Dealing

July 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Diarrhea is a common symptom with stomach flu. Additionally, you may also suffer from other symptoms such as vomitting, nausea and cramping. The feeling of discomfort can make you bedridden, weak and depressed. Stomach flu is also known as viral gastroenteritis or stomach virus. It is caused by different types of viruses.

During an attack, cells along the small intestinal lining becomes damaged . Contrary to popular belief, stomach flu is not caused by a bacteria nor close to the virus that causes influenca. The rotavirus is the main virus that usually cause havoc in kids under under five years old. Typically, they can be ill for anything from two to seven days, with an infection from the rotavirus. As an adult, if you become infected with rotavirus, your symptoms would generally be milder.

You can develop stomach virus if you share drinks, utensils or eat food prepared unhygienically by someone who is infected. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of contact. Those who not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom are more than likely to spread the virus. Eating food grown in viral infected soil or in contaminated waters can also cause you to get stomach flu symptoms.

Funnily, some people do not get a stomach virus but can still pass along the infection. That explains why not everyone falls sick nor at the same time. Only some eventually fall ill in shared environments such as classroom settings, nursing homes, households, day care settings, etc.

Since there are no instant cures for viruses, you will just have to wait and allow your stomach flu symptoms to run its course. However, it is possible to reduce the intensity of the symptoms. The biggest problem you are likely to face is dehydration. Ensure that you consume enough fluids. Mild juices, water and broth are great at keeping your fluid levels up.

Children are most likely to suffer from dehydration. Consider giving them some electrolyte replacement drinks. In addition, avoid consuming any dairy products, alcohol and caffeine until the stomach can settle.

For prevention, practice good hygiene habits. These include washing your hands before meals and after changing diapers. Also, try to avoid places that do not have adequate water supply or a proper sanitary waste management system. –>

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Diarrhea:

September 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Diarrhea symptoms are marked by loose stools with lots of water and and frequency of stools. The colour of the liquid stools vary from light brown to green. Additionally, there may be flecks of blood, mucus, or partially digested food in the bowel movement. Fortunately, in many cases, diarrhoea symptoms are short-lived or responds pretty well to a number of well-tried remedies.

Causes of Diarrhea Symptoms

Most diarrhea symptoms come about because of viral infections of the intestines and stomach (gastroenteritis). Infection inflames and irritates the intestines, reducing its ability to absorb food and liquids. It may secrete water, becomes overactive, and tends to pass its contents through and out of the body more rapidly than normal.

As there is no exact cure for viral diseases (therefore, for most cases of diarrhoea), health professionals usually focus on treating the effects of diarrhoea, especially dehydration, rather than the ailment itself. It is important to note that viral gastroenteritis is not accompanied by blood or pus in the stool, and seldom causes fever.

Acute diarrhea can also come from bacterial infections, which are transmitted in your food, from animals, and from other humans as well. Other causes are parasitic infections, food and toxin poisoning, chemical poisoning, and gastrointestinal allergy. Bacteria produce toxins that cause food poisoning. These toxins may be produced in the food before it is eaten, or afterwards in the intestine.

If you travel to a foreign country, you may also suffer from traveller’s diarrhea, caused by a strain of E. coli in the various foods they eat. It may be the way that the food is not hygienically prepared. You get diarrhea symptoms, abdominal cramps and nausea and this may ruin your holiday.

A case of chronic diarrhea symptoms is largly caused by chronic intestinal infections, immunologic and metabolic abnormalities, environmental factors, and the impaired ability to absorb fat or carbohydrate (due to bile and pancreatic disorders, genetic abnormalities, etc.).

Diarrhea Treatment

When you get diarrhea, you tend to lose electrolytes due to the massive loss of body fluids. Fluids are lost through the frequent bowel movements and vomiting, if any. Hence a diarrhea treatment is essential in helping you gain back electrolytes.

Electrolytes are important in body metabolism and other functions so they must be replaced. Sodium and potassium are the common minerals lost, along with chloride and bicarbonates in smaller quantities.

Your doctor will advise you to consume plenty of liquids, called oral rehydration solutions, to help you replace elecrolytes. Glucose is also necessary for triggering the small intestine to start absorbing the liquids and minerals.

To help reduce loss of water and for [tag-tec]diarrhea treatment [/tag-tec], your doctor may advise you to take absorbents, such as attapulgite, which promote absorption of water, and anti-motility drugs, which relaxes the muscles of the intestines and slows the flow of water giving more time for absorption. –>

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