What are the common causes of bloating during flu. How can you differentiate between normal bloating and serious conditions. When should you seek medical attention for a bloated stomach.

The Connection Between Flu and Stomach Bloating

Experiencing a bloated stomach during a bout of flu is a common occurrence that can add to the discomfort of the illness. While the flu primarily affects the respiratory system, it can also impact the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as bloating. This gastric distress is often a result of the body’s immune response to the viral infection and can be exacerbated by changes in diet and hydration during illness.

Why Does Flu Cause Bloating?

The flu virus can trigger inflammation in the digestive system, leading to:

• Increased gas production
• Slowed digestion
• Changes in gut bacteria balance
• Reduced appetite and altered eating patterns

These factors contribute to the sensation of bloating and fullness that many experience during a flu infection.

Common Causes of Bloating During Illness

Understanding the various factors that can lead to bloating during flu can help in managing this uncomfortable symptom. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

Dehydration and Its Effects

Dehydration is a common issue during flu, as fever and reduced fluid intake can quickly deplete the body’s water reserves. This can lead to:

• Constipation, which often results in bloating
• Electrolyte imbalances affecting digestive function
• Reduced saliva production, impacting the initial stages of digestion

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining proper digestive function and reducing bloating.

Changes in Diet and Eating Habits

When battling the flu, many people experience changes in their eating patterns:

1. Reduced appetite leading to irregular meals
2. Increased consumption of bland, starchy foods
3. Reliance on sugary drinks or sports beverages
4. Avoidance of fiber-rich foods

These dietary shifts can disrupt the digestive system and contribute to bloating.

Distinguishing Between Flu-Related Bloating and Other Conditions

While bloating during flu is typically benign, it’s important to recognize when it might indicate a more serious issue. Certain symptoms alongside bloating may warrant medical attention:

Red Flags to Watch For

Consider seeking medical advice if bloating is accompanied by:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Blood in stool
• High fever lasting more than three days
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)

These symptoms could indicate complications or a separate condition requiring treatment.

Strategies to Alleviate Bloating During Flu

Managing bloating while recovering from the flu can significantly improve comfort and potentially speed up recovery. Here are some effective strategies to reduce bloating:

Dietary Adjustments

Making mindful choices about what and how you eat can help minimize bloating:

• Opt for small, frequent meals instead of large portions
• Choose easily digestible foods like broths, bananas, and rice
• Avoid gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, and carbonated drinks
• Incorporate probiotic-rich foods to support gut health

These dietary tweaks can ease the burden on your digestive system and reduce bloating.

Hydration and Fluid Balance

Proper hydration is key to combating bloating:

1. Drink clear fluids regularly, even if not thirsty
2. Opt for water, herbal teas, and clear broths
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration
4. Consider electrolyte-balanced drinks to replenish lost minerals

Maintaining fluid balance helps prevent constipation and supports overall digestive health.

The Role of Rest and Relaxation in Reducing Bloating

Rest is crucial for recovery from the flu, and it can also help alleviate bloating. Stress and physical exertion can exacerbate digestive discomfort, so prioritizing relaxation is beneficial. Consider these relaxation techniques:

• Deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and aid digestion
• Gentle abdominal massage to stimulate digestion and relieve gas
• Light stretching or yoga to promote circulation and digestive function
• Adequate sleep to support the body’s healing processes

Incorporating these practices into your recovery routine can help manage bloating and improve overall comfort during illness.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bloating

While most cases of bloating during flu resolve on their own, certain situations call for professional medical evaluation. Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for ensuring proper care and preventing potential complications.

Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention

Seek medical help if you experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Bloating accompanied by fever over 101°F (38.3°C) for more than three days
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Inability to keep fluids down due to vomiting
• Bloating that significantly impairs breathing or causes chest pain

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention.

Long-Term Prevention of Bloating During Illness

While it’s not always possible to prevent bloating entirely during a flu episode, certain practices can help minimize its occurrence and severity in future illnesses:

Boosting Immune Function

A strong immune system can help reduce the severity of flu symptoms, including digestive issues:

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Get regular exercise to support overall health
3. Ensure adequate sleep and stress management
4. Consider supplements like vitamin C and zinc, under medical guidance

These lifestyle factors contribute to a robust immune response, potentially lessening the impact of flu on the digestive system.

