{"id":5432,"date":"2019-04-11T11:39:56","date_gmt":"2019-04-11T11:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=5432"},"modified":"2021-06-02T12:29:29","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T12:29:29","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-gastroenteritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-symptoms-of-gastroenteritis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Gastroenteritis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis infection, more commonly known as a \u201ctummy bug,\u201d occurs due to contracting the pathogens responsible for the disease from external sources. People typically become infected due to eating or drinking the food or beverages of infected individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gastroenteritis is a highly infectious condition, and coming in contact with the body fluids of an infected person is all it takes to contract the disease. Touching contaminated surfaces is another common cause of infection with gastroenteritis bacteria or viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children and adults with weakened immune function are most at risk of developing severe cases of gastroenteritis that can last for weeks or months. However, most symptoms of the condition begin to fade after 24 to 48-hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, it takes between 2 to 4-days for the bacteria or virus to incubate in your system before it starts to produce symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms of gastroenteritis, and how to treat them as they occur.
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1.    Abdominal Pains and Cramping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the incubation <\/a>period, the first symptoms to show up from gastroenteritis infection is a mild sensation of stomach discomfort. This feeling intensifies over the course of a few hours, progressing into severe abdominal pains and cramping as the disease takes hold of the digestive tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These symptoms vary in their intensity and onset, depending on the strain of bacteria or virus responsible for the infection. In some cases, patients may experience violent cramping that occurs suddenly, peaking within the first hour after symptoms start. In other cases, it may take a few hours for the infection to reach its full capacity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cramping pains intensify as the infection spreads in the digestive system, and symptoms start to diversify into other issues with the digestive and nervous system. If left untreated, symptoms may continue to progress unabated until the infected individual seeks medical treatment and medication to stop their suffering.
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2.    Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the cramping and nausea symptoms show up, the next stop on the gastroenteritis infection roadshow \u2013 is bouts of nausea. Nausea <\/a>is that feeling in your stomach that makes you feel queasy. If nausea intensifies, it leads to a sense of wanting to vomit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vomiting occurs, and the person may violently purge the stomach of its contents. In some cases, vomiting symptoms may be so severe that the person still ends up dry heaving, even though their stomach is empty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This excessive vomiting causes issues with hydration, as it becomes hard to hold anything down \u2013 even fluids. Doctors can treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting using drugs. However, the patient may still experience some mild effects of nausea even when medicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, the extent of your symptoms depends on what bacteria or virus is responsible for the infection. The severity of symptoms also depends on the strength of the infected person’s immune system as well.
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3.    Diarrhea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the vomiting and nausea, the infected individual may start to experience diarrhea<\/a>. Depending on the variety of bacteria or virus causing the condition, diarrhea may show up at the same time or before the start of nausea and vomiting symptoms \u2013 and in some cases, there may be no vomiting symptoms at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diarrhea symptoms may also vary in intensity, with some people experiencing mild symptoms while others go through a nightmare situation. Unfortunately, diarrhea also leads to dehydration as the body evacuates its excess water reserves in the hope of flushing out the virus or bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the pathogens continue to progressing the digestive system, and infected individuals may find it challenging to keep any liquids down \u2013 presenting a risk of collapse, seizure, or coma from dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In severe cases, hospitalization is necessary so that the infected individual can receive IV fluids to remain hydrated. The IV introduces fluids with electrolytes and minerals to prevent mineral imbalances occurring.
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4.    Fever and Chills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the initial symptoms of cramping, pain, nausea, and vomiting <\/a>appear \u2013 the next stop is the development of a fever. When the brain realizes it\u2019s under viral or bacterial attack, it signals the immune system to produce antibodies and white blood cells to attack the invading pathogens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the brain signals the hypothalamus to produce \u201cpyrogens.\u201d Pyrogens are enzymes that increase the temperature set point of the body, driving it higher. As a result, the infected individual develops a fever, and the intensity of the fever depends on the severity of the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the pyrogens increase the temperature, there\u2019s a lag in the amount of time it takes the body to heat up to the new setpoint. This lag leads to the development of chills \u2013 it\u2019s a sign that the body is ready to turn up the heat on the disease, and your system is lagging.
