What to do with gastroenteritis

In very young children, the most common are rotavirus gastroenteritis. In adults they are usually more frequent due to bacteria (such as Salmonella). In children and the elderly it is usually more serious than in healthy adults, due to a greater risk of dehydration and complications.

The inflammation is produced by the release of toxins or by the presence of the microorganism in the intestinal wall. This produces an alteration in the absorption capacity of the intestinal mucosa of water and salts, giving rise to. Transmission is orally (contaminated food) or direct contagion through a patient or carrier.

Symptoms

It is characterized by the appearance of a diarrheal syndrome accompanied or not by vomiting and / or abdominal pain. It is a process that is self-limited, that is, it heals spontaneously in a few days.

Diagnosis

It is based on the patient's symptoms. In certain cases, a test is performed to find out the causative microorganism. In severe cases, one is done to determine the degree of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.

Treatment

• Adequate hydration with abundant intake of preparations rich in salts and sugar (either homemade or sold in pharmacies) and natural juices.
• Children are offered fluids frequently, preferably in small amounts at a time, to prevent vomiting.
• Avoid the intake of solids the first hours.
• Once the first symptoms have been controlled (less than 4-5 stools / day), an astringent diet can be started with foods such as toasted white bread, grilled or steamed white fish, grilled lean meat, white rice, puree carrot, roasted apple, ripe banana. Milk, fried foods, sweets and raw vegetables should be avoided.
• antibiotic treatment is only indicated in cases of severe gastroenteritis caused by enteroinvasive bacteria such as Salmonella, characterized by bloody diarrhea and high fever.
• Self-medication with antibiotics or antidiarrheals is not recommended if it is not under medical prescription.
• If there is severe abdominal pain, you can take paracetamol.

In the presence of high fever, very frequent diarrhea, signs of dehydration, presence of blood or mucus in the stool or in very young children, medical assistance should be sought.

Prevention

It is based on hygiene measures:

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after changing diapers, going to the bathroom, or touching any dirty objects that may be contaminated.
• In summer, avoid any food prepared with raw eggs (creams, mayonnaise).
• When traveling (especially to third world countries) you should avoid the intake of non-bottled water, raw fruit and vegetables that are not properly washed, or food from street vendors.

MEDICAL ADVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT

The symptoms of gastroenteritis can appear suddenly and forcefully, so having the advice of a family doctor at any time of the day or night is very positive to act quickly and, above all, reassure ourselves. It includes the free Family Medical Guidance Service for the insured.

• In children and the elderly it is usually more serious than in healthy adults, due to a greater risk of dehydration and complications.
• It is important to maintain adequate hydration with preparations rich in salts and sugar (homemade or sold in pharmacies) and natural juices.
• In situations such as diarrheal syndrome, vomiting and / or abdominal pain, we realize the usefulness of having health insurance that includes the telephone consultation service to a doctor at any time.