Gut Health Maintenance

A healthy gut microbiome can provide resilience against digestive disturbances during illness:

• Incorporate probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your regular diet
• Consume prebiotic fibers to nourish beneficial gut bacteria
• Limit processed foods and excessive sugar intake
• Stay hydrated to support digestive function

Nurturing your gut health year-round can help mitigate bloating and other digestive symptoms when illness strikes.

Understanding the Broader Impact of Flu on Digestive Health

The influenza virus can affect the digestive system in ways that extend beyond bloating. Recognizing these potential impacts can help in managing overall health during flu recovery:

Appetite Changes and Nutritional Concerns

Flu often leads to decreased appetite, which can have several consequences:

• Reduced calorie intake affecting energy levels and recovery
• Potential nutrient deficiencies if the illness is prolonged
• Challenges in maintaining blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes

Addressing these nutritional concerns is crucial for supporting the body’s healing processes and preventing complications.

Long-Term Effects on Gut Microbiome

Recent research suggests that viral infections like the flu can have lasting effects on the gut microbiome:

1. Temporary disruption of the balance of gut bacteria
2. Potential increase in susceptibility to secondary infections
3. Possible long-term changes in digestive function and immunity

Understanding these potential long-term impacts underscores the importance of supporting gut health during and after flu recovery.

Bloating during flu, while uncomfortable, is typically a temporary symptom that resolves as the body recovers. By understanding its causes, implementing appropriate management strategies, and knowing when to seek medical attention, individuals can navigate this aspect of flu recovery more effectively. Prioritizing overall health, including immune function and gut health, can contribute to reduced severity of digestive symptoms in future illnesses. Remember, each person’s experience with flu and its symptoms can vary, so it’s important to listen to your body and consult healthcare professionals when needed for personalized advice and treatment.

Is Bloating a Cause for Concern?

We’ve all had that bloated, uncomfortable “full belly” feeling at some point. Most of the time, it’s perfectly normal and no cause for concern. On rare occasions, it could be an indication of a more serious problem.  Unless your bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and weight loss, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Most of the time, diet and other simple reasons such as eating a big meal or too much salt can explain the bloating you’re experiencing.  Let’s discuss some common causes of bloating, and when bloating can be a cause for concern.

Common Causes of Bloating

The following are some common reasons why you might feel bloated. In most instances, these causes of bloating can be reduced or eliminated by practical diet and lifestyle changes.

–       Healthy eating.  Believe it or not, healthy foods are the reason for a bloated stomach. Whole veggies such as cabbage, brussel sprouts, and carrots; and legumes such as beans, can cause extra air to get trapped in your belly, giving you that uncomfortable and bloated feeling. Foods high in fiber and lactose can also cause bloating since they release hydrogen and methane, which are bloating gases. Certain fruits like apples, pears, and watermelon can also cause bloating because of the high ratio of fructose to glucose.

–       Consuming diet products. Sugar substitutes (otherwise known as sugar alcohols) found in many diet foods, such as sorbitol and xylitol) can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable.  Ingesting too much of these or any artificial substances can cause bloating.

–       Fizzy drinks.  Bubbly drinks like soda, champagne, or seltzer can do a number on your stomach because of the carbonation. When you ingest these drinks, the bubbles expand in your gut, which leads to that bloated feeling. This is also true of popular probiotic, naturally fermented drinks like kombucha, which can cause gas, bloating and loose stools.

–       Constipation.  We’ve all experienced that terrible feeling of not being able to go to the bathroom. When you get backed up, it is usually accompanied by gas. The gas in your belly can leave your feeling bloated and heavy.

–       Stress.  When you’re stressed out, your body experiences physical symptoms that can have an effect on your GI tract and lead to bloating.  For example, heavy breathing makes you swallow more air than normal, which leave you feeling bloated. When your heart races, your body diverts blood away from the GI tract, which then slows down your digestion.

