Subscribe
Gastroenteritis
Symptoms of gastroenteritis and cold
Gastroenteritis and the common cold generally manifest as two types of symptoms in clinical settings. The first type includes symptoms caused by upper respiratory tract infections. The second type involves gastrointestinal symptoms. Common symptoms of upper gastrointestinal tract infections include fever, fatigue, dry cough, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and itchy throat, etc., typically lasting about a week. These symptoms are usually nonspecific and similar to those of a typical upper respiratory tract infection. The second type of symptoms generally involves gastrointestinal issues, presenting as abdominal discomfort, bloating, leg pain, and abnormal stool. Clinically, abnormal stools are often looser and more frequent, but typically do not involve bloody stools. These symptoms are generally not severe and can be observed.
acute gastroenteritis dehydration symptoms
Minor dehydration from acute gastroenteritis can manifest as dry mouth, sunken eye sockets, headache, dizziness, general fatigue, decreased appetite, and loss of skin elasticity. If symptoms worsen, signs of shock may appear, including reduced total blood volume, renal dysfunction, rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure, cold and wet limbs, and reduced or absent urine output. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if dehydration symptoms occur and treat according to the type of dehydration, while actively treating the acute gastroenteritis.
Acute gastroenteritis pain level
The level of pain in acute gastroenteritis is generally divided into ten levels clinically: levels one to three are mild, four to six are moderate, and seven to ten are severe. This classification is mainly based on the patient's expression and self-perceived intensity of pain. In cases of acute gastroenteritis, there is often the possibility of experiencing spasms, or pain stimuli might trigger inflammatory infections. Generally, the pain is often above level eight. However, if there is mild pain, or it does not accompany fever, it is usually around level one to three. Therefore, once a patient experiences abdominal pain, an intramuscular injection of scopolamine butylbromide can be used to relieve the pain and help the patient stabilize.
How to deal with acute gastroenteritis?
Acute gastroenteritis is primarily caused by unsanitary eating habits or exposure to cold, spicy, and other irritants, leading to acute inflammation. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or fever, and a routine blood test may show elevated white blood cells and neutrophils. If these symptoms appear, it is advisable to visit a hospital promptly for a routine blood test. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will treat with anti-inflammatory fluids, antiemetics, antidiarrheals, etc. Generally, mild acute gastroenteritis can be cured within two to three days of treatment. However, some patients may experience severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration, electrolyte disorders, and even shock, which would extend the required treatment duration.
Is gastroenteritis contagious?
Whether gastroenteritis is contagious depends on the cause of the inflammation. For example, if a person develops abdominal pain and diarrhea from getting cold, this type of gastroenteritis, caused by chilling, is not contagious, so it will not spread from person to person. However, if the gastroenteritis is caused by bacterial dysentery (commonly known as bacillary dysentery), it can be spread through food. Therefore, whether gastroenteritis is contagious depends on the infecting pathogen and the cause; it cannot be generalized.
What tests are done for chronic gastritis?
Chronic gastroenteritis is a chronic inflammation that occurs in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The basic pathological change is the infiltration of a large number of neutrophils or lymphocytes in the mucosa. Examinations mainly include endoscopy and routine stool tests. Gastroscope and colonoscopy can be used to assess the extent of mucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, and routine stool tests can determine the presence of occult blood positivity. If there is blood in the stool, a routine blood test can also be conducted to check for chronic blood loss anemia. Based on the results of these examinations, the severity of the lesions can be understood, and appropriate medications can be actively chosen for symptomatic treatment.
How to reduce fever in acute gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis generally manifests as fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the fever does not exceed 38.5°C, antipyretic medications can be used, along with physical cooling methods such as wiping the patient's forehead, palms, and soles with a warm towel to facilitate heat dissipation through evaporation. If the fever exceeds 38.5°C, muscular injection of antipyretic drugs should be chosen, along with combined infusion therapy to prevent signs of physical collapse caused by high temperatures. At the same time, active use of antibiotics and antidiarrheal medications is advised. During treatment, a regular diet should be maintained, adopting the principle of eating small and frequent meals. Rest is important, and excessive fatigue should be avoided. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)
Manifestations of chronic gastroenteritis
Chronic gastroenteritis primarily manifests as chronic inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can include chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Due to poor appetite and impaired digestive absorption, symptoms such as physical emaciation, fatigue, and lethargy can occur, making one more susceptible to catching colds. For chronic gastroenteritis, it is important to adjust the imbalance of gut flora and use antibiotics to control infections. Attention should be paid to a light, regular diet, eating three meals at fixed times and amounts, avoiding greasy and spicy foods, and consuming more light vegetables and fruits. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)
What should pregnant women do about gastroenteritis?
During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman experiences gastrointestinal inflammation, it can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, mostly due to unhygienic dietary habits during pregnancy. For example, aside from avoiding raw, hard, or moldy foods, attention should be paid to adjusting the diet to include foods that are bland and easier to digest and absorb. For instance, consuming porridge such as millet porridge, soft noodles, etc., and moderately increasing the intake of fresh vegetables and fruits to enhance physical health. If the gastrointestinal inflammation leads to severe abdominal pain or diarrhea, it is necessary to go to the hospital promptly. After examination by a doctor, guided medication treatment should be carried out.
precursor of acute gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis typically strikes suddenly, usually without specific early warning signs. By the time such premonitions occur, symptoms of acute gastroenteritis become quite evident, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Generally, acute gastroenteritis is caused by consuming unclean food or food poisoning, leading to significant diarrhea. Frequent diarrhea can result in dehydration. Current treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic fluid and nutritional support, as well as antispasmodic pain relief. During the acute phase, it is advisable to abstain from food as much as possible. After symptoms subside, one can gradually consume some soft foods. Regular meals, adequate rest, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, greasy foods, as well as strong tea, coffee, and strong alcohol are recommended.