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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

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.

When is my next medical appointment?

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How can I take care of myself?

• Rest as much as possible. Slowly start to do more each day when you begin to feel better.
  
  
• Drink liquids to prevent dehydration (dee-hy-DRAY-shen). Dehydration is the most common serious problem that can happen because of gastroenteritis. Dehydration means that your body has lost too much water. If you lose too much body fluid, you may need to go to the hospital to get IV fluids. It is very important to replace the fluids that may be lost from having diarrhea and vomiting.
  
  
• Even if you feel sick or have been vomiting, suck on ice chips or take small sips of clear liquids very often. Good liquids to sip are sports drinks that have no caffeine in them. Slowly increase the amount of clear liquids you drink if 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. Do not drink milk until your diarrhea has stopped.
  
  
• When your stomach has settled, start eating bland foods. If you have not vomited or had diarrhea for a while, you may begin eating soft, bland foods. Examples are crackers, bananas, cooked cereals, noodles, clear soup, toast, boiled potatoes, sweetened gelatin, or applesauce. Do not eat fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, or ice cream until your stomach flu is gone. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine until you feel better. You may begin eating your regular foods if you have not had vomiting or diarrhea for two to three days.
  
  
• Wash your hands. Do this every time you go to the bathroom or handle food. Stay away from others to help avoid spreading your germs to them. Do not share hand towels, plates, or eating utensils with your household members. Wash all dirty towels and sheets that you use while you are sick.

What are some tips for preventing gastroenteritis?

• Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom or after changing a baby's diaper. Wash your hands before and after preparing food for people to eat.
  
  
• Keep food areas clean. Never use cutting surfaces, plates, or utensils that have touched raw meat until they have been washed. Wash with hot water and dish soap, or wash them in the dishwasher.
  
  
• Cook meat fully. Never cook meat just half way and then leave it to reheat it later.
  
  
• If foods are supposed to be put in the refrigerator after opening, do not let them sit out. This can cause germs to grow in these foods. Foods kept out at room temperature for longer than two hours should be thrown away. Foods that can spoil easily include meats, potatoes, mayonnaise, eggs, and milk products.
  
  
• Throw away any food that you are unsure about.
  
  
• Travelers should be especially careful. Before traveling to another country, find out if the water is safe to drink. If not, drink only bottled or boiled water. Do not use ice. Remember to brush your teeth using bottled or boiled water. Eat only cooked foods. Avoid eating raw foods like vegetables or fruits that you did not peel or wash yourself.
  
  
• When hiking or camping, do not drink water from streams unless you use a water cleaning device or tablets.

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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