–       Lack of exercise.  It may be difficult to think about exercising when you’re feeling bloated. However, exercise is a great way to prevent or overcome bloating. If you find yourself bloated, it may mean you’re not getting enough exercise. When you do physical activity, it stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract which, in turn, helps the food and air bubbles pass through your GI tract more easily.

–       Recovery from a stomach bug.  Many people experience bloating after having a stomach virus or bug. This’s because of the bacterial overgrowth that occurred in the small intestine as a result of the infection.

When Bloating Is a Sign of Something More Serious

Each of the previous reasons for bloating can be overcome through diet, exercise, and mindful living. Although not as common, bloating may be an indication of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.  The following are three conditions and what to look for.

–       Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that causes a change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or both.  These changes can cause stomach pain.  If you are diagnosed with IBS, you’re not alone – according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, 10-15 percent of Americans have IBS. If you notice these symptoms or think you have IBS, see your doctor.

–       Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause bloating. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and/or fever. If you experience a combination of these symptoms, visit your doctor to get tested for Crohn’s disease.

–       Cancer.  Don’t panic! Most of the time bloating is a result of something very treatable. However, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a more serious illness such as cancer. If your bloating is combined with symptoms such as blood in the stool and weight loss, you may want to see your doctor who can check you for pancreatic or stomach cancer (or ovarian cancer in women).

Don’t let bloating ruin your life. Let the gastro experts at Austin Gastroenterology help you get to the bottom of your bloating issues. We serve patients at 18 offices throughout the greater Austin area. You can make an appointment using our online form or call the number associated with the office you’d like to visit.

Bloated Stomach and Other Symptoms of Norovirus

There is a sinister bug that gets its kicks during the winter months. Sometimes referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” norovirus can strike at any time of year but we always see an uptick of cases in the winter months. The norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis around the world. It spreads easily from person to person, from consuming contaminated food or drink, or through contact with a contaminated surface. The symptoms can take hold within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, so staying vigilant is critical as we start heading into colder months. 

Norovirus Symptoms

Noroviruses thrive in close quarters, like restaurants, day-cares, and nursing homes, and can survive extreme temperatures. This is one of the reasons it flourishes in the winter because we are all typically packed together to avoid the cold or reuniting in groups for the holidays. The virus works so quickly that you can go from feeling just fine one moment to suffering symptoms in the next. Look for these warning signs: 

• Lethargy 
• Weakness 
• Muscle aches 
• Headaches
• Loss of taste
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Bloated stomach
• Low-grade fever

While most of these symptoms are not lethal, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can deplete your body of vital fluids that keep it functioning normally. Dehydration can be a symptom of your symptoms, so it is important to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes. Since norovirus’s shelf life is typically one to three days, you should see your doctor if symptoms continue afterwards and if your vomit is green or yellow, as this could be a sign of a bowel obstruction. 

Treatment and Prevention for Norovirus

Unfortunately, like other viruses, noroviruses do not respond to antibiotics, which are designed to kill bacteria. There are no antiviral drugs that can treat the norovirus. Standard treatment of norovirus includes plenty of rest, hydration, and isolation from others so you do not spread the sickness. After three days, your symptoms should start dropping off, but remember to see a doctor if they persist. 

In the meantime, you can—and should—practice these basic preventatives to shield you and others:

• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing a baby’s diaper, or before preparing or eating food 
• Carefully throw away any contaminated items, like dirty diapers
• Wash all produce thoroughly
• Cook oysters or any shellfish before consuming
• Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.
• Make sure you clean any surfaces with a mixture of detergent and chlorine bleach after someone has been sick
• Do not prepare food for at least two to three days after you are feeling better to prevent spreading the virus
• Avoid any food that has been prepared by someone who was sick

‘Tis the Season

Practicing basic prevention and good hygiene can protect you and those around you. Stay mindful this holiday season to avoid spreading or catching this short-lived but miserable bug. We all want to see our families after a long year but doing so sick or getting sick in the process will put a damper on those holiday reunions. And remember! “Jingle Bells” is 20 seconds long and gives you something festive to hum while doing your part to prevent germs from spreading. 

