How to deal with acute gastroenteritis

Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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When diagnosing acute gastroenteritis, we generally assess whether the symptoms match those of acute gastroenteritis. This typically involves examining the frequency of bowel movements, often more than ten times, with stool colors usually yellow-green. Some may appear like egg drop soup, while others have watery stools, and severe cases might include mucus, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and complications like hypokalemia due to severe vomiting. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating and fever, and in severe cases, it may even lead to unconsciousness. Thus, it is important to conduct routine stool tests and check for white blood cell counts to aid in diagnosis followed by subsequent treatment. In terms of treatment, it principally includes bed rest and symptomatic relief, alongside possible antibiotic therapy. Maintaining hygiene, proper management of drinking water, and stool are essential preventive measures for such conditions.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to stop diarrhea in acute gastroenteritis

First of all, start with diet and daily habits by paying attention to keeping warm and avoiding catching a cold, especially for patients with gastrointestinal-type colds. The diet should consist of light and easy-to-digest foods, such as porridge and soft noodles, with some salt added to replenish electrolytes. Avoid eating foods that are too cold or greasy and spicy. Regarding medication, different treatments should be adopted according to different causes of the disease. For patients with gastrointestinal-type colds caused by viral infections, antiviral and astringent antidiarrheal medications are generally used. If the infection is caused by improper diet, the main treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications to achieve hemostasis.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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The difference between a stomach cold and gastroenteritis

Gastrointestinal colds and gastroenteritis generally have similar symptoms. Gastrointestinal colds are caused by viral infections or heatstroke, causing mild fever, runny nose, mild nausea, diarrhea, etc., typically without substantive white blood cells or pathogens in the stool. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, involves actual pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract, such as from Helicobacter pylori or E. coli infections, and usually does not cause fever, runny nose, or other complications. Typical symptoms include intermittent abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive system symptoms.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
1min 2sec home-news-image

How to deal with acute gastroenteritis

When diagnosing acute gastroenteritis, we generally assess whether the symptoms match those of acute gastroenteritis. This typically involves examining the frequency of bowel movements, often more than ten times, with stool colors usually yellow-green. Some may appear like egg drop soup, while others have watery stools, and severe cases might include mucus, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and complications like hypokalemia due to severe vomiting. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating and fever, and in severe cases, it may even lead to unconsciousness. Thus, it is important to conduct routine stool tests and check for white blood cell counts to aid in diagnosis followed by subsequent treatment. In terms of treatment, it principally includes bed rest and symptomatic relief, alongside possible antibiotic therapy. Maintaining hygiene, proper management of drinking water, and stool are essential preventive measures for such conditions.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
48sec home-news-image

What foods should be eaten for gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the common diseases of the digestive system, usually characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, etc. Sometimes there are symptoms like fever and chills. In such cases, it is first necessary to undertake targeted treatment based on the specific cause, such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral treatments, astringents to stop diarrhea, and hydration. At the same time, attention should be paid to the dietary structure, initially avoiding exposure to cold. The diet should mainly consist of light, easily digestible foods, with a preference for porridge, wheat products like noodles, and fresh vegetables. It is advisable to avoid raw, greasy, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.