What are the main symptoms of stomach flu. How long does stomach flu typically last. What are effective home remedies for stomach flu. How to distinguish stomach flu from food poisoning. Can stomach flu be mistaken for COVID-19. What foods and drinks are recommended during stomach flu. When to seek medical attention for stomach flu.

Understanding Stomach Flu: Causes and Symptoms

Stomach flu, medically known as gastroenteritis, is a common digestive illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its name, it’s not related to influenza. Gastroenteritis is primarily caused by viruses, with norovirus being responsible for over 50% of cases. Other culprits include rotavirus and bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.

What are the typical symptoms of stomach flu? The most common manifestations include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches

How quickly do stomach flu symptoms appear? Symptoms can start as soon as 12 hours after exposure to the virus or bacteria. The duration of these symptoms can vary significantly, ranging from one to 14 days, depending on the individual and the causative agent.

The Highly Contagious Nature of Stomach Flu

Why is stomach flu so easily spread? The stomach flu is extremely contagious due to its transmission route. It spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning that virus particles from infected feces or vomit find their way into our mouths. This can happen through various means:

1. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face
2. Consuming contaminated food or water
3. Close contact with an infected person

How long can stomach flu viruses survive on surfaces? Noroviruses, in particular, are notorious for their resilience. They can survive on household surfaces for days, contributing to their rapid spread within communities, households, and institutions.

Differentiating Stomach Flu from Food Poisoning

Is it possible to mistake stomach flu for food poisoning? Yes, it’s a common confusion due to the overlap in symptoms. Both conditions can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and fever. However, there are some key differences that can help in distinguishing between the two:

Timing of Symptom Onset

How quickly do food poisoning symptoms appear compared to stomach flu? Food poisoning symptoms typically occur within hours of consuming contaminated food. Stomach flu, on the other hand, usually has an incubation period of 24-48 hours.

Affected Individuals

Are you the only one feeling sick? If you’re the only one experiencing symptoms among those who shared a meal, it’s more likely to be stomach flu. If multiple people who ate the same food are ill, food poisoning is a more probable cause.

Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19: Navigating the Confusion

Can stomach flu symptoms be mistaken for COVID-19? This is a valid concern, especially given that about 20% of COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms. However, there are some distinguishing factors:

• COVID-19 gastrointestinal symptoms usually develop in the first couple of days of illness
• COVID-19 typically progresses to include respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, and fatigue
• Stomach flu generally doesn’t lead to respiratory symptoms

What should you do if you’re unsure whether you have stomach flu or COVID-19? If you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea followed by other symptoms like fever, cough, or loss of taste and smell, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider about getting tested for COVID-19.

Effective Home Treatments for Stomach Flu

How can you treat stomach flu at home? While there’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis, several self-care steps can help manage symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Proper Hydration

What fluids are best for stomach flu recovery? Staying hydrated is crucial when battling stomach flu. Recommended fluids include:

• Water
• Sports drinks (for older children and adults)
• Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte (for babies and young children)

How should you rehydrate if you’re vomiting frequently? If vomiting is persistent, try taking small sips of fluid every few minutes rather than large amounts at once. For breastfed babies, continue breastfeeding if possible.

2. Appropriate Diet

What foods should you eat when recovering from stomach flu? When your appetite returns, focus on easy-to-digest foods such as:

• Boiled starches (potatoes, noodles, rice)
• Plain cereals with salt
• Crackers
• Bananas
• Soups
• Boiled vegetables

3. Foods and Substances to Avoid

What should you avoid consuming during stomach flu? Certain foods and substances can exacerbate symptoms or slow recovery. These include:

• Dairy products
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Fatty or highly-seasoned foods

4. Adequate Rest

Why is rest important during stomach flu recovery? The illness itself and potential dehydration can cause significant fatigue. Allowing your body to rest aids in recovery and helps conserve energy for fighting the infection.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Stomach Flu

Are there any over-the-counter medications that can help with stomach flu symptoms? For adults under 65 years old experiencing diarrhea without fever or blood in stool, certain medications can provide relief:

• Loperamide (Imodium)
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

How long should these medications be used? These medications should only be used for 1-2 days, and only if you’re not allergic to them. It’s important to note that children and adults over 65 should consult a healthcare provider before taking any anti-diarrheal medications.

Preventing the Spread of Stomach Flu

How can you prevent the spread of stomach flu? Given its highly contagious nature, preventing the spread of stomach flu is crucial. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food
2. Disinfecting surfaces regularly, particularly in shared spaces like bathrooms and kitchens
3. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
4. Staying home when sick to prevent spreading the illness to others
5. Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
6. Cooking seafood properly, as raw or undercooked seafood can harbor norovirus

Is there a vaccine available for stomach flu? Currently, there’s no vaccine available for norovirus, the most common cause of stomach flu. However, vaccines are available for rotavirus, which is a significant cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stomach Flu

While most cases of stomach flu resolve on their own with home care, certain situations warrant medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider for stomach flu symptoms?

