Understanding Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation in the stomach that gets irritated, causing severe pain and vomiting. The condition is also known as stomach flu, though the term is not medically correct. It spreads from the stomach to the intestines, resulting in infections.

Though some patients think gastroenteritis resolves on its own. However, according to the opinion of the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, the disease should be treated effectively otherwise it can turn serious.

In this blog, we will delve into the signs of gastroenteritis, its causes and some of the most common treatment options employed by doctors.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

In medical terms, gastroenteritis occurs when the gastrointestinal tract (GI) gets inflamed and spreads to the stomach and intestines, both small and large. The irritation that takes place causes a wide range of symptoms, such as the following:

• Increase in body temperature
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent and watery stools
• A feeling of fullness or bloating
• Feeling cold despite not having a fever

When an individual experiences gastroenteritis, the body’s digestive system gets disrupted. As a result, they suffer from nausea and vomiting, which causes problems, but that’s the body’s mechanism.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

The best gastroenterologist in Kolkata highlights the main causes of gastroenteritis. Here are some of them.

Bacteria and viruses: This is probably one of the common reasons behind the development of gastroenteritis. There are highly contagious bacteria and viruses that are responsible for gastroenteritis. They are mainly spread through contaminated food, and water and coming in close contact with the infected person.

There are also non-infectious causes of gastroenteritis. Let’s take a look at them.

• Food allergies: Food intolerance like lactose and gluten intolerance can trigger symptoms similar to gastroenteritis.
• Medications: There are certain medications such as antibiotics, that, when taken frequently, hinder the balance between negative and positive bacteria, ultimately resulting in diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Stress: Though many people are not aware, excessive stress also contributes to gastroenteritis.

Treatments for Gastroenteritis

In mild cases, it is possible to recover from gastroenteritis in a few days. However, if it is not improving, then there is a necessity to consult the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata who will suggest a treatment plan based on the condition.

• Dehydration: Make sure that your body is dehydrated. So, drink a lot of water and fluids. However, avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks as it lead to indigestion.
• Medicines: Your doctor will prescribe you certain medicines which you are required to take at the prescribed dosage and at the right time.
• Take enough rest: While medicines are important to recover from the condition. You also need to take enough rest to fight the infection and the body to recover.
• Dietary management: Introduce easy-to-digest food in your diet, If possible try to eat boiled and liquid foods. Indulge in solid foods after some days.

Conclusion

Anyone can get gastroenteritis at some point in their lives. The key to managing the condition is to take the right steps and consult a leading gastroenterologist in Kolkata to prevent spreading it to others.