The majority of cases of acute diarrhoea correspond to gastroenteritis of viral origin, called rotavirus, most often trivial and short-lived but taxing on the body. In these cases, treatment has three essential objectives:
- Preventing contamination through hygiene measures
- Avoiding dehydration
- Reducing the intensity and duration of diarrhoea
Antibiotics are only indicated in cases of proven invasive bacterial infection.
Each year brings its share of viral gastroenteritis; among the signs of this infection of the digestive system is acute diarrhoea. The latter is most often benign but taxing for the body. Three therapeutic measures are generally enough to overcome this infection.
Note that this disease can also be caused by bacteria, which should be treated specifically after medical consultation, if necessary. In all cases, it is advisable to adapt your diet in the first days to regain your appetite and health and to gradually reintegrate the different foods.
Definition of Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a disease of infectious origin (pathogen) and very often contagious. Most gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, adenovirus or rotavirus. These are viral gastroenteritis.
When gastroenteritis is caused by a bacterial infection, E coli, Salmonella or Shigella bacteria, for example, in these cases, we speak of bacterial gastroenteritis. People who travel abroad can often be affected by it; we often talk of “turista”.
Finally, in rare cases, parasites are the cause of gastroenteritis. We then speak of intestinal parasitoses, such as giardiasis.
What are the symptoms of Gastroenteritis?
The first sign of gastroenteritis is acute diarrhoea, which occurs suddenly in cases of infections. We speak of acute diarrhoea when we have more than three loose or liquid stools per 24 hours for less than two weeks. This infection almost always manifests itself as diarrhoea. If blood is present in the stools, it is important to consult a doctor quickly.
How long does Gastroenteritis last?
In the case of viral gastroenteritis, the incubation period is between 24 and 72 hours, on average. Once signs appear, viral gastroenteritis, or rotavirus, generally disappears in less than 3 days without treatment. Antibiotic treatment may, however, be necessary when bacteria are involved in these diseases.
How do you avoid getting Gastro?
Gastroenteritis, caused by a virus or bacteria, is a very contagious disease. Hygiene measures should be adopted to avoid re-infestation of the patient and contamination of those around them. Prevention, rather than treatment, is always preferable!
For good “anti-gastro” prevention, it is important to:
- Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after each toilet visit, before preparing meals and before eating;
- Do not touch your mouth or nose without washing your hands first;
- Use single-use paper tissues ;
- Avoid sharing toiletries such as toothbrushes and cutlery;
- Regularly disinfect toilets and sinks and all contact areas ;
- Also, disinfect everything that is frequently touched: door handles, remote control, telephone, etc.;
- Avoid crowded places when you are sick.
These simple measures to combat gastroenteritis are often neglected, or the virus becomes stronger and more virulent, especially in places where there are more susceptible people (children in daycare, retirement homes, etc.).
However, the best way to combat an epidemic is to prevent contamination through upstream prevention!
What natural remedies for Gastro?
The essential measure in cases of gastroenteritis is to compensate for losses of fluids and sodium because significant losses of these elements can have serious consequences, especially in children and older people.
