Symptoms
Typical symptoms of gastroenteritis include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness, lack of strength, feeling sick
- Mild fever may occur
As a complication, dangerous dehydration may occur. At risk are especially infants, young children, the elderly and people with immunosuppression. With noroviruses, the duration of illness is short, but it can be over a week with other pathogens such as rotaviruses.
Causes
The so-called “gastroenteritis” is a disease of the digestive tract (gastroenteritis), which manifests itself in diarrhea and/or vomiting. As a rule, there is an underlying infectious cause. In contrast, there is no relation to influenza. Typical pathogens of gastroenteritis are noroviruses and bacteria of the genus Campylobacter. In addition, numerous other viruses, bacteria and parasites are possible triggers, for example rotaviruses, salmonella, shigella or Escherichia coli. Transmission depends on the pathogen and occurs, for example, fecal-orally, from person to person, via vomit, droplets, contaminated surfaces, food, water, and beverages.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made under medical care based on patient history, physical examination, rapid tests, and possibly laboratory methods. Medical evaluation is indicated for fever, blood in the stool, a long duration of illness, unusual accompanying symptoms, severe fluid loss, and in infants, among other conditions (select).
Drug treatment
The following medications are available for drug therapy: Oral rehydration solution:
- Oral rehydration solution contains glucose, salts and water and is used to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Anti-diarrheal agent:
- A number of drugs are available for the treatment of diarrhea. These include, for example, loperamide and probiotics. Activated charcoal is an old home remedy.
Antiemetics:
- Such as domperidone and metoclopramide are used to treat nausea and vomiting. They inhibit nausea and promote gastric emptying. First-generation antihistamines such as meclozine are also administered.
Anticonvulsants:
- For example, scopolamine butyl bromide can be used to treat abdominal pain. Preparations of peppermint leaves or chamomile flowers are two herbal alternatives.
Painkillers:
- Such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken as needed for fever, pain and headache or administered as suppositories. However, NSAIDs can additionally irritate the mucous membranes.
Tonic:
- Such as vitamins and minerals can be supplemented during the recovery phase.
Ointments:
- For example, with zinc oxide or calendula extract for the care of irritated bowel.
Non-drug treatment
- Ensure adequate fluid intake.
- Bed rest
- Temporarily do not eat anything or eat only light food such as broth, crackers and mashed bananas.
- Sweet drinks to strengthen
- Drink suitable teas, for example chamomile tea, black tea, peppermint tea.
- Hot water bottle
Prevention
- Wash hands with soap and water
- Hand disinfection
- Disinfection of surfaces, e.g. with diluted Javel water.
- Disposable gloves
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Separate towels
- Oral vaccination is available to prevent infection with rotaviruses
- Good kitchen and food hygiene
