Gastroenteritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Gastroenteritis is a common infection of the stomach and intestines. It may be called stomach flu. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Diarrhea medicine: This medicine can relieve your diarrhea.
  
  
• Vomiting medicine: This medicine may help settle your stomach and keep you from throwing up.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine may be given if you have an infection caused by certain types of bacteria. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Parasite medicine: This medicine is given to kill parasites.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Manage your gastroenteritis:

• Drink liquids: It is important to prevent or treat dehydration. Even if you feel sick or have been vomiting, suck on ice chips or take small sips of clear liquids often. Slowly increase the amount of clear liquids you drink. If you become very dehydrated, you may need intravenous (IV) liquids.
  
  
• Drink oral rehydration solution: You may also need to drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS contains water, salts, and sugar that are needed to replace lost body fluids. Ask what kind of ORS to use, how much to drink, and where to get it.
  
  
• Eat bland foods: When you feel hungry, begin eating soft, bland foods. Examples are bananas, clear soup, potatoes, and applesauce. Do not have dairy products, alcohol, sugary drinks, or drinks with caffeine until you feel better.
  
  
• Rest as much as possible: Slowly start to do more each day when you begin to feel better.

Prevent the spread of gastroenteritis:

• Wash hands, laundry, and surfaces: You and all household members must always wash your hands after you go to the bathroom or change diapers. Throw diapers away immediately. Wash clothes and towels you use while ill separately from the rest of your laundry. Clean surfaces in your home with antibacterial cleaner or bleach.
  
  
• Cook safely: Wash your hands and raw vegetables before you cook. Have your household members wash their hands before they eat. Cook meat, fish, and eggs fully. Do not use the same dishes for raw meat as you do for other foods. Refrigerate unused portions immediately.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You continue to vomit or have diarrhea, even after treatment.
  
  
• You see worms in your diarrhea.
  
  
• Your mouth or eyes are dry. You are not urinating as often as usual.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You see blood in your diarrhea.
  
  
• You have not urinated all day.
  
  
• Your legs or arms are blue.
  
  
• You are having trouble breathing or have a very fast pulse.
  
  
• You feel like you are going to faint.

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. 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.

Learn more about Gastroenteritis (Aftercare Instructions)