Gastroenteritis – A Common and Severe Complication
he common definition of gastroenteritis is that it is a complication in the intestines and stomach. The condition makes the entire gastrointestinal tract inflamed and irritated. There might be an infection caused as by some parasites or bacteria residing in dirty water or spoiled food. There are some foods that often irritate the stomach and lead to gastritis as well. Lactose intolerance has been a common cause of gastritis.
Many people experience severe effects of the condition with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting and food poisoning being some of the common observations. Stomach flu is also a condition that is known to trigger gastritis, though it has no relation to influenza. There are many causes of gastroenteritis, including bacteria and viruses which are the two common causes. These infectious agents enter the body from outside and cause abnormal conditions. These trespassers are contagious and spread throughout the body.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis include abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, weakness, and fever, chills loss of appetite, dehydration and internal inflammation. In some severe cases, gastritis can lead ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) and require hospitalization too. Often times, prolonged gastritis can have an effect in the liver. Although there has not been any proven link, still it is presumed that everything that is related to the stomach, such as stomach ulcer has an effect on the liver. Similar symptoms like gastritis occur when a person is suffering from hepatitis or has an infected gallbladder. These are some generalized symptoms that can only lead to diagnosis, which would eventually prove what the condition is.
Treatment of gastroenteritis usually involves some typical medications and home care. Taking a healthy diet, drinking lots of fluids, easting easily digestible food to prevent indigestion are a few 3ways to take care. A detox diet might be recommended to flush out all the toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. The basic idea is to prevent dehydration, which leads to all the problems. So water and fluids should be supplied to the body in abundance. Fluid intake will rectify the electrolyte imbalance in the body, which will take care of other conditions. Prolonged dehydration can lead to kidney problems as well.
When traditional medication is concerned, doctor may prescribe some antibiotics to kill bacteria. Certain bacteria like Vibrio cholera and Shigella can be treated with antibiotics, but not the rest. Sometimes it might even aggravate the condition. Therefore, medications should be taken only once proper diagnosis has been done and it is advised by the doctor.
It is possible to prevent diseases like gastroenteritis by taking some preventative measures. Washing hands before and after meal; eating well prepared and properly stored food; being careful about hygiene are some of the few ways.
Gastroenteritis is not a dangerous condition. However, there are times when gastritis might become severe if left untreated.
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