• Inability to keep liquids down for 24 hours
• Vomiting blood or seeing blood in your bowel movements
• Vomiting for more than two days
• Fever above 104°F (40°C)
• Signs of severe dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness)
• Neurological symptoms such as confusion or seizures

What treatment might a healthcare provider recommend for severe cases? In severe cases of stomach flu, especially those involving significant dehydration, hospitalization may be necessary. Treatment might include intravenous fluids to correct electrolyte imbalances and address dehydration.

Long-Term Health Implications of Recurrent Stomach Flu

Can frequent bouts of stomach flu have long-term health effects? While most people recover fully from stomach flu without complications, frequent or severe episodes can potentially lead to some health issues:

• Temporary lactose intolerance: The digestive system may become temporarily sensitive to dairy products
• Irritable bowel syndrome: Some studies suggest a link between severe gastroenteritis and the development of IBS
• Malnutrition: In developing countries, repeated episodes of severe diarrhea can lead to malnutrition in children

How can you protect your gut health after recovering from stomach flu? To support your digestive system post-recovery, consider the following:

1. Gradually reintroduce a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Stay hydrated
3. Consider probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods to restore beneficial gut bacteria
4. Avoid known gut irritants like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods for a while

The Impact of Stomach Flu on Vulnerable Populations

Are certain groups at higher risk for complications from stomach flu? Yes, some populations are more vulnerable to severe symptoms and complications:

• Infants and young children
• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions

How should care for these vulnerable groups differ? For these high-risk groups, closer monitoring is essential. They may need to seek medical attention earlier if symptoms persist or worsen. In some cases, preventive measures like rotavirus vaccination for infants can be beneficial.

Stomach Flu in the Context of Public Health

Why is stomach flu a significant public health concern? Stomach flu, particularly when caused by highly contagious viruses like norovirus, can lead to widespread outbreaks in various settings:

• Schools and daycare centers
• Nursing homes
• Hospitals
• Cruise ships
• Restaurants

How do public health agencies respond to stomach flu outbreaks? Public health responses typically include:

1. Investigating the source of the outbreak
2. Implementing infection control measures
3. Educating the public about prevention strategies
4. Monitoring for any unusual patterns or new strains of viruses

What role does proper sanitation play in preventing stomach flu outbreaks? Adequate sanitation is crucial in preventing the spread of stomach flu. This includes:

• Proper hand hygiene facilities in public places
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of shared spaces
• Safe food handling practices in restaurants and food service industries
• Clean water supply systems

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Stomach Flu Management

What new developments are occurring in stomach flu research? Several areas of research are advancing our understanding and management of stomach flu:

1. Vaccine development: Efforts are underway to develop a norovirus vaccine
2. Rapid diagnostics: New technologies for quick and accurate diagnosis of specific pathogens
3. Microbiome studies: Research into how gut bacteria influence susceptibility and recovery from gastroenteritis
4. Novel treatments: Exploration of antiviral medications and targeted therapies

How might these advancements change stomach flu management in the future? Future developments could lead to:

• More effective prevention strategies, including vaccines
• Tailored treatments based on specific pathogens
• Better understanding of individual risk factors
• Improved outbreak control measures

As research progresses, our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat stomach flu is likely to improve significantly, reducing its impact on individuals and communities alike.

Have the Stomach Flu? 4 Ways to Treat Symptoms at Home

There’s almost nothing worse than being bent over a toilet throwing up. And, sadly, it can be hard to know what caused you to be there in the first place. Kelli Miller, ANP, UnityPoint Health, lists the symptoms of the stomach flu and how long it lasts, plus ways to feel better, so you can get out of the bathroom and get back to normal.

Stomach Flu Symptoms

Miller says it’s easy to get confused about the difference between influenza, or “the flu,” and gastroenteritis, better known as “the stomach flu.” The stomach flu is caused by a number of viruses, mainly norovirus, which accounts for more than 50 percent of all cases, and others, like rotavirus. Bacteria, such salmonella and E. coli, can also be to blame. Getting the flu shot does not prevent you from getting the stomach flu, but it does prevent you from getting influenza.

“Stomach flu symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” Miller says. “A low-grade fever, chills and muscle aches aren’t uncommon to experience as well. Symptoms can start as little as 12 hours after exposure.”

These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.