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5.    Loss of Appetite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the symptoms associated with a gastroenteritis infection is a lack of appetite<\/a>. The last thing you feel like doing when you\u2019ve spent the entire morning or evening holding the toilet bowl as you vomit the contents of your stomach \u2013 is eat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, eating is a vital part of your recovery, and you need to start eating again as soon as possible after recovering from the feelings of nausea and vomiting. The sooner you get things working again, the faster you\u2019ll get better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gastroenteritis infection plays havoc with your gut, producing a bacterial imbalance as it eliminates the healthy flora from your digestive tract. Medical science thinks that this may be a contributing factor to the incubation period for the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try eating fermented foods like Greek yogurt, kefir, and kimchi to increase the probiotic flora in your gut. These foods contain beneficial bacteria and enzymes that restore the health of your digestive system.
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6.    Bloody Stools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the more advanced symptoms of gastroenteritis infection is blood in the stool. This symptom does not occur with every case of gastroenteritis<\/a>, and may also be an indication of the presence of an underlying health condition \u2013 such as colorectal cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death, with more than 50,000 individuals perishing from the disease in the last year alone. Men are most affected by this condition, with more than 27,000 confirmed deaths of men with the disease in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood appears in the stool as bright red streaks, and it\u2019s easy to identify it from fecal matter. Since blood in the stool is a rare symptom of gastroenteritis, there is no set protocol for medication to treat the condition at home. If you notice any sign of blood in your stool, it\u2019s a severe condition that requires medical treatment. Have someone drive you to the hospital for a diagnosis.
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7.    Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most cases of viral or bacterial gastroenteritis clear up on their own without any medical intervention. Symptoms last for 24 to 48-hours, depending on the severity of the infection. Therefore, it’s possible to stay at home while you deal with this condition, and you won\u2019t have to waste time and money on visiting your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best treatment for gastroenteritis is remaining hydrated <\/a>\u2013 it\u2019s the most critical part of dealing with the infection. When we are dehydrated, our body loses its mineral balance and water it needs to function. With low levels of hydration and a lack of vital minerals, the patient is at risk of experiencing seizures that could result in the patient falling into a coma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are rehydration supplements specifically designed to deal with the effects of dehydration and mineral loss. These supplements contain essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, and calcium. Drinking bone broth after your nausea symptoms pass is an excellent way to rehydrate and nourish your system.
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8.    Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contracting gastroenteritis infection is something all of us can live without in our lives. Fortunately, gastroenteritis is a preventable disease, and all you need to do to increase your resistance to the condition is to pay better attention to your hygiene<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you wash your hands frequently. When cleaning, make sure you use an anti-bacterial soap that kills germs and always clean the back of your hands as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack a travel bottle of anti-bacterial hand lotion in your handbag or car, and use it after you meet people. Shaking hands with infected friends and colleagues is one of the leading causes of developing gastroenteritis, and it\u2019s one of the reasons why celebrities now endorse the \u201cfist-pump\u201d instead of shaking hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you store your raw and cooked food on different shelves in the fridge and use a separate cutting board for your meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and avoid eating raw or undercooked fish and meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coming down with a gastroenteritis infection is hard on the body. The gas, bloating, and stomach pain makes it challenging to hold down any food or liquids. As a result, the body\u2019s energy reserves start to deplete, leaving the patient feeling lethargic <\/a>and fatigued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The body\u2019s natural defense against the bacteria or virus responsible for the infection also takes up plenty of ATP energy. We generate our biological-energy from the food and beverages we eat and drink. The digestive system turns carbohydrates into glucose, shuttling them to the muscular system where it stores it as glycogen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The infection depletes these glycogen stores, leaving the patient with little fuel for energy. As a result, the patient may become tired and feel like sleeping all the time. It\u2019s best to let the patient conserve their energy to battle the infection, and leave them to rest as much as possible. The patient should return to normal levels of activity a day after the infection clears.
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10. Brain Fog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Infection with bacteria or viral pathogens that cause gastroenteritis may also cause confusion and brain fog<\/a> in some cases. Since the disease causes inflammation in the digestive system, it results in the intestinal wall expