Against nausea and vomiting teas in the varieties of peppermint and ginger are recommended. They soothe the stomach and drive away nausea.
- Similarly, a tea made from angelica root can help alleviate the discomfort.
Treat gastroenteritis with medication
In severe courses, drug treatment may be necessary:
- Against severe diarrhea can help drugs with the active ingredient loperamide, activated charcoal and astringents.
- With bacterial pathogens, the administration of antibiotics may also be useful.
- If the infection is accompanied by severe vomiting, antiemetics can help relieve nausea.
However, always discuss the use of medication with your family doctor. Whether and which drugs should be taken, namely also depends on the type of pathogen.
Gastroenteritis: when to see a doctor?
If the disease lasts longer than two to three days, you should see a doctor in any case. This also applies if, in addition to vomiting and diarrhea, there is a high fever or blood in the stool. The doctor can check whether the symptoms are caused by dangerous pathogens such as salmonella. In the case of babies or older persons, a doctor should be consulted at an early stage in the event of gastroenteritis. Possibly the water and salt loss must be compensated with them namely by an infusion.
Proper nutrition for gastroenteritis
Proper nutrition plays an important role in gastroenteritis: especially with severe diarrhea or vomiting, there are large losses of water and salt. These must be balanced again by the diet. At the same time, however, it is also important not to further irritate the stomach, which is already under attack. It is best to start by drinking only mineral water or unsweetened herbal teas. On the other hand, it is better for children in particular to avoid the old household remedy of “cola and salt sticks”. Special electrolyte solutions from the pharmacy are more suitable. Adults, on the other hand, can nibble on a few salt sticks. This primarily compensates for the loss of sodium. To replenish the potassium stores, it is also advisable to eat a banana. If the vomiting subsides, you can carefully feed the body some food again. Do not start with a large meal right away, but rather with a few spoonfuls and see how your body reacts to the food. Among other things, rusks and clear soups are well suited.
Gastroenteritis: protect against infection
Gastroenteritis cannot be prevented in every case. However, certain behavioral measures can reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid contact with people who are ill: If a person in your household is ill, you should follow strict hygiene measures.
- Wash your hands regularly: Take enough soap and wash your hands for about 30 seconds. Only this will significantly reduce the number of pathogens on the hands. Also, if possible, avoid touching your face with your hands.
- Attention when cooking: To avoid infection via contaminated food, you should always cook fish, meat and seafood thoroughly. Clean all kitchen utensils, with which the raw meat or fish has come into contact, carefully afterwards.
6 Tips for gastroenteritis