“The stomach flu is spread by the fecal-oral route, which means the viruses from infected feces or vomit find their way into our mouths from either touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face or eating/drinking contaminated foods and/or water. Compared to other viruses, noroviruses can live for days on household surfaces, which is why they spread easily,” Miller says.

Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

Miller says the clinical symptoms of the stomach flu and food poisoning overlap quite a bit, as you can have vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and fever with either one. She says the easiest way to determine the cause of your discomfort is to look back at your recent history.

“If your symptoms are caused by food poisoning, they tend to occur within hours after eating something. If you can recall eating something questionable, or if others who ate the same thing as you and have similar symptoms, you probably have food poisoning. If you are the only one who got sick, you more than likely picked up a viral illness,” Miller says. 

Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19

To make matters even more confusing, some people with COVID-19 (about 20% according to studies) experience stomach issues including nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most people with those symptoms usually report developing them in the first couple of days and then go on to experience other respiratory or cold-like symptoms like fever, headache, cough and fatigue.

If you experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, keep an eye out for other symptoms that may follow. If you notice a progression in the illness, talk with your doctor about getting tested for COVID-19. Remember, if you’re feeling sick, stay home and continue to wash your hands frequently.

How to Treat the Stomach Flu at Home

Miller says there’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses and overusing them can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. She recommends treating the stomach flu with the following self-care steps:

• Keep drinking the right fluids. You’ll need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition to water, older children and adults can drink sports drinks, like Gatorade, Power Aid, while babies and young children can have an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte. If your child is vomiting, you can try to give your child a few teaspoons of fluid every few minutes. Babies who breastfeed can continue to breastfeed. But, you should avoid drinks with increased sugar content, such as juices or sodas, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Eat the right foods. If you don’t have an appetite, you should resort to drinking only liquids for a short period of time. Boiled starches (potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat and oats) and plain cereals with salt are recommended, if you have watery diarrhea. You may also try crackers, bananas, soup and boiled vegetables.
• Avoid heavy foods. On the other hand, you should avoid certain foods until you are feeling better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and fatty or highly-seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness or dehydration can make you feel tired.

“Adults under 65 years old with a new bout of diarrhea, with no fever or blood in bowel movements, can take medicine to stop diarrhea, such as loparmide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicyclate (Pepto Bismal) for one to two days, if they’re not allergic to these medications. Children and adults over the age of 65 should check with their health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines,” Miller says.

As contagious as it is, keeping your family from catching the stomach flu can be tricky. Miller offers these tips to protect against the viral infections that cause gastroenteritis:

• Immunize little ones. Infants can be immunized with the rotavirus vaccine. This is offered at 2, 4 and 6 months old during well-child visits.
• Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer works after being in public as well.
• Give your home the once-over. Use household cleaning products to disinfect surfaces and objects, like countertops, doorknobs, handles, sinks, toilets, computer keyboards and phones.
• Separate your laundry loads. Wash laundry of those recovering from the stomach flu in different loads than the rest of your family.
• Keep your distance. Try to keep your children, especially newborns, away from anyone who is sick. If someone in your family is sick, stay home and do not go to work, school or day care. You should be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning.

When the Stomach Flu Requires a Doctor

While most stomach illnesses pass on their own, there are cases when medical attention is necessary. Miller recommends watching for signs of severe dehydration:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate over 100 beats per minute
• Increased breathing rate
• Dizziness, including when standing from a sitting or laying position
• Passing out
• Fatigue
• Dark yellow or amber colored urine
• No urination within the past six to eight hours (during the day)

In addition to severe dehydration, Miller also says the following are causes for concern, and if you experience these, contact your provider:

• Bloody stool/rectal bleeding or blood in vomit
• Vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Fever greater than 104 degrees
• Weight loss
• Severe abdominal pain
• Prolonged symptoms lasting more than a week
• Are currently pregnant

Lastly, call your baby’s doctor right away if your baby:

• Has vomiting lasting several hours
• Hasn’t had a wet diaper in six hours
• Has bloody stools or severe diarrhea
• Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the top of his or her head
• Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
• Is unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive

If any of these symptoms are present, evaluation by a health care professional is needed right away, and IV hydration may need to be administered or possible admission to the hospital.

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms and Treatment

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Viral gastroenteritis can cause nausea and vomiting. You can get the virus that causes it from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces. Washing your hands often may help prevent it.

Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of a number of viruses, most commonly norovirus or rotavirus. This illness is also known as the stomach flu.

This highly contagious illness spreads through close contact with people who have the virus or through contaminated food or water.

It can easily spread in close quarters, such as:

• childcare facilities
• schools
• nursing homes
• cruise ships

This article will help you understand more about viral gastroenteritis including symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually begin shortly after infection. For example, symptoms caused by norovirus typically develop within 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms from adenoviruses may be delayed 3 to 10 days after contact.

