Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting and sometimes fever, says a gastrointestinal specialist in Nashik.
The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called
stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by consuming
contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover
without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with
compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.
There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention
is key. Avoid food and water that may be contaminated and wash your hands
thoroughly and often.
Symptoms
Although it's commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn't the
same as influenza. The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system —
your nose, throat and lungs, says the best gastroenterologist in Nashik. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks
your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as:
·
Watery, usually non-bloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea
usually means you have a different, more severe infection
·
Nausea, vomiting or both
·
Stomach cramps and pain
·
Occasional muscle aches or headache
·
Low-grade fever
Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within
1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms
usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.
Because the symptoms are similar, it's easy to confuse viral gastroenteritis
with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, salmonella
and Escherichia coli, or parasites.
When to see a doctor
According to the top gastroenterologist in Nashik, if you're an adult, call your health care
provider if:
·
You've been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than
two days
· You're dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness
· You notice blood in your bowel movements.
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments