The antibiotics are not so successful against viral illnesses like viral gastroenteritis. The treatment is to ease the indications andavoiding any virus or bacteria.
Human body requires adequate amount of fluids to live. Dehydration is caused by too much draining of liquids through diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, or excessive sweating or lack of consuming enough fluids due to nausea, trouble in swallowing, or lack of appetite caused by illness. Electrolytes (Salts and Minerals) are also drained from body with the liquids.
The indications of dehydration include:
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth
- Less or no urine at all
- Dark yellow urine
- Reduced amount of tears in young children
- Severe weakness and exhaustion
- Dizziness, nausea or lightheadedness
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately inform your doctor. Drinking fluids in the shape of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) is recommended in treatment of dehydration. In case of severe dehydration may require hospitalization the patients and injecting intravenous fluids.
Prevention Gastroenteritis
- Although there is no vaccine available for viral gastroenteritis but it can be avoided by adopting the following simple steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating
- Avoiding contaminated food and water
Lifestyle and home remedies
Typically Diarrhea caused by viral infections stops on its own pace without antibiotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications should be avoided as they slow down the recovery process from diarrhea because they stop the normal function of body to get rid of what's causing the diarrhea. These drugs are not always safe for children as well. Consult a doctor before using these medications.
Prevention from Dehydration in Diarrhea
Consume enough clear liquids, including water, broths and juices every day. An ORS is mostly recommended because it replenishes the liquids body lost due to diarrhea. Avoid apple and pear juices in gastroenteritis because they can worsen diarrhea. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Eating gelatin may also help. Continue breastfeeding your baby. In some type of diarrhea, lactose intolerance are a cause of diarrhea. Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
Prevention techniques from Gastroenteritis
Viral diarrhea spreads epidemically. It is a good time to introduce better hygienic plans in home from school or child care to prevent any contamination with viral diarrhea. Washing your hands and encouraging your children to wash their hands can be a major technique in avoiding the risk of catching diarrhea.
Diarrhea commonly affects people who travel to developing countries, where it is sometimes due to inadequate sanitation and contaminated food and water. To reduce your risk:
- Watch what you eat. Eat hot, well-cooked foods.
- Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meats and dairy foods.
- Watch what you drink. Drink bottled water, soda, beer or wine served in its original container.
- Avoid tap water and ice cubes.
- Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth.
- Keep your mouth closed while you shower.
- Beverages from boiled water, such as coffee and tea, are probably safe.
- Remember that alcohol and caffeine can aggravate diarrhea and dehydration.
Ask your doctor about using antibiotics or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to prevent diarrhea if you're traveling to a developing country. Either type of medication, but particularly antibiotics, can significantly reduce the odds that you'll develop traveler's diarrhea.