Depending on which type of virus you’ve contracted, symptoms can last anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Symptoms often start suddenly over the course of 1 or 2 hours.

Symptoms can include:

• loose, watery diarrhea more than 3 times per day
• fever or chills
• nausea and vomiting
• headache, muscle aches, or joint aches
• sweating or clammy skin
• abdominal cramps and pain
• loss of appetite

Diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis isn’t usually bloody. Blood in your stool could be a sign of a more severe infection.

You should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• diarrhea has lasted for 2 days or more without getting less frequent
• your infant develops diarrhea
• blood is present in your diarrhea
• you show or see signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or dizziness

In addition to the above symptoms, you should seek emergency attention for your child if they have the appearance of sunken eyes or if they aren’t making tears when they cry.

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a number of different viruses. It’s easy for these viruses to spread in group situations. Some of the ways the virus is transmitted include:

• eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• being in close contact with someone who has the virus
• sharing utensils or other items with someone who has the virus
• touching contaminated surfaces
• not washing hands properly, especially food handlers

Viral gastroenteritis affects people of all ages all over the world. But some factors can increase the risk of contracting viral gastroenteritis. People who are at a higher risk include:

• children under the age of 5
• older adults, especially those who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities
• people with a compromised or weakened immune system
• those who are often in group settings, such as schools, dormitories, day care, religious gatherings, and other indoor group settings

Other factors that may increase the risk of becoming ill with viral gastroenteritis include:

• being malnourished, especially low levels of vitamin A or zinc
• recent travel to developing countries
• antibiotic or antacid use
• anal intercourse

Several different types of viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common include:

• norovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• astrovirus

Let’s look at each of these viruses in more detail.

Norovirus

Norovirus is highly contagious and can affect anyone at any age. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, or by people who have the virus. Norovirus is common in crowded spaces.

Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Most outbreaks in the United States occur between November and April.

Symptoms include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• fever
• body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who become ill with norovirus start to feel better within 1 to 3 days of symptom onset.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly affects infants and young children. Those who contract it can then pass the virus to other children and adults. It’s usually contracted and transmitted via the mouth.

Symptoms typically appear within 2 days of infection and include:

• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• watery diarrhea that lasts anywhere from 3 to 8 days

A rotavirus vaccine was approved for infants in 2006. Early vaccination is recommended to prevent severe rotavirus illnesses in infants and small children.

Adenovirus

The adenovirus affects people of all ages. It can cause several types of illness, including gastroenteritis. The adenovirus can also cause common cold-like symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Children in daycare, especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to get adenovirus.

Adenovirus is passed through the air via sneezing and coughing, by touching contaminated objects, or by touching the hands of someone with the virus.

Symptoms associated with adenovirus include:

• sore throat
• pink eye
• fever
• coughing
• runny nose

Most children will feel better within a few days of experiencing adenovirus symptoms. However, symptoms such as pink eye may last longer than a few days.

Astrovirus

Astrovirus is another virus that commonly causes gastroenteritis in children. Symptoms associated with astrovirus include:

• diarrhea
• headache
• mild dehydration
• stomach pain

The virus most often affects people in late winter and early spring. It’s transmitted through contact with a person who has the virus or via an infected surface or food.

Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 3 days after initial exposure, and the virus will usually go away within 1 to 4 days.

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, which can be quite severe in babies and young children. Viral gastroenteritis accounts for over 200,000 childhood deaths worldwide per year.

Other complications of viral gastroenteritis include:

• nutritional imbalances
• body weakness or fatigue
• muscle weakness

Dehydration can be life threatening. Call your doctor if you or your child have these symptoms:

• diarrhea lasting more than a few days
• blood in the stool
• confusion or lethargy
• dizziness or feeling like you’re going to faint
• nausea
• dry mouth
• an inability to produce tears
• no urine for more than 8 hours or urine that is dark yellow or brown
• sunken eyes
• sunken fontanel on an infant’s head

Dehydration that accompanies viral gastroenteritis can lead to several complications of its own. These include:

• brain swelling
• coma
• hypovolemic shock, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluid or blood
• kidney failure
• seizures

To prevent complications, get immediate medical attention if you or your child have symptoms of dehydration.

Most of the time, your medical history and physical exam are the basis for diagnosis, especially if there’s evidence that the virus is spreading through your community.

Your doctor may also order a stool sample to test for the type of virus, or to find out if your illness is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection.

The main focus of treatment is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be necessary.

Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions (OHS), such as Pedialyte, can be helpful in mild cases. These solutions are easy on your child’s stomach, and contain a balanced mixture of water and salts to replenish essential fluids and electrolytes.