If you have norovirus, are exhibiting any of its symptoms, or think you have been exposed to norovirus, call the team at the BASS Medical Group. Our doctors have experience treating norovirus symptoms and can recommend the best treatment for you. Call (925) 350-4044 or visit bassmedicalgroup.com to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today.

Experts told whether it is possible to distinguish “Omicron” from SARS – Moscow 24, 02/21/2022

February 21, 2022, 18:39 Despite this, some Muscovites, in anticipation of spring, have already taken out demi-season jackets from the wardrobe and changed into sneakers. However, experts warn that it is too early to relax, as respiratory diseases tend to revive during the transition period. In addition, there is still a risk of contracting COVID-19. We find out whether it is possible to distinguish the symptoms of coronavirus from SARS.

ARVI symptoms

Photo: depositphotos/AndrewLozovyi

General practitioner, immunologist Irina Yartseva told Moscow 24 that ARVI includes more than 200 different groups of viruses that have similar symptoms. According to her, among the signs of the disease may be a runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, fever, headache, loose stools, bloating and other ailments.

Infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. Being close to an infected person, depending on the state of the immune system, a person gets sick or not, the doctor explained. At the same time, the flu, which also belongs to SARS, unlike other viruses, can have more serious consequences for the patient in terms of complications, the expert pointed out.

“Patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, with congenital heart disease, especially in case of high temperature, intoxication, are at risk. The influenza virus is cardiotoxic. And it is advisable for this group to be vaccinated,” Yartseva said.

Professor of Virology, Head of the Laboratory of Especially Dangerous Infections of the Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine (FRC FTM) Alexander Chepurnov, in a conversation with Moscow 24, noted that odors can disappear not only with coronavirus, but also with colds. Therefore, it is possible to determine the pathogen only with the help of medical research, he believes.

Odor loss is not an invention of COVID-19. So there will always be doubt. Only differential diagnosis associated with laboratory methods will give confidence what it is.

Alexander Chepurnov

Professor of Virology

The specialist added that ARVI is no less dangerous than COVID-19. According to him, the mortality rate for influenza is 0.01-0.2%, and for coronavirus – 2%.

Symptoms of Omicron

Photo: depositphotos/dmitrytph

Experts have determined that vaccinated patients infected with Omicron experience fatigue, runny nose, cough, headache and muscle pain, sneezing, fever and sore throat. In addition, some have shortness of breath, loss of taste, smell and appetite.

The experts also found that “Omicron” can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

In some cases, hyperesthesia or hypersensitivity occurs with Omicron. This was warned by a neurologist and chiropractor Alexander Evdokimov.

When covid it is bright. “Omicron” multiplies unusually fast. Due to this, apparently, it quickly fills all the fluids and spaces of a person and causes a toxic effect on the nerve endings. However, the temperature is not always high.

Alexander Evdokimov

neurologist and chiropractor

The specialist added that with a new mutation of the coronavirus, pressure jumps are also observed, which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Is it possible to distinguish “Omicron” from ARVI

Photo: depositphotos/dmitrytph

Tatyana Ruzhentsova, deputy director for clinical work of the Gabrichevsky Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, said that it is possible to accurately identify which virus a person has contracted only with the help of special tests . According to her, “Omicron” and other respiratory viruses have the same symptoms.

Influenza often causes a rapid increase in body temperature, headaches, from the second day – pain or sore throat. But the same symptoms can be caused by Omicron. For seasonal respiratory infections, a runny nose and a slight increase in body temperature are more typical. But the same thing can be observed in some patients with both coronavirus infection and influenza.

Tatyana Ruzhentsova

Deputy Director for Clinical Work of the Research Institute of Epidemiology named after Gabrichevsky Rospotrebnadzor

According to Irina Yartseva, in addition to common symptoms, viruses also have similar methods of treatment.

“Omicron has the same symptoms as SARS, and it is treated in the same way. I do not see the need to distinguish Omicron from another virus, because it is still a mild course of coronavirus. But if these are elderly people and hitherto unvaccinated, then any virus can lead to a permanent decline in immunity,” she said.

