While probiotic supplements are likely safe for most people, Mason says ingesting probiotics could in some cases be risky. You can unsubscribe at any time. What are complications of the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? symptoms? You won’t want to eat in the throes of vomiting, but starting to sip water and other beverages right away is a good idea, says Dr. Joseph Murray, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Some physicians suggest using these agents only as a suppository or rapidly disintegrating tablet on the tongue since patients may vomit the pills up. Some specific types of gastroenteritis can be reduced or prevented by. Although both the stomach flu and the flu (influenza) may be caused by viruses, the viral genus and species are different for each entity. Children with the stomach flu or gastroenteritis have similar symptoms to adults, but also may have symptoms such as refusing to drink or being very thirsty. When gastroenteritis symptoms become severe, most public health officials and health care professionals run such tests to identify the causative agent of a specific disease, based on all of the history of the patients, physical exams, and symptoms. Which specialties of doctors treat the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? Infectious agents may physically damage intestinal cells directly or indirectly with secreted toxins. ©1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Causes of changes of stool color can range from foods a person eats, medication, diseases or conditions, pregnancy, cancer, or tumors. Discover how to prepare food without Salmonella risk, and what to do if you get a Salmonella infection. What is the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? Stool that has a uncharacteristically foul odor may be caused by infections such as giardiasis or medical conditions. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Who gets the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? There are no specific tests for gastroenteritis, thus gastroenteritis is most often diagnosed by the symptoms it produces, mainly diarrhea. When should you call a doctor for the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? In many third world countries, hydration of infants is difficult at best so there are many infant deaths worldwide due to dehydration caused by gastroenteritis. What are the signs and symptoms of stomach flu (gastroenteritis) in children? Hand washing, especially before eating and after any close association with an infected person or items (clothing, bedding, toys) they have touched, Launder items daily that infected persons wear, Avoid direct contact with infected individuals when possible, Do not eat undercooked foods, especially meats, Do not eat raw foods or drink untreated water, Do not drink untreated or unpasteurized fluids, especially milk, Thoroughly wash any produce, especially in third world countries, before eating, While traveling, avoid all raw foods and ice; drink only from sealed bottled products and use bottled water for tooth brushing. “Eating yogurt or Kefir or other probiotic foods to relieve symptoms may be effective, but that hasn’t yet been shown.”. Direct contact could involve an infant's hand touching feces-contaminated surfaces and then touching a sibling or relative; indirect contact would be like touching a door knob or railing on a cruise ship or in a dorm that is contaminated and the person touches the contaminated surface and transfers the agent by touching their mouth. Signs and symptoms of stomach flu depend on the cause. Food poisoning is common, but can also be life threatening. In “the vast majority of instances,” that won’t hurt you. “Even in the days or weeks after you’ve recovered, you may experience a temporary bout of lactose intolerance while your gut recovers,” he says. Learn the definition of a virus. But stomach problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or bloat that … Viral infections like COVID-19 can occur in your eyes, mouth, skin, or anywhere else. Nausea, vomiting, and some abdominal cramping may accompany the diarrhea. Acute gastroenteritis (viral) lasts about seven to 14 days, and is then usually self-cured. Once you’ve stopped vomiting and your stomach feels a bit better, you will want to eat. Food poisoning usually is found in small outbreaks that occur among individuals that have ingested the same foods or drink, and symptoms occur rapidly within hours; whereas the stomach flu has a more gradual onset of symptoms and usually lasts longer than food poisoning. However, during outbreaks like those seen on cruise ships, viral and bacterial cultures or PCR and other immunologically based tests can eventually identify the causative pathogen. In the meantime, he also advises rest and a BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. “Ginger and also turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family, seem to be anti-inflammatory,” says Dr. Emeran Mayer, a professor of digestive diseases at UCLA. The primary symptom of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is diarrhea (non-bloody). This diet consists of foods that are not usually irritating but soothing for the gastrointestinal tract. Take the Tummy Troubles Quiz! Some causes of nausea and vomiting may be life-threatening, for example, heart attack, abdominal obstruction, and cancers. The signs and symptoms