Dehydration is a serious condition that can result in death. Immediate medical attention is warranted if gastroenteritis persists and the individual continues to experience symptoms. Digestive Disease Center. Digestive Diseases.
Small Intestine. Digestive Organs. Chronic Pancreatitis Surgery. Laparoscopic Surgery. Rectal Surgery. Medical Tests. Abdominal Scans. Barium Radiology. Function Studies. Interventional Radiology. Symptoms and Conditions. For Appointments Schedule GI Appointment Online. Contact Us. Launch MyChart. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem.
Infants, older adults and people with suppressed immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace. Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced intravenously.
Dehydration can be fatal, but rarely. When you're traveling in other countries, you can become sick from contaminated food or water. You may be able to reduce your risk by following these tips:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. Viral gastroenteritis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Viral gastroenteritis The stomach, small intestine and large intestine colon are part of your digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Flu shot: Will it prevent the stomach flu? Stomach flu: How long am I contagious? Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless they have a skin you can peel bananas, citrus, avocado, etc. Try to avoid street vendors, which are more likely to be contaminated than restaurants.
As with gastroenteritis at home, regular hand-washing is important. The rotavirus vaccine is an effective means of preventing children from developing this dangerous form of gastroenteritis.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that infants receive their first dose of rotavirus vaccine between 6 weeks and 15 weeks-of-age, and their final dose before 32 weeks-of-age. For most cases of gastroenteritis, home treatment is adequate. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, but sip slowly rather than chug large amounts to ensure consistent hydration and avoid increased vomiting.
If your infant is sick, continue their normal feeding routine, whether it is breast milk or formula. It is useful for children who experience vomiting and diarrhea, and adults who have had these symptoms for 24 hours or longer, to consume electrolyte preparations. Electrolytes are the salts and minerals that the body uses to conduct electrical impulses that allow the muscles and nervous system to function correctly. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting, and the resulting severe dehydration, can cause an imbalance in these electrolytes, which is potentially dangerous if left untreated.
Avoid sports drinks, which tend to be higher in sugar and lower in electrolytes. For mild gastroenteritis, coconut water can be effective. There are also many recipes for homemade electrolyte drinks available. It is important to be careful following recipes for homemade electrolyte drinks and to use recipes from health professionals. Recipes made with the wrong ratios can be ineffective at replenishing electrolytes adequately, and liquids with too much salt can increase diarrhea.
These also might not taste as good as commercial varieties, and could be off-putting for some children, especially when they are already ill and having trouble consuming anything. One simple version is to combine ml of unsweetened orange juice, ml of cooled, previously-boiled water, and 2.
During an episode of gastroenteritis, it is important to eat when you are able to, but avoid high-fat foods, high sugar foods, very high-fibre foods, spicy foods, dairy products such as milk and cheese, coffee, and alcohol, as these can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and increase symptoms.
Start with very small portions, and gradually increase to the level your digestive tract can handle without becoming ill. In the past, physicians advised patients to consume simple foods such as dry toast, crackers, and applesauce, but now they recommend eating more nutritious foods to help provide the body with the sustenance it needs to heal. Foods that are both beneficial and easy to tolerate include fresh fruits, cooked vegetables, lean meats and fish, eggs, rice, pasta, bread, and low-fat yogurt if you are not lactose intolerant.
Make sure to get plenty of rest and stay at home. This goes for every member of the family, any children who are sick should stay home from school or daycare to prevent spreading gastroenteritis to their classmates.
Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper, and before preparing any food. Speak with a physician before taking any medications to stop vomiting antiemetic or diarrhea antidiarrheal.
Taking a probiotic supplement during and after infection with gastroenteritis might help reduce some of the potential damage to the gut microbiome balance, 11 but you should speak with your physician or pharmacist to help decide which product would be best for you.
Some symptoms, such as producing no urine or only very small amounts of urine, having a very dry mouth or sunken eyes, experiencing a fast or irregular heartbeat or quickened breathing, feeling dizzy and light-headed, and not being alert can point to severe dehydration.
Blurred or double vision, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or muscle weakness after eating canned food could be signs of botulism. In either of these cases, call or visit the hospital immediately. Most healthy adults will recover from a bout of gastroenteritis within a few days with no lasting complications. However, young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance without proper care.
In addition, gastroenteritis can put some individuals at an increased risk of developing other diseases and disorders. Proper handwashing techniques and staying home while ill can help prevent the spread of the contagion that is causing your gastroenteritis. If you are concerned for yourself or someone you are caring for, make sure to consult a medical professional.
Symptoms Gastroenteritis symptoms often begin suddenly and, in most types, last for one to three days in healthy adults, but can last longer in young children, the elderly, and those who have suppressed immune systems.
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