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Gastroenteritis is a common condition characterised by abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. While the illness is often self-limiting, effective management is crucial to ensure a swift recovery and prevent complications like dehydration. This guide will provide you with essential care tips to help you manage this condition.
Gastroenteritis can lead to rapid fluid loss due to diarrhoea and vomiting, resulting in dehydration and even electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, timely rehydration is crucial for treating gastroenteritis.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are highly recommended by doctors as they quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Avoid caffeinated, sugary, or alcoholic drinks, as they can worsen dehydration. Consume clear broths or electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water to restore balance.
During a bout of gastroenteritis, choosing bland and easily digestible foods can reduce the burden on the stomach and promote intestinal recovery. Recommended foods include rice porridge, noodles, cooked carrots, pumpkin, soft apples, and bananas.
Avoid greasy, spicy, gas-producing, and high-fibre foods such as fried foods, chilli peppers, beans, and whole-wheat bread. It is advisable to eat small, frequent meals and chew slowly.
Sufficient rest is crucial for recovery from gastroenteritis. Try to rest in bed, avoid excessive activity, get enough sleep, and try to relax. This will help your body focus its energy on fighting the infection and promote recovery.
Maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent secondary infections of gastroenteritis. Frequent hand washing, especially before meals, after using the toilet, and after handling raw food, can effectively remove bacteria from your hands. Additionally, keeping your environment clean and well-ventilated can reduce the chances of bacterial growth.
Most cases of gastroenteritis resolve within a few days. However, seek medical attention if you experience:
Gastroenteritis and food poisoning are both conditions that affect the digestive system, but they differ in their causes and presentation.
Gastroenteritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viral infections like norovirus or rotavirus, though bacteria or parasites can also be responsible. It typically spreads through contaminated water, food, or close contact with infected individuals.
In contrast, food poisoning specifically results from consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria (like Salmonella or E. coli), viruses, or toxins produced by these organisms.
While the symptoms of both—diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps—overlap, food poisoning often manifests more suddenly and severely, depending on the type and amount of toxin ingested. Gastroenteritis can involve person-to-person transmission, while food poisoning is strictly linked to contaminated food or beverages.
Antibiotics are only necessary for gastroenteritis caused by bacterial infections. Viral gastroenteritis is not affected by antibiotics. Therefore, it is not recommended to self-medicate with antibiotics before a doctor has diagnosed the specific cause.
In addition to maintaining good food hygiene and frequent hand washing, gastroenteritis can also be prevented by getting vaccinated and avoiding contact with sick individuals.
While gastroenteritis is a common ailment, it can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for safeguarding your health.
Frequent vomiting and diarrhoea can result in significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. This is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, as dehydration can rapidly develop and lead to life-threatening complications such as shock and kidney failure. Prompt medical attention allows for intravenous fluid administration to quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration.
While gastroenteritis is common, proper care can speed up recovery. Drinking plenty of water, eating a bland diet (such as millet porridge, vegetable soup), and getting enough rest are fundamental principles. If you experience high fever, bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting, you should seek medical attention immediately. Prevention is better than cure. Frequent hand washing, attention to food hygiene, and getting vaccinated are effective ways to prevent gastroenteritis.
If you have questions about gastroenteritis, get in touch with us to book an appointment at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals to receive professional advice to help kickstart your health journey. To make an appointment for health screening, please contact the health screening centre at the Gleneagles Hospitals nearest to you.
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