of stomach flu may vary depending upon the cause. For Clostridium difficile infected patients, antibiotic sensitivity testing may need to be done to determine the most effective antibiotics to use. Most individuals with viral or mild bacterial caused gastroenteritis require no treatment or can be treated by the patient's primary care provider or pediatrician. It causes about 50%-70% of viral gastroenteritis cases, while Rotavirus, Astrovirus, Adenovirus, and Sapovirus strains cause most of the other viral gastroenteritis infections. Test your knowledge of food safety with our Summer Food Safety Quiz! "The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, is a common go-to menu for the flu or other stomach viruses alike." MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Terms of Use. * The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. Their prognosis depends on how dehydrated they become and how effective are the attempts to rehydrate the patient. Some causes may not require medical treatment, for example, motion sickness, and other causes may require medical treatment by a doctor, for example, heart attack, lung infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Consequently, there is some crossover between the two terms. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Churgay , C.A., et al. Pass on dairy foods, because an upset stomach is likely to have problems digesting and absorbing lactose, Murray explains. In addition, they can be transferred person to person. Another issue is that nearly all the research linking probiotics to relief of gut-related issues has looked at freeze-dried probiotics in capsules or tablets, Mason says. First and foremost is adequate fluid rehydration to prevent dehydration. See a picture of the Stomach and learn more about the health topic. What causes the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? ... Gatorade: 25% Hydralyte: 6% ... Know how the flu shot works, who should get vaccinated and why it's important to … What foods are recommended to eat (diet ) when you have the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)? "A little bit of sugar is OK when you are feeling unwell, but high sugar content in beverages like soda, juice, or Gatorade can cause diarrhea, so we do not recommend them in people who are experiencing symptoms of diarrhea or upset stomach from influenza," says Jessica Cheng, MD, of the University of California Davis Health. By signing up you are agreeing to our, WH Proposes Rollbacks to School Lunch Programs, The 25 Defining Works of the Black Renaissance. Most people with the stomach flu require no formal treatment. People living in crowded conditions (military, cruise ships, dorms) are at higher risk, as are people living in developing countries who often have a diet that contains contaminated food or water. Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Others may prescribe diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) or lopermadine (Imodium) to slow diarrhea while others do not as the drugs may prolong the disease in some individuals. As the gastroenteritis symptoms abate, especially vomiting, doctors may recommend a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples and toast) for a day or two before returning to the patient's regular diet. Gatorade The infections increase the fluid content in the intestines and colon by changing the gastrointestinal tract's ability to absorb water and by increasing the speed of transit (motility) for things you ingest. Gastroenteritis symptoms are frequently listed as possible side effects of many medicines. The large majority of causes (viral and bacterial) of gastroenteritis are contagious, usually through food or water contamination. This, in turn, causes diarrhea. Signs of dehydration in anyone are good reasons to see a doctor immediately. One problem with probiotics is that the micro-organic makeup of your gut is different from everyone else’s. How long does the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) last? Wondering why your stomach hurts? Should you use antibiotics to treat the flu? Broths may also be tolerable. From ground beef to lettuce, many foods can cause them. If dehydration occurs, the patient should be evaluated by a doctor. The viruses that cause the majority of stomach flu (gastroenteritis) are Norovirus spp; whereas the viruses that cause influenza are mainly Influenza A and B viral spp and subtypes. The symptoms for food poisoning are fever, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Stomach flu is contagious and some cases may be due to food poisoning. If you suffer from keto-flu symptoms, have 2-3 cups per day with meals (3 cups only if you are physically active and have no stomach discomfort) and also add more sodium to your diet (try Homemade Bone Broth). Terms of Use. Bloating is a feeling that your abdomen is distended or larger than normal, but it does not necessarily mean that it is. Stool color changes can very from green, red, maroon, yellow, white, or black. The diet frequently suggested is termed the "BRAT" diet. A stomachache now and then is normal. Subscribe for just $29. Food poisoning has many causes, for example, chemicals (from toxic fish or plants) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella). This is not a “feel-good” post. You may be tempted to try over-the-counter medications, but Dr. Feckoury says food poisoning