Viral gastroenteritis is defined as inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to a virus. The condition is highly contagious and spreads via close contact or via contaminated water or food.
Luckily, most can fully recover in 2-3 days without causing any lasting side effects.
What are the causes?
Various viruses can cause the condition such as:
- Norovirus – this is considered highly contagious and can affect individuals of all ages.
- Rotavirus – this virus mainly affects young children and infants.
- Adenovirus – this can affect individuals of all ages
- Astrovirus – this is likely to cause the condition among children
What are the indications?
The signs of viral gastroenteritis typically start 1-2 days after being infected which includes:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headache, joint pain or muscle ache
- Appetite loss
- Clammy or sweating skin
The objective of treatment for viral gastroenteritis is to lower the risk for dehydration by increasing the intake of fluids. - Abdominal pain and cramping
These symptoms can last from 1-10 days.
Management of viral gastroenteritis
The objective of treatment for viral gastroenteritis is to lower the risk for dehydration by increasing the intake of fluids. For severe cases, hospitalization and administration of intravenous fluids is required.
Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be useful in mild cases. These solutions include a balanced combination of water and salts to restore essential fluids and electrolytes.
Food choices
Once the individual starts to feel better, certain foods can be reintroduced into the diet, especially bland foods such as:
- Toast
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Applesauce
- Bananas
These foods are easy to digest and unlikely to trigger stomach upset. Until the individual feels better, avoid caffeine, high-fat foods, alcohol, dairy products and sugary foods.
Self-care measures
If an individual is suffering from viral gastroenteritis, some of the self-care measures include:
- Increasing the intake of fluids with and between meals. If the individual finds it hard to do so, he/she can take small amounts of water or suck on ice chips.
- Avoid fruit juices since they worsen the diarrhea
- Adults and children can be given sports drinks to restore the electrolyte levels.
- Eat in small amounts to allow the stomach to recover
- Adequate rest
What is the outlook?
Viral gastroenteritis typically settles without medical care in just 2-3 days. Most can recover fully without any lasting effects.