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.
