Intestinal inflammation in adults: Signs, origins, remedies
Gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu, is a common ailment that can affect both adults and children. While it's generally not a serious condition for healthy adults, it can cause severe symptoms and lead to complications such as dehydration.
The primary treatment options for gastroenteritis in adults focus on hydration, diet modification, and symptom management. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is crucial, as vomiting and diarrhea can cause loss of essential minerals like potassium and sodium. Oral rehydration solutions are preferred, with sports drinks serving as an alternative for adults.
A bland diet is also recommended to aid recovery. Foods such as plain boiled potatoes, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast (BRAT diet), low-fat dairy, eggs, broth, and bland cooked vegetables are easy to digest and can help alleviate symptoms. It's best to avoid fried, fatty, or highly seasoned foods, as they can worsen symptoms.
Medications can help manage symptoms. Anti-diarrheals like loperamide can be used if stools are not bloody and there is no fever. Bismuth subsalicylate may help with upset stomach and diarrhea. Antibiotics or antiparasitics are reserved for severe or specific infections and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Rest and good hygiene are essential for preventing the spread and aiding recovery. Staying at home when unwell, regularly washing hands, disinfecting work surfaces, drinking bottled water, consuming only well-cooked foods, avoiding raw foods and vegetables, and avoiding street foods are all practices that can help prevent gastroenteritis.
In severe cases or if caused by bacterial infection, hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be necessary. Dehydration, a complication of gastroenteritis in adults, may cause symptoms such as dry mouth, extreme thirst, tiredness, dark-colored urine, decreased skin turgor, sunken eyes or cheeks, fainting or lightheadedness.
It's important to note that while gastroenteritis usually resolves without treatment within 1-3 days, if symptoms last longer than this, it's best for a person to contact a doctor. A doctor will usually begin by taking a full medical history, asking questions about symptoms, and performing a physical examination to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, cholecystitis, viral upper respiratory illnesses, and certain types of bacterial pneumonia can have similar symptoms to gastroenteritis. If you suspect you have gastroenteritis, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for advice.
When traveling, it's best to boil local water for at least 3 minutes before consuming it to help prevent gastroenteritis. With proper care and treatment, most cases of gastroenteritis can be effectively managed.
- The science of human digestive system, notably the gastrointestinal tract, plays a significant role in understanding gastroenteritis, a common medical-condition that's often referred to as stomach flu.
- In cases of chronic diseases or persistent symptoms, fitness-and-exercise routines, nutrition plans, and health-and-wellness tips may be beneficial, but it's always best to consult with a medical professional for personalized advice.
- While gastroenteritis usually doesn't require medical intervention and will resolve on its own within 1-3 days, it's crucial to modify the diet and focus on hydration to aid recovery.
- Proper hygiene and good habits like hand washing, sanitizing work surfaces, and consuming safe, cooked foods can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, gastroenteritis, and various other medical-conditions.
