How to alleviate gastroenteritis pain

Written by Zhai Guo Dong
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Gastritis pain often falls into the category of spasmodic pain. We can provide patients with appropriate gastrointestinal antispasmodics, such as Atropine tablets, which can have a symptomatic effect. Additionally, we advise patients to avoid using painkillers, as common analgesics may mask the symptoms. Therefore, we only provide symptomatic treatment for spasms. If the symptoms do not improve and the pain intensifies, we still recommend that patients undergo further examinations to rule out conditions such as gastrointestinal obstruction or other complications like perforations.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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How is acute gastroenteritis caused?

Acute gastroenteritis primarily has two main causes. The first is infection by bacteria and toxins, with Salmonella and Vibrio parahaemolyticus being the most common infections, and staphylococcal toxins, especially from Staphylococcus aureus, being frequently seen. Viruses can also cause outbreaks, often occurring in groups or within families. Additionally, consuming contaminated meat from poultry, fish, or other livestock, as well as seafood like snails grown in the wild, can trigger the disease. Contaminated leftovers infected by Staphylococcus aureus can also induce illness. The second cause involves physical and chemical factors, such as eating cold foods, some antibiotics, or accidentally consuming strong acids, alkalis, or pesticides, all of which can lead to this disease.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to treat acute gastroenteritis?

The main principles of treating acute gastroenteritis clinically are to stop vomiting, stop diarrhea, relieve spasms, replenish fluids, and rest in bed symptomatically. For mild cases, oral intake of dilute salt water can be used to replenish lost body fluids. If there is frequent vomiting or obvious dehydration, intravenous fluids are necessary to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Sensitive antibiotics should be used to treat intestinal inflammation, but it is important to prevent antibiotic abuse. With active treatment, the prognosis for acute gastroenteritis is generally good. After treatment, attention should also be paid to diet; avoid eating unclean food, and consume less raw, cold, and spicy foods, while also paying attention to personal prevention.

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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.

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Acute gastroenteritis anti-inflammatory drugs

For acute gastroenteritis, if there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used. Empirical use primarily involves quinolones or cephalosporins. If stool bacterial culture is possible, antibiotics sensitive to the results of the test should be chosen. However, it is important to note that if acute gastroenteritis is caused by a viral infection, the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs is very limited. Therefore, it is advisable to diagnose which bacteria are more sensitive based on the stool sample, and then select the appropriate antibiotic. This approach is more targeted, and also less harmful to the body. The specific medication should still be primarily based on the diagnosis of the clinical doctor.

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Does acute gastroenteritis hurt?

When suffering from acute gastroenteritis, the inflammation can cause irregular and accelerated intestinal peristalsis, which may lead to intestinal spasms and colic. In such cases, the first step should be proactive anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment. Then, applying a heat pack on the stomach and drinking more hot water can help alleviate the symptoms. If the pain is severe, and the patient is sweating profusely, looks pale, and has cold hands and feet, going to the hospital for an intramuscular injection of Scopolamine Butylbromide can relieve smooth muscle spasms and relax the muscles, thereby easing the pain. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to dietary hygiene. It is crucial to thoroughly heat or cook food taken out from the refrigerator before eating, as prevention is more important than treatment.