These solutions are available at local pharmacies and don’t require a prescription. However, you should follow the instructions carefully.

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications.

Shop online for oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and oral electrolyte products.

Treating diarrhea and vomiting

Diarrhea can be treated in adults with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Your doctor may also prescribe probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria that’s lost during diarrhea or they may prescribe medications to treat severe vomiting.

What to eat and what to avoid

As you start to feel better and reintroduce foods into your diet, it’s best to opt for bland foods, such as:

• rice
• potatoes
• toast
• bananas
• applesauce

These foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause further stomach upset. Until you’re feeling better, you may want to avoid some types of foods, such as:

• fatty or fried foods
• caffeine
• alcohol
• sugary foods
• dairy products

Self-care steps

If you have viral gastroenteritis, consider these self-care measures to help ease your symptoms and prevent dehydration:

• Drink extra fluids with and between meals. If you have difficulty, try drinking very small amounts of water or sucking on ice chips.
• Avoid fruit juices. These don’t replace the minerals that you’ve lost and can actually increase diarrhea.
• Electrolytes. Children and adults can consume sports drinks to replenish electrolytes. Younger children and infants should use products formulated for children, such as OHS.
• Limit portion sizes. Try to eat food in smaller amounts to help your stomach recover.
• Get lots of rest. Prioritize getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Don’t exert yourself until you feel that you have your usual level of energy and strength.
• Medications. Check with your doctor before taking medications or giving them to children. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers with a viral illness. This can cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life threatening condition.

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In addition to rehydrating and resting, there are some natural and home remedies that may help you relieve the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.

Heating pad or heat pack

If you have abdominal pain, try applying a low-temperature heating pad or a warm heat pack to your stomach. Cover the heating pad with a cloth and don’t leave it on for more than 15 minutes at a time.

The heat can help relax the muscles in your digestive tract and keep them from spasming.

Shop online for heating pads and heat packs.

Brown rice water

Some parents serve rice water to their children. This is the water that remains after boiling brown rice. It’s high in electrolytes and can help with rehydration.

To make rice water:

1. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes until the water becomes cloudy.
2. Strain the rice and keep the water.
3. Cool the rice water before serving.

Ginger

Products containing ginger, such as ginger ale or ginger tea, may help soothe an upset stomach.

A 2019 review of studies found that a divided daily dose of 1,500 milligrams of ginger taken in two parts throughout the day may help reduce nausea. More research needs to be done on ginger’s ability to treat other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Shop online for ginger ale and ginger tea.

Mint

Mint may also have anti-nausea properties similar to those of ginger. Sipping a soothing mint tea may help you feel better.

Studies have found that peppermint oil may help relax the muscles in your gut. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Shop online for mint tea.

Yogurt or kefir

Although dairy products should be avoided when you have your most acute symptoms, eating unflavored yogurt with live active cultures or drinking kefir may help restore your body’s natural bacterial balance after illness.

Shop online for plain yogurt and kefir.

Viral gastroenteritis can spread easily. However, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting the virus or passing it to others.

Prevention tips

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before food preparation. If necessary, use hand sanitizer until you can access soap and water.
• Don’t share kitchen utensils, plates, or towels if someone in your household is sick.
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked foods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Take special precautions to avoid contaminated water and food when traveling. Avoid ice cubes and use bottled water whenever possible.
• Ask your doctor if you should have your infant vaccinated against rotavirus. There are two vaccines, and they’re generally started around 2 months old.

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Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of several types of viruses.

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms. You can get viral gastroenteritis from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces.

Generally, viral gastroenteritis symptoms come on suddenly and pass quickly. If diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, be sure to follow up with your doctor.

It’s also a good idea to get medical attention if your infant or young child develops diarrhea because it can lead to serious complications due to dehydration.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea | What to do with pain in the stomach and diarrhea

Author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 2,495,906

Last updated: 002 Contents

• Causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Some diseases that cause diarrhea and stomach pain
• When you need to see a doctor urgently
• What to do if your stomach hurts and you have diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common pathological symptoms occurring both in isolation and in combination with other manifestations of various diseases ² . About 1.7 billion cases are registered annually in the world ² . Most often they are associated with infections and poisonings ² , in which diarrhea usually accompanies abdominal pain and manifestations of intoxication. However, these same symptoms occur in other diseases.

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Causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea

These symptoms most often accompany diseases of the abdominal organs: stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, internal genital organs and bladder. The appearance of pain is provoked by spasms or stretching of the walls of hollow organs (intestines, stomach, gallbladder), stretching of the outer shell of the liver and pancreas, circulatory disorders and inflammation of the organs themselves, the membrane of the abdominal cavity covering them.

