Gastroenteritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Gastroenteritis (gas-tro-in-ter-I-tis) is a common infection (in-FEK-shun) of the stomach and bowel. It is often called the "stomach flu". It may be serious for babies, young children, people with health problems, and older adults.
  
  
• Treatment includes resting your stomach and bowel. Do this until your vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (runny, loose bowel movements) has stopped. You can drink small amounts of clear liquids to keep from becoming dehydrated (losing too much water). When you have not vomited for a while, you can slowly start eating. You will also need to rest and take medicine if you have a fever or muscle aches. Most people with gastroenteritis feel better in about seven days.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Always take your medicine as directed by your caregiver. If you think it is not helping or if you feel you are having side effects, call your caregiver. Do not quit taking your medicine until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-OT-iks), take them until they are all gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Keep a written list of what medicines you are taking, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregiver. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines.
  
  
• If you have diarrhea, ask your caregiver about diarrhea medicine that you can buy over-the-counter. Follow the directions on the label.

How can I take care of myself?

• Rest in bed until you begin to feel better.
  
  
• Drink a lot of fluids often to keep yourself from becoming dehydrated.
  
  
• Even if you feel sick or have been vomiting, suck on ice chips or take small sips of clear liquids very often. Good choices are sports drinks that do not have caffeine in them. Avoid prune juice and grape juice since these may make your diarrhea worse.
  
  
• Slowly increase the amount of clear liquids you drink when the vomiting and diarrhea slows down. Try to drink eight to 16 cups of water or other clear liquids each day while you are sick.
  
  
• Avoid milk and other dairy products for the first two or three days.
  
  
• Once diarrhea or vomiting has stopped for a while, you may begin to eat soft, bland foods. Examples are crackers, bananas, cooked cereals, noodles, clear soup, toast, boiled potatoes, sweetened gelatin, or applesauce. You may eat your regular foods after two or three days.
  
  
• While you are sick, stay away from others. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before you touch food. Wash your hands after changing a baby's diaper.
  
  
• Do not share hand towels, plates, or eating utensils like forks and spoons with others while you are sick.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your symptoms last for more than three days.
  
  
• You have bad abdominal (belly) or rectum (rear end) pain.
  
  
• You see blood, mucus, or worms in your BM.
  
  
• You are vomiting and you must take medicines by mouth regularly.
  
  
• You are a breast feeding mother and you think your baby has gastroenteritis.
  
  
• You have gastroenteritis and you have long-term health problems such as diabetes or low immunity. Low immunity means your body cannot fight infection very well.
  
  
• You have signs of dehydration (water loss). These may include a dry mouth or feeling thirsty. Your skin may also become wrinkled if you are dehydrated. Other signs may be passing little or no urine, dizziness, or feeling like you are going to faint.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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