Gastroenteritis

Understanding Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a common condition that affects the digestive or intestinal tract. You can develop this condition as part of influenza (stomach flu), or alternatively, you may have this health issue due to food poisoning. Contaminated water or beverages can also cause this medical problem. You will have chronic episodes of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in some cases, you will have all of the symptoms at the same time. The inflammation in your body can also cause painful abdominal cramping, chills, and fever. You will likely feel fatigued, dizzy, and dehydrated when you have gastroenteritis.

There are several different types of gastroenteritis, including:

• Viral gastroenteritis
• Bacterial gastroenteritis (often called food poisoning)
• Parasitic gastroenteritis
• Non-infectious gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis Symptoms and Complications

There are several signs that indicate that you have complications and severe symptoms from gastroenteritis, including:

• Bloody bowel movements
• Extreme dehydration
• Fainting
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• High fever
• Vomiting blood or fecal matter

For children and seniors, having a gastrointestinal infection for more than one day can lead to complications, but teenagers and adult infected persons can cope with the condition longer when they can continue to drink fluids. If someone has a condition such as diabetes mellitus, then immediate care is required to control the body’s insulin levels.

Gastroenteritis Diagnosis and Treatment

Stool Sampling

If you aren’t improving, then you should visit an urgent care center to determine if you have gallbladder disease or appendicitis. You can bring along a stool sample for testing to determine if you have blood in the stomach or intestinal tract. This type of test can also reveal if you have a viral or parasitic infection. A physician can provide medications for some types of infections, but if you have appendicitis or gallbladder disease, then you may need surgery right away.

Home Gastroenteritis Treatment

At home, you can treat regular gastroenteritis by drinking water, broth, or clear soft drinks. Avoid spicy or greasy foods along with anything that is caffeinated. As you begin to feel better, eating foods such as soups, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or oatmeal is helpful. You will likely feel tired, and extra sleep can help your body to heal faster from gastroenteritis.

Preventing Gastroenteritis

By getting an influenza vaccination each year, you can avoid some types of this illness and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, this immunization won’t prevent stomach viruses that are transmitted through airborne droplets or from surfaces that are contaminated with pathogens. Make sure to wash your hands several times a day, along with keeping your home clean. Use the proper precautions at home while storing, preparing, and cooking meals to avoid eating or drinking contaminated food and other substances.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gastroenteritis

Can gastroenteritis go away on its own? Yes, gastroenteritis often goes away on its own with the help of fluids and rest and with over-the-counter medications to control nausea and diarrhea. You will also want to get plenty of sleep. It typically takes about a week before you feel more like yourself. How can I prevent gastroenteritis? There are several different steps you can take to prevent gastroenteritis. Getting the flu vaccine, washing your hands several times a day, and taking precautions when storing, cooking, and preparing meals can all help you prevent this condition. What causes gastroenteritis? There are a few different causes of gastroenteritis. Viruses like norovirus and rotavirus, bacteria like salmonella, parasites, and contaminated food and water can all lead to gastroenteritis. When should I seek medical help for gastroenteritis? If your symptoms aren’t improving after a week, you should seek out medical care. At WellCare Urgent Care, we can determine the cause of your symptoms and then provide medications or recommendations for next steps. How is gastroenteritis spread? Gastroenteritis is spread in a number of different ways, including person-to-person contact, touching a surface or object an infected person’s feces, vomit, or saliva has touched, or eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Poor hygiene, especially not regularly washing hands, is one of the most common ways gastroenteritis spreads.

Come into WellCare

If you are suffering from gastroenteritis and need care then come into WellCare Urgent Care Center in Grand Rapids. We will provide a personalized treatment plan to help you get over this sickness. Schedule an immediate appointment at our Cascade and Leonard offices through our online portal.