Get the facts on stomach bugs to feel better fast
Few things can prove more painful or inconvenient than stomach bugs. Digestive tract illnesses can cause persons to spend many hours of the day running to restrooms while confining others to the house for extended periods of time. Though often temporary, stomach bugs can last several days to more than a week and they may lead to more dire situations if not properly treated.
Causes
Stomach bugs are known as gastroenteritis, a condition characterized by an inflamed and irritated stomach and intestines. The Mayo Clinic says people are most likely to contract gastroenteritis after eating contaminated foods or drinking contaminated water. Sharing items, like utensils, with someone who is infected is another way to contract gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a virus that enters the body. However, bacteria and parasites also are responsible for stomach bug outbreaks. Viruses that trigger gastroenteritis include adenoviruses, rotaviruses, calciviruses, astroviruses, and noroviruses. Bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis include E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and shingella.
Symptoms
Stomach bugs often strike suddenly. Sufferers may experience queasiness or nausea and a loss of appetite. Pain or bloating in the stomach also may occur. Vomiting and diarrhea often cause many people to suspect something is wrong, and some stomach conditions are also accompanied by fever, achiness and lethargy.
Treatment
Many people opt for a wait-and-see approach when struck with stomach bugs. Gastroenteritis often heals on its own. Some refer to it as a "24-hour-bug" and find that once the stomach has been purged clean, the offender no longer wreaks havoc on the body. But stomach bugs can be more persistent as well. Sufferers should visit a doctor if vomiting or diarrhea last more than a few days. Doctors may take a stool sample to determine what's behind the bug. In the event of a bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be needed to clear up the infection. Visiting a doctor when stomach problems persist is also beneficial because he or she may be able to rule out certain conditions, such as colitis, ulcers or Crohn's disease. Helpful hints When a stomach bug strikes, it is best to refrain from eating, especially when vomiting regularly. Stick to clear broths and liquids, which are easy on the digestive system, while the stomach is irritated. Once vomiting has subsided, sufferers should opt for a bland diet. When plagued by diarrhea, the BRAT diet is adviseable. This acronym stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods can help bind a person and are relatively easy to digest. Because a stomach bug often leads to dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. To restore salt and electrolyte balances, sports drinks are adviseable for adults, while a beverage like Pedialyte is best for children and the elderly. When symptoms begin to subside, sufferers can gradually add foods back into their diets. But men and women should avoid particularly spicy or heavy foods until they are convinced that they have fully recovered. Many people are tempted to turn to an anti-diarrheal medication at the first sign of a stomach bug. However, the side effects of gastroenteritis are the body's method of ridding itself from whatever has brought on symptoms. Failure to let nature run its course could result in a rebound of symptoms or a longer-lasting sickness. To avoid suffering from stomach bugs, men and women should consider the following tips.
* Frequently wash your hands when preparing food and thoroughly cook foods, particularly meats, poultry and eggs, to reduce potential exposure to bacteria.
* E. coli may be present on some fresh produce, so wash produce carefully before consumption.
* Consider taking a probiotic supplement to increase the amount of good bacteria in your digestive tract. Yogurt also contains live cultures that are good at maintaining digestive health.
* Avoid contact with people who claim to have the stomach flu.
* Promptly consult a doctor if symptoms do not go away or if you have a high fever or blood in your stool. This may indicate a different illness.
Stomach bugs are never enjoyable, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and get back on the road to recovery.
