Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms and Treatment
What is gastroenteritis (stomach flu)?
Gastroenteritis is a viral infection which causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines. While it is also commonly known as a ‘stomach flu’ because it causes pain in the stomach area, it is not related to influenza at all.
It is a common condition, and anyone can be affected so read on to learn more about gastroenteritis symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) symptoms
Most people experience at some stage of their lives, so may have experienced some of these symptoms before:
- Watery diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Fever
- Headache
In rare cases can leave you severely dehydrated. Watch out for:
- Intense thirst
- Sunken eyes
- Dizziness
- Feeling foggy or unable to focus
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
Most people will recover without any สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที complications, however those with underdeveloped or compromised immune systems, including infants and the elderly, it can be a dangerous illness.
When is gastroenteritis (stomach flu) an emergency?
If you experience these symptoms, visit the emergency department or call an ambulance. You should also seek help if:
- Your vomiting lasts more than a day
- Your diarrhoea lasts more than 2 days
- You have a chronic illness, such as diabetes, kidney disease or heart problems
- You notice blood in your vomit or stools
- You experience severe abdominal pain
- You have a fever of more than 38°C
- You are pregnant
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) in children and infants
Children and infants are at particular risk of severe symptoms. Because they become dehydrated much faster than adults, keep a close eye on them if they are unwell. If you notice a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of their skull), extreme thirst, fewer or no wet nappies, dry skin, or severe irritability or lethargy, take them to the emergency room. If in doubt, seek medical attention.
Although gastroenteritis is not fully preventable, there are vaccinations available for some of the viral infections that cause it, such as rotavirus, which you should ask your doctor about.