Prevention of all infections

Photo: depositphotos/2s

In order not to become infected with any of the viruses during the transition period, experts recommend maintaining a balance of sleep, nutrition and sports, as well as following all anti-covid measures. Alexander Chepurnov reminded that the situation with COVID-19 is most smoothed out by vaccination, wearing masks and frequent hand washing.

Irina Yartseva added that during the transition from winter to spring, the immune system experiences a great load in the form of adaptation, so it is very important to support your own body, first of all, get enough sleep.

We are now experiencing a shortening of the night and an increase in daylight hours, and this is a climate change, which is an adaptive burden for the immune system. Therefore, the task is to adapt to these regimes. It turns out that the more time a person devotes to sleep, the easier it is for him to adapt to changes.

Irina Yartseva

therapist

The doctor also pointed out that it is important to eat a varied diet and not forget about physical activity. In particular, it is desirable that seasonal fruits and vegetables be included in the diet. In addition, it is necessary to drink more fluids and monitor the humidification of the air in the premises, she reminded.

According to the expert, heating causes the air to become very dry, resulting in dryness of the nasal mucosa. “If the nasal mucosa is well hydrated, then the risks of the disease are less,” the therapist emphasized.

Yartseva also noted that vitamin D can be taken to strengthen the immune system during the transition period. However, before starting the course, it is imperative to consult a specialist on this issue, she concluded.

Khalidova Albika

society

Even more news – in the telegram channel Moscow 24 Subscribe!

Intestinal flu

According to American doctors, abdominal pain can be caused by an infection, the so-called Norovirus. The stomach virus is spreading from California to the Carolinas during the December-January holidays, making this New Year’s Eve more unpleasant than ever.

The main cause is infectious gastroenteritis, better known as intestinal flu, caused by Norovirus. Cases of the disease occurred every winter, but such a number of cases had not been observed before. San Quentin Federal Penitentiary was closed to new inmates and visitors last week after more than 500 inmates and guards fell ill with the same symptoms – nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches and low temperatures. Similar symptoms have been seen in nursing home staff and patients in several states. College sports schools skipped competitions. Hundreds of patients have been seeking help in hospital emergency rooms since mid-December. About 400 people on a Caribbean cruise last month and 700 people on a transatlantic cruise in November had similar symptoms, according to press reports.

Norovirus infection usually appears 2-3 days after infection. Vomiting can be repeated up to 20 times a day. Norovirus is spread through contaminated food or water and causes severe consequences. Half of those infected were infected through food. But this year, the disease is spread by person-to-person contact. It stays on surfaces for several days, such as: children’s toys, keyboards, phones, door handles and buttons, and of course, the most dangerous infectious agent is vomit and stool. The virus is found in the stool for up to 3 weeks after a person has recovered. Therefore, doctors especially insist on thorough hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. The virus causes illness all year round, but especially during the colder months, why it has spread so widely this year is unknown.

There are 30-40 virus subtypes. Unlike many bacteria and viruses, Norovirus cannot grow in normal environments and can only be detected through special expensive tests (PCR) taken from stool, vomit and environmental washings. Because most people recover at home without medical care, many cases go undiagnosed. The transferred disease does not protect against subsequent infection. A person develops immunity to the 1st group of the virus, and he becomes infected with another. Some are inherently resistant to Norovirus. To cause illness, the virus binds to receptors in the gut. But there are people who do not have these receptors – therefore, they cannot get sick. There are groups of people getting the virus, spreading it, but not getting sick. Some studies suggest that people with blood type “B” are resistant to infection and disease, but why is a mystery.

Norovirus is very resistant. It survives freezing and heating 140*. There is no vaccine and antibiotics do not work against the virus. The disease develops suddenly, 12-48 hours after contact with the virus. If you are caring for someone who is ill, wear gloves and a mask when you clean up stools, destroy used tissues, and disinfect surfaces using bleach solutions. Be aware that vomiting can release the virus into the air. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water and iron with a hot iron. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. with water and soap. Gels containing alcohol are not effective. Make sure that the patient does not become dehydrated. This can be difficult with vomiting, but even a tablespoon of water every minute may be enough. After recovery, (the virus persists for 3 days), continue to thoroughly wash your hands after going to the toilet and clean surfaces.