Physiological reasons for loose stools can be:

• increased secretion of fluid into the intestinal cavity due to its irritation, for example, bacterial toxins during food poisoning,
• accumulation in the small and large intestines of substances that attract water, as happens, in particular, with lactose intolerance;
• inflammation of the intestine, accompanied by the release of various fluids into it, for example, mucus, pus in ulcerative colitis;
• increased intestinal peristalsis, e. g. in irritable bowel syndrome,
• retarded motility, such as in scleroderma.

Diarrhea and abdominal pain often co-occur due to common causes. In particular, an increase in the volume of intestinal contents and the accumulation of gases that stretch the walls of the intestine lead to the appearance of pain. Inflammation, spasms, in turn, increase the symptoms of the disease.

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Some diseases that cause diarrhea and stomach pain

Diarrhea is divided into acute and chronic. Acute lasts up to 2 weeks ¹ . If liquid feces are observed for more than 4 weeks, they speak of a chronic form ² . Both options can be with the same diseases.

1. Intestinal infections and toxic infections

Acute diarrhea is most often of an infectious nature ¹ occurs as a result of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins entering the body through the use of contaminated water and food, neglect of personal hygiene ¹ .

¹ :

• bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrios, Campylobacter, Yersinia;
• viruses, for example enteroviruses, rotaviruses or adenoviruses;
• various protozoa: amoeba dysentery, giardia, etc.

Loose stools can be from several to 30-40 times a day ¹ , often accompanied by cramping pain in the abdominal cavity, fever, weakness. The appearance of nausea, vomiting may be associated with damage to the stomach and small intestine, that is, with the development of gastroenteritis ¹ .

Nausea, weakness, abdominal pain and diarrhea, mucus and blood in the feces, false urge to defecate are more common with colitis, that is, inflammation of the colon ¹ .

Intestinal infections, especially in children, the elderly, are dangerous due to dehydration ¹ . Therefore, with frequent vomiting, the appearance of liquid feces in the stool, you need to contact an infectious disease specialist.

2. Traveler’s diarrhea

Most often it is encountered by tourists visiting Central and West Africa, India. What to do: Diarrhea and abdominal pain can be associated with changes in diet, water quality, acclimatization, jet lag, and other stresses. The causative agents of the infection are some strains of E. coli ¹ . Violation of the chair occurs upon arrival or in the first two days of stay in a new country, usually happens up to 3 times a day, is accompanied by cramping pain in the abdominal cavity, lasts an average of no more than a week ¹ , you can cope with it yourself. If symptoms persist for longer, a doctor’s consultation and examination are necessary.

3. Food allergy

More common intolerance to cow’s milk and products from it, as well as eggs, nuts, fish, cereals, strawberries, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, etc. ² . Therefore, if every time after eating a particular product, loose stools appear and the stomach starts to hurt, then perhaps we are talking about an allergy.

Allergic stool disorders are associated with the action of inflammatory mediators ² . They cause swelling of the intestinal walls, increase the secretion of fluid into the intestinal cavity and cause its spasms.

Exclusion of allergenic foods from the diet contributes to the normalization of the condition. Their repeated inclusion in the diet leads to liquefaction of feces.

4. Lactase deficiency and celiac disease

Lactase deficiency is a congenital or acquired deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down cow’s milk protein, or lactose. Its classic manifestations are pain, bloating and loud rumbling in the abdominal cavity that occur after the consumption of dairy products, preceding the release of liquid stools with an unpleasant sour odor.

What to do for stomach pain and diarrhea in lactose intolerance? Of course, exclude milk and products in the manufacture of which it is used.

Celiac disease – intolerance to cereal protein, gluten. Wheat and rye contain the most gluten, so discomfort in the abdominal cavity often occurs after eating flour products. The exclusion of cereals from the diet contributes to the normalization of the condition.

5. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder ² . The reason for its development is still unclear. It is believed that emotional factors, hormonal changes, nutrition, individual characteristics of intestinal motility play a certain role.

IBS often occurs with alternating constipation with loose stools. Diarrhea occurs mainly in the morning after breakfast, never bothers at night ² . It is accompanied by pulling pain in the lower half of the abdominal cavity, the release of a small amount of feces in the form of gruel. In some patients, the feces are dense, lumpy at the beginning of defecation, and then mushy or even watery. To restore the normal excretion of feces, it is necessary, first of all, to normalize the psychological state and hormonal levels.

6. Chronic enteritis

Chronic enteritis, or long-term inflammation of the small intestine, can develop as a result of malnutrition, autoimmune diseases, parasitic infections, long-term uncontrolled use of certain drugs and other factors.

