Therapy | Gastroenteritis – symptoms, causes, prognosis

Therapy

Even though gastroenteritis usually lasts only a few days, proper fluid and food intake is important. Sufferers should also take care of their bodies. Vomiting and diarrhoea are accompanied by a loss of fluid and electrolytes.

Unsweetened tea and non-carbonated water are suitable to compensate for this loss. Soft drinks as well as juices should be avoided. Their high sugar content, as well as the fruit acid they contain, additionally irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, sugar is osmotically active and can even promote diarrhoea. Especially children and elderly people are at risk from electrolyte deficiency. To remedy this, so-called electrolyte powders are available in pharmacies.

If the symptoms persist unchanged, a presentation in hospital should be considered. There the lack of liquid and salts can be remedied with the help of an infusion or a nasal probe. An oral rehydration solution ensures the correct ratio of common salt, potassium chloride and glucose.

Most gastroenteritis can be treated without medication. In some cases, however, pathogen-specific or symptom-relieving agents are used. In case of travel diarrhea, the disease can be treated with a specific antibiotic.

These include infections with bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella or E. coli. The active ingredient loperamide is an opioid and inhibits intestinal activity. In this way, it reduces the number of diarrhea cases. The swelling agent pectin is not only absorbed with grated apple, but is also available as a separate remedy against diarrhoea. Activated carbon belongs to the group of adsorbents and binds not only toxic substances but also bacteria and their toxins.

Home remedies

The well-known household remedy made from cola and salt sticks is not an optimal therapy for gastro-intestinal inflammation. Cola is not recommended because of its carbon dioxide and high sugar content. Salt sticks supply the body with sodium, but do not contain potassium.

Fennel or fennel-aniseed-cumin tea, on the other hand, is one of the tried and tested household remedies. It calms the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and alleviates nausea. Chicken broth not only compensates for the loss of liquid, but also supplies the body with electrolytes.

If drinks are well tolerated again, one can slowly start to eat solid food. Best suited for this are dry rusks, boiled potatoes or mashed bananas with oat flakes. Another household remedy is grated apple. Its effect is based on the pectins it contains, which bind water in the intestines and thus contribute to the reduction of diarrhea.