Summer marks the start of gastroenteritis among many. The weather plays
a major role in the disease’s propagation, along with the consumption
of openly sold food, juices, etc. Gastroenteritis, also termed stomach flu, can
last from two to three days and even more, depending on the type of infection
it has caused in the stomach.
Children are at significant risk and need utmost care and rest if suffering
from the disease.
Causes
Bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E coli) Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus are primarily to be
blamed for food poisoning and are the leading causes of gastroenteritis. Hot
and humid temperatures are ideal for bugs to grow in water and food kept in the
open. Even refrigerated foods are known to have bugs and, when consumed, may
lead to gastroenteritis. Dehydration makes matters worse, and things may turn
worse when hospitalization is necessary.
A person infected with the disease is most likely to spread the disease
while consuming contaminated food. Children and older people are more
susceptible to gastroenteritis, and the recovery time may be challenging for
many due to weak immune systems.
Then comes viral gastroenteritis, associated with an swelling of the
internal lining side of your gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
The infection and inflammation in the digestive system can cause stomach
cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Watery diarrhea with bloody stool in case of
severity, fever, and headaches are the other symptoms.
Precautions
Hand hygiene is one of the best options to keep gastroenteritis at bay.
Having drinking water that is free from contamination, occasionally hand
washing, and making it a habit will help to ward off the disease. Also, regular
hand washing sessions taught in schools will prevent the spreading of the disease among the tiny tots.
Also, oral rehydration solution can give temporary relief to many.
A visit to a medical practitioner, taking prescribed medications on time,
avoiding outside food, consuming home-cooked food, and carrying a bottle of
water while venturing out will help to mitigate the crisis.
Food to eat
Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, and having it bland will help more.
Boiled vegetables without any spices and a little salt will bring much-needed
relief. Fruits like bananas and berries, which are high sources of fiber, can
bring some respite. Coconut water, an electrolyte-rich beverage, can treat
dehydration and promote rehydration. However, too much coconut water can
reverse the effect.
Post-COVID, the concept of hand hygiene was more pronounced, and that has helped to keep diseases like gastroenteritis at bay. However, health departments across the country need to undertake a lot more exercise to send a clear message about the disease and adopt preventive measures. Many commercials are being played across the media about ways to prevent the disease. Following basic measures will bring in the much-needed respite.
