What is it?
Infectious gastroenteritis is an infection of stomach and intestines usually caused by bacteria or viruses. It is typically spread by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms most common are:
- Diarrhoea - usually lasts 5 to 7 days.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting - usually lasts 1 to 2 days.
- Low-grade fever.
Other symptoms include:
- Belching.
- Gagging.
- Flatulence.
- Chills.
- Dehydration.
- Lethargy.
- Lightheadedness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fast heart rate.
- Headache.
- Insufficient urine production.
- Weakness, or weight loss.
What to expect?
If you are diagnosed with infectious gastroenteritis, you can consider discussing the following subjects with your doctor:
- If you are taking other medications for other conditions, what treatment option is recommended?
- In order to prevent contracting the disease again in the future, what measures should you do?
In addition to treatment by your doctor, you can try the following things:
- Painkillers might help in relieving pain and fever.
- Increase fluid intake.
- Bed rest.
- Carry on giving breast or bottle feeds to your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual.
- For babies on formula or solid foods, give small sips of water between feeds.
- Eat when you feel able to – you don’t need to have or avoid any specific foods.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Wash dirty clothing and bedding separately on a hot wash.
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day.
Seek immediate consult if the following occurs:
- Symptoms worsens.
- Severe dehydration.