How to treat gastroenteritis?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The treatment of gastroenteritis primarily depends on the cause and specific symptoms to determine the treatment plan. Exposure to cold or improper diet may cause acute gastroenteritis. In such cases, it is recommended to first check routine blood tests, C-reactive protein, stool routine, etc., to identify the cause. Gastroenteric flu can be treated with antiviral drugs and astringent antidiarrheal medications to achieve satisfactory results. Infectious diarrhea caused by bacterial infection generally uses antimicrobial drugs combined with antidiarrheal medications to also achieve satisfactory effects. Commonly used drugs include cephalosporins or quinolones anti-inflammatory. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to a light and easily digestible diet, and if diarrhea is severe, infusion treatment may be necessary to prevent dehydration.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does acute gastroenteritis cause constipation?

Acute gastroenteritis refers to acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This condition does not involve constipation. In cases of mild diarrhea caused by acute gastroenteritis, the general condition is good, with fewer than ten bowel movements, and the stool sometimes appears like egg drop soup. For more severe diarrhea, there might be more than ten bowel movements per day, and treatment should primarily focus on antidiarrheal, pain relief, and antiemetic medications. It is also important to rest adequately, hydrate promptly, and follow a diet of eating small, frequent meals. If the condition is severe, treatment might involve gastrointestinal decompression and parenteral nutrition.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can I eat apples with acute gastroenteritis?

Apples are one of the essential fruits in our daily life, containing a rich array of nutrients, such as minerals, fruit acids, vitamins, fiber, etc., which are greatly beneficial to our human body. Acute gastroenteritis is usually caused by exposure to cold or improper diet, primarily characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes fever and chills. In this case, targeted treatment should be firstly applied, and the diet should consist mainly of light and easily digestible food, such as porridge and soft noodles, while avoiding raw, greasy, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages. Apples are relatively cold in nature; it is best to avoid eating them raw under these circumstances. If there is a real desire to eat apples, steaming them before eating should be feasible.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis caused by Norovirus

Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus infection primarily involve gastrointestinal dysfunction and infection. The onset is usually sudden and often occurs in crowded places and communal dining settings. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with diarrhea being a common symptom. Children frequently exhibit vomiting, while adults are more likely to experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, thus it is important to promptly replenish fluids and electrolytes to correct gastrointestinal dysfunction.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What foods should not be eaten with acute gastroenteritis?

There are also quite a few foods that should not be eaten during acute gastroenteritis. Firstly, spicy foods should be avoided, as the digestive function of the intestines is somewhat limited during gastroenteritis, and spicy foods can easily irritate the gastrointestinal tract, worsening the symptoms of gastroenteritis. Additionally, foods that are too cold or too hot should not be consumed. It is also advisable to avoid the stimulation of strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor. Instead, eat soft, easily digestible foods, consume less greasy food, and make sure to drink plenty of water. This helps to replenish fluids and prevent dehydration symptoms that might arise from gastroenteritis.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Gastroenteritis dehydration symptoms

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, mainly occurs due to simultaneous infections in the stomach and intestinal mucosa by bacteria or viruses. The primary clinical symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and watery stools—some experience it five or six times a day, and others more than ten times a day. Increased frequency of stools can lead to symptoms of dehydration. Excessive loss of body fluids can cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration, presenting symptoms such as pale complexion, cold limbs, fever, and decreased blood pressure. In such cases, it is essential to go to the hospital for intravenous fluids as soon as possible. Oral rehydration solutions can also be used, but if the patient experiences severe nausea and vomiting, intravenous administration of glucose, saline, and potassium chloride is necessary. (Please rehydrate under the guidance of a doctor.)