The disease is accompanied not only by a violation of the stool, but also by a change in the digestion of food, the assimilation of nutrients. Diarrhea occurs 1-3 times a day ^1.3 . There are many stools, they are watery, frothy. Pain sensations are localized mainly in the area on the left above the navel, are dull in nature, accompanied by rumbling and transfusion in the intestines. Prolonged indigestion leads to weight loss, deterioration of the skin, hair and nails, and the appearance of signs of hypovitaminosis. In severe cases, dehydration occurs, the work of all digestive organs and the endocrine system is disrupted. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease, including taking antidiarrheal drugs.

7.

Chronic colitis

Chronic colitis, or inflammation of the colon, also causes abdominal discomfort. Symptoms of exacerbation of the disease – aching pain in the lateral sections and lower abdomen, diarrhea 3-10 times a day ^1.3 . Unlike enteritis, the amount of feces is not increased, they look like gruel. Typical false urge to defecate with the release of a small amount of feces or just mucus.

If inflammation of the colon is accompanied by the formation of ulcers on its walls, as is the case with ulcerative colitis, intestinal spasms become severe, pus and blood appear in the stool, body temperature rises, weight loss is noted ^1.2 .

8. Other diseases

Violation of the stool, discomfort in the abdominal cavity can be associated not only with intestinal problems.

Diarrhea, heaviness in the left side are sometimes a sign of chronic pancreatitis ^1.3 . The cause of loose stools in this case is indigestion, which occurs due to a lack of pancreatic enzymes. Fecal masses have a fetid putrid odor, contain undigested food residues and fat.

Stomach pain and chronic diarrhea are sometimes signs of stomach cancer ³ . The disease is accompanied by a decrease in gastric secretion and acidity, which causes a rapid evacuation of the food eaten into the small intestine, the development of intestinal dysbacteriosis with its inherent symptom of diarrhea. Colon cancer can also lead to loose stools.

There are many reasons for the appearance of pain in the intestines and diarrhea, therefore, when they appear, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination. Only a doctor can establish the true cause of violations, prescribe adequate treatment.

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When to see a doctor urgently

Abdominal pain with diarrhea should always be a concern. Short-term disturbance of the stool occurs in many acute diseases requiring surgical care ³ , for example, in the first stage of intestinal obstruction, biliary colic or appendicitis ³ .

You need to see a doctor urgently if:

• you have severe stomach pain and diarrhea;
• fever, chills appeared, the general condition continues to deteriorate;
• Pain is accompanied by tension in the anterior abdominal wall;
• vomiting is frequent, it does not bring relief;
• feces contain red blood or are black;
• Loss of liquid with liquid fecal masses cannot be compensated by the stool on its own due to incessant vomiting and diarrhea, the stomach hurts and it is not clear what to do;
• there are signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes and plaque on the tongue, sunken eyes, pallor and grayish skin tone, confusion, lack of urination;
• diarrhea, pain in the abdominal cavity occurred in a small child, a pregnant woman, an elderly or debilitated person.

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What to do if you have a stomach ache and diarrhea

In case of acute diarrhea and pain in the abdominal cavity, qualified medical assistance is needed, so you need to call a doctor at home.

What to do before the consultation ^1.2 :

• stop eating,
• drink still mineral water,
• keep physical peace.

What not to do if you have a stomach ache and diarrhea:

• take medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals – they can “blur” the picture of the disease and make it difficult to diagnose;
• apply a heating pad to the sore spot – heat can contribute to the development of infection and inflammation;

Treatment of diarrhea includes prevention and control of dehydration, diet therapy and stool normalization.

1. Rehydration, or replenishment of the water-salt balance

To restore the water and electrolyte balance, it is not enough to use ordinary drinking water. Together with loose stools, the body loses a large amount of minerals. Therefore, for drinking it is better to use special solutions or mineral water of a high degree of mineralization without gas ^{1. 2} .

2. Diet

Meals should be fractional, but high in calories, so as not to overload the digestive system and compensate for the loss of nutrients.

From the diet it is necessary to exclude flour products from yeast dough, dairy products, fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs, legumes, coffee, carbonated drinks, kvass ¹ . Spicy, fatty, fried, spicy dishes, canned food, smoked meats, marinades are not recommended ¹ .

3. Drug therapy

All medicines are prescribed by a doctor, based on the diagnosis and characteristics of the course of the disease. These can be antibiotics, enterosorbents, probiotics, prebiotics, eubiotics, antidiarrheals ^1.2 . As the last component, IMODIUM® Express can be recommended.

