Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is caused by the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract by a virus. This disease is otherwise known as the stomach flu. This disease can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The viruses are quite oftentimes caught in contaminated food or water. After about 48 hours after exposure to the virus the symptoms will start to show.
The young and elderly should take extra precaution for they are among the highest risk for catching this illness. Signs include dehydration, dry or sticky mouth, low blood pressure, and more. Treatment for gastroenteritis is fairly simple. The goal is to keep the body hydrated by giving the body obtains the proper amount of fluids and nutrients it needs. Nutrients that have been lost through vomiting and excretion need to be replaced by drinking extra fluids and eating the proper amount of food at meal time. Water and electrolyte filled beverages are recommended for refueling.
Until the body is able to build back its normal digestive process eating habits should be build back up gradually by eating light meals and gradually building back up to your normal diet. Children can become very sick from the dehydration cause by diarrhea however does not use anti-diarrheal medication without the consolation of your doctor because they may cause the infection to get worse. Also, do not stop taking medication without talking to your doctor first.
Keep a calm cool head so that you will able to address the situation in a proper manner. Prevention is most certainly the best cure for any disease so be sure to wash your hand properly before and after any meal time as well as coming to and from the bathroom. It is even a good idea to wash your hands coming to and from outside. Remember that proper hygiene can stop most disease before it starts.
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