usually needs to run its course. “In the future, we may be able to map your microbiome simply and inexpensively, and make appropriate probiotic recommendations.” But we’re just not there yet. Infants, children, and some adults (elderly, immunosuppressed) are at higher risk because of immature or, Some people taking antibiotics are at higher risk because the antibiotics depress the normal GI microbes and allow bacteria or viruses like. Because gastroenteritis is usually a self-limited disease, the large majority of people are never seen or diagnosed by a doctor. But Gatorade and other sports drinks may not contain enough salt to replenish your depleted stores. Most patients who get gastroenteritis have no complications and will completely recover. Concerned about food poisoning outbreaks? Refusing to eat or drink or are very thirsty, Either increased or low or no urine output. But foods like these are good choices, because the harder your inflamed stomach has to work to digest something, the more likely it is to act up, Murray says. By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time. Want More News? Potatoes, lean meat like chicken and whole grains can help replace nutrients and electrolytes lost with diarrhea. In the U.S., less than 2% of the estimated 100 million people with stomach flu symptoms per year ever require hospitalization, but in developing countries it is a leading cause of death, mainly due to dehydration. Treatment of nausea and vomiting depends upon the cause. An upper gastrointestinal GI series, or barium swallow is a test used in assisting in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal diseases or conditions such as ulcers, tumors, hiatal hernias, scarring, blockages, and abnormalities of the muscular wall of the GI tract. Are the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) and the flu (influenza) the same infection? Parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba infections can cause gastroenteritis and occasionally, other parasites have outbreaks such as the Cyclospora outbreak that occurred in 2012 to 2013 in the U.S. Chronic gastroenteritis (for example, allergic gastroenteritis) may last for months or longer if not diagnosed and appropriately treated. Gas (flatulence) also can be a problem if you are bloated. Pinched skin that does not rapidly go back to normal is a sign of dehydration, along with decreased fluid intake. ©1996-2020 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. The stomach is a muscular sac located on the left side of the upper abdomen. We are going to talk about some of the not-so-pleasant side effects of transitioning into ketosis, especially looking at why ketones (and transitioning to ketosis, in general) can cause stomach pain.We will also talk about what you can do to solve the issues. While water is best it's not the only way to increase your fluid intake. Also, there is a vaccine available against cholera-causing bacteria (Vibrio), but it is not widely available. Research from Penn State University’s Hershey Medical Center recommends what every parent knows as the BRAT foods: bananas, white rice, applesauce and toast. Severe gastroenteritis means the person has signs of dehydration; this is a medical emergency. A colonoscopy is a procedure whereby a docotor inserts a viewing tube (colonoscope) into the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the colon. Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis) Symptoms, Signs Treatment Remedies, Diet Center, Patient Comments: Gastroenteritis - Symptoms, Patient Comments: Gastroenteritis - Experience, Patient Comments: Gastroenteritis - Cause, Patient Comments: Gastroenteritis - Treatment, Patient Comments: Gastroenteritis - Complications, Patient Comments: Gastroenteritis - Diagnosis, Find a local Gastroenterologist in your town, More home remedies to soothe the stomach flu. Common, less serious causes of bloating are eating too fast, too much, or too many fatty foods; swallowing air; pregnancy; and menstruation. Another common way to get stomach flu is drinking or eating contaminated foods and liquids. “Diluted tomato juice is pretty good, mostly because it’s salty,” Murray says. Eating only these four foods may be too restrictive (and could lead to malnourishment, especially among kids). Flexible sigmoidoscopy can investigate the possible cause of. It can be caused by: Infection. A clinical trial of a Norovirus vaccine was done with some success. The stomach flu is spread from person to person, usually via fecal to oral route from poor hand-washing or hygiene techniques. Are the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) and food poisoning the same condition? Patients who have more serious symptoms or other symptoms in addition to gastroenteritis need to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a physician because the patient will likely have a specific disease that will need treatment. Endoscopy is a broad term used to described examining the inside of the body using an lighted, flexible instrument called an endoscope. A stomach ache can strike for all kinds of reasons, from contaminated food to chronic disease. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to examine the lower colon and rectum. The most frequent signs and symptoms of viral stomach flu include, Signs and symptoms of bacterial stomach flu include. 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