The active substance of IMODIUM® Express – loperamide ⁴ – can act for 4-6 hours, can reduce intestinal peristalsis, slow down the movement of its contents, promote the absorption of water and electrolytes ⁵ . This drug is used in the treatment of acute, chronic diarrhea of ​​various origins in adults and children over 6 years of age ⁴ .

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

“Imodium is contraindicated for use in children under 6 years of age.”

causes, what to do, how to treat

Causes of stomach pain

Stomach pain and diarrhea are caused by different factors. The disease depends on the frequency and intensity of pain, on their nature. Diarrhea is associated with a lack of essential digestive enzymes in the body

Diagnosis of causes of pain

To determine the diagnosis, patients are referred for testing. We advise you to use the diagnostic services of the private medical clinic “KDS Clinic”. Specialists will conduct an initial consultation and examinations that will help diagnose diseases in the early stages. All examinations are carried out on modern equipment. Clinic experts are ready to help you at any time

Stomach pain symptoms

Severe stomach pain is considered a clear sign that you have problems with your gastrointestinal tract. In addition to diarrhea, patients have accompanying symptoms:

1. Gastrointestinal tract disorder

   Many people develop diarrhea, in the people – diarrhea, which indicates a violation of digestion. Diarrhea is caused by various factors. Intestinal upset continues several times a day. If this process lasts more than two days, then the patient has chronic diarrhea.

2. Nausea and vomiting

   Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by bloody discharge. The patient feels cutting sharp pains in the stomach area

3. Fever

   When an infection affects the body, patients experience a fever. This indicates a serious infectious pathology

4. Lack of appetite

   This symptom is caused by gastritis and ulcers. With such diagnoses, the patient feels a cutting pain in the stomach

5. Bad breath

   This symptom indicates problems with the liver. It is necessary to enter a plentiful drink. A nutritionist will prescribe an individual diet for you to stabilize your body

6. Abdominal bloating or flatulence

   Indicates gastrointestinal problems

What else do severe cutting pains in the stomach indicate?

Pain in the stomach indicates a malfunction of the esophagus. Among them: liver disease, hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder. If the localization of pain cannot be determined, then the symptoms are associated with neoplasms.

When the first complaints appear, we advise you to consult a gastroenterologist. The doctor will help to cure the body as quickly as possible. An accurate diagnosis is established after passing examinations and passing tests. Self-diagnosis at home is not possible.

Causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea

Experts categorize a number of underlying causes that cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

1. Gastritis

   Diarrhea and cutting pains in the stomach are observed on an empty stomach or after eating, and patients also suffer from vomiting and heartburn. These symptoms are indicative of gastritis. If you start this process and do not go to the clinic on time, then gastritis can turn into a duodenal ulcer. They qualify gastritis with low acidity and gastritis with high acidity. The disease is established only with the help of tests and diagnostic examinations. Therefore, in order to avoid pain and deterioration, contact a gastroenterologist who will prescribe the right treatment for you and select a diet. Endoscopist and gastroenterologist will help to establish an accurate diagnosis

2. Low immunity

   When immunity is weakened, a person begins to have problems with the stomach and other body systems. These processes occur most often in spring and autumn, when the immune system is weakened, and the body is susceptible to colds and diseases. Patients suffer from avitaminosis. An immunocompromised patient needs regular visits to an immunologist. He will prescribe treatment, a suitable diet that will improve the gastrointestinal tract. Patients are prescribed homeopathic treatment. It is effective

3. Eating disorders

   Stomach pain is caused by the food you eat. At the first manifestations of pain syndromes, you need to change your menu. It is necessary to pay attention to the relationship of pain with food intake and the nature of the food taken. You should add fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, as well as foods rich in vitamins and minerals to your diet. You will save your stomach from diseases and strengthen the whole body.

4. Duodenal ulcer

   This is one of the possible causes of diarrhea, flatulence and stomach pain. This disease appears with malnutrition, with the use of alcohol, fried, fatty and starchy foods. Unpleasant sensations and heartburn during an ulcer occur some time after eating. Pain syndrome occurs no later than one and a half hours after eating

5. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

   In this condition, a person experiences severe pain. To understand all the possible causes, it is necessary to establish the intensity of pain in the stomach, their frequency and nature. These data will help to establish accurate diagnoses and exclude other diseases

6. Emotional trauma and stress

   All emotional stress negatively affects the functionality of other organs, and the stomach is no exception. Many people get upset and have diarrhea from stress and anxiety

7. Excessive physical activity

   Strong physical activity, overwork and lack of proper sleep will immediately affect the gastrointestinal tract, complexion and other organs

8. Cholecystitis

   Cutting pain in the right hypochondrium indicates inflammation of the gallbladder

Diagnosis of stomach pain and diarrhea

An examination is individually selected for each patient.