Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis

DEFINITION
Gastroenteritis is a general term used to describe a condition
of known or unknown origin which causes symptoms such as nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.
DESCRIPTION
Gastroenteritis may be caused by viral, bacterial, parasitic
infections, chemical toxins or even a lactose intolerance. The
cause of Gastroenteritis, in most cases, is a virus or bacteria
which has entered the body through contaminated food or drink or
via contact with an infected person. This ailment may be referred
to as travellers’ diarrhoea, as sanitation and food hygiene
standards are lower in some developing countries. Giardiasis
(intestinal infection by the Giardia lamblia parasite) is also
common among travellers and is endemic in many parts of the world
including northern USA and Europe.
The Norwalk virus is a very common cause of Gastroenteritis
symptoms. This virus causes approximately 40% of nonbacterial
diarrhoea in children and adults. During winter in countries with
temperate climates such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK and
America, ‘rotaviruses’ are major causes of serious diarrhoeal
illnesses that often result in hospitalisation of infants and
children under 2 years of age. Adults who become infected with a
rotavirus usually experience less severe symptoms, possibly due to
developing some immunity to the virus.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The severity of the signs and symptoms of Gastroenteritis will
vary depending on the type and amount of infective substance which
has entered the body, the duration of its action, the person’s
resistance and the extent to which the digestive system is
involved. The onset is often sudden and sometimes dramatic with a
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea
(with or without blood and mucus). Tiredness and muscle aches may
also be experienced. In severe cases the abdomen may become
distended (bloated) and tender. Persistent vomiting and diarrhoea
may also occur which, if not managed properly, can result in severe
dehydration and loss of electrolytes, shock and kidney
failure.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions, your Doctor should be consulted. Your
Doctor will diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor
about the latest advice on this ailment. The health management for
Gastroenteritis usually involves supportive care with bed rest, a
bland diet and replacement of the fluids and electrolytes lost due
to vomiting and diarrhoea. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed for
cases of Gastroenteritis. A faecal specimen may be required if the
following are present:
  • Blood and/or mucus in bowel motions.
  • Temperature more than 38 degrees C.
  • Chronic diarrhoea.
  • The patient has returned from overseas.
  • The patient has recently been on a course of antibiotics.
DIET HINTS
  • A patient with Gastroenteritis should avoid solid foods. When
    the symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting are acute, it is best to
    continually sip water, electrolyte replacement drinks, strained
    broth or bouillon with added salt to help prevent or to treat mild
    dehydration.
  • When the symptoms begin to improve, the patient may be able to
    tolerate warm fluids, cooked bland cereals, jelly, dry biscuits and
    other bland foods.
  • It is advisable for the patient to avoid rich foods such as
    dairy products and meat as well as spicy, sugary and fatty foods
    for a period of time after symptoms have ceased. Re-introduce these
    types of foods gradually and avoid them if the symptoms recur.
    Foods which are very high in fibre may also aggravate the symptoms
    (e.g. wholegrains).
  • When vomiting stops, include some garlic in the diet each day.
    Garlic has natural antibiotic properties that can help to combat
    infection.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Nutritional supplements are only to be used if the dietary
vitamin intake is inadequate.
  • Oral rehydration solutions are powdered or liquid formulas
    designed to reduce the risk of developing an electrolyte imbalance.
    An oral rehydration solution is recommended for the management of
    Gastroenteritis with mild-moderate dehydration.Activated charcoal,
    in the correct dosage, may be used internally to help absorb toxic
    substances from the digestive tract.
  • Glutamine is an amino acid which helps regenerate the lining of
    the gut which may be damaged in cases of Gastroenteritis.
  • Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) is a herb with a long history of
    traditional use in herbal medicine. When ingested, Slippery elm
    helps to protect and reduce inflammation in the lining of the
    digestive tract.
  • Research indicates that an acidophilus supplement may help to
    protect against gastrointestinal infection and restore the normal
    bowel flora which may be destroyed by Gastroenteritis. 
  • A multi-vitamin/mineral may help to replace some of the
    nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhoea associated with
    Gastroenteritis. A liquid form is recommended to aid
    absorption.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
See your Pharmacist for advice.
  1. Follow the Diet Hints.
  2. Gastroenteritis is contagious and the patient should make sure
    that the hands are washed thoroughly before handling any food.
  3. It is very important to increase the fluid intake if you are
    suffering from Diarrhoea. Your Pharmacist can suggest an oral
    reydration solution to help replace fluids and electrolytes which
    are lost because of persistent diarrhoea and vomiting. Drinking
    water alone will not replace the electrolytes which are vital for
    sustaining bodily functions. 
  4. Check the diet for any food allergies (e.g. tomatoes, seafood,
    lactose). This may be a cause of Gastroenteritis. Ask your
    Pharmacist for advice.
  5. Some nutritional supplements might help if the diet is
    inadequate. Slippery elm can help to soothe the bowel. Acidophilus
    may help to restore the normal bowel flora which has been destroyed
    by the infection.