Stomach Flu or Gastroenteritis

What is Stomach Flu?

Irritated and inflamed stomach and intestines are the main reasons for gastroenteritis or “stomach flu”. The “flu” is only a consequence of this disorder and hence a misnomer. The irritation and inflammation in the stomach and intestines are generally caused by either bacterial or a viral infection.

Symptoms of Stomach Flu:

The symptoms that herald the onset of this disorder are typically watery diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally the patient may experience a slight headache, cramps or pain in the stomach / intestine areas, nausea and fever. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Symptoms that indicate that a person is dehydrated are:

Dry skin
Dry mouth
Being really thirsty
Light headedness

A person with all or any of these symptoms must seek medical attention, immediately or else dehydration can lead to fatal consequences.

Causes of Stomach flu:

A gastroenteritis disorder can spread through the following means:

Through food or water that is contaminated
Having contact with somebody who already has the virus infection
From unwashed hands after use of the washroom or after changing a diaper

Gastroenteritis can be caused by many different types of viruses of which, rotavirus and norovirus are the main strains.

Rotavirus is commonly the reason for diarrhea in children of all ages, whereas norovirus causes serious gastroenteritis issues and is a foodborne disease. The bacterial form of gastroenteritis is caused by E.coli and salmonella. Both salmonella and campylobacter bacteria are spread through undercooked poultry or eggs. Salmonella can be spread through pets and live poultry.

Escherichia Coli or E.coli are bacteria that live in the human and animal digestive system. E. coli bacteria are of many types and are mostly harmless. However, there are some strains that cause bloody diarrhea and in some virulent strains like O157:H7, can cause severe diarrhea or kidney failure, which can ultimately lead to death. Yet other strains of E.coli bacteria cause urinary tract infections or other types of infections. Shigella, is one more type of bacteria commonly found in child care centers and the source of infection is generally food and drinking water.

Giardia and cryptosporidium, parasitically conveyed infections occur through contaminated drinking water.
Gastroenteritis can also be caused by:

The presence of metals like, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, or lead in drinking water
Toxins that may be there in certain seafood
Eating acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes in large volumes
Antacids, laxatives, antibiotics and chemotherapy medications

Also Read: Tests to diagnose stomach problems

Treatment for stomach flu:

There is no particular treatment for gastroenteritis caused by a viral infection, as antibiotics are not effective on viruses. Care must be taken not to overuse antibiotics as this can cause resistance to strains of bacteria. Treatment basically comprises of self-care measures such as:

Intake of plenty of fluids to keep hydrated
Once nausea subsides, normal diet can gradually be resumed. Begin with clear soups or broth, and build up to more solid foods
Temporarily avoid milk and milk products, wheat and wheat products, as the digestive system may still be tender and needs time to recover
Rest in bed

In case, you do need medication, consult the doctor for help. Visit our website.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801