How to alleviate acute gastroenteritis

Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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For acute gastroenteritis, the first step is to provide general treatment, which is to have the patient rest in bed as much as possible. For mild cases, oral rehydration solutions can be used to replenish lost fluids. If the patient has persistent vomiting or noticeable dehydration, they need to replenish with glucose-salt water or other relevant electrolytes. Patients should try to eat a light diet, consisting of semi-liquid foods, to prevent dehydration. Secondly, symptomatic treatment should be administered if necessary, including injections of antiemetic and antispasmodic medications, as well as antidiarrheal drugs. Thirdly, antimicrobial treatment, which is mainly targeted at infectious diarrhea, should involve the appropriate use of targeted antibiotics, but it is important to prevent their misuse.

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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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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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Where does acute gastroenteritis come from?

Acute gastroenteritis is primarily an acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is mainly characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, and is commonly seen in the summer and autumn seasons. It is primarily caused by improper diet, overeating, or consumption of raw, spoiled, or unclean food. The condition is mainly due to bacterial or toxin infection, often seen in group outbreaks or family clusters. It can be caused by the consumption of infected fish, meat, poultry, or seafood, or by leftovers contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, among others. Moreover, accidental ingestion of strong acids, strong alkalis, or certain pesticides can also cause this disease.

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Written by Zhai Guo Dong
Gastroenterology
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How to alleviate gastroenteritis pain

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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis

The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis depend on the cause, including gastroenteritis caused by a stomach flu or bacterial infection. The symptoms of gastroenteritis from a stomach flu usually include fever, chills, dizziness, fatigue, body aches, stomach pain, diarrhea with watery stools, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and bloating. Routine stool tests often show no significant abnormalities. Acute gastroenteritis caused by bacterial infection typically manifests as stomach pain and diarrhea, accompanied by fever and chills, with stools that are mucous in nature. Routine stool tests often reveal the presence of white blood cells, pus cells, or phagocytes, and a routine blood test may indicate an increased white blood cell count. Treatment methods vary and generally involve symptomatic treatment, which usually leads to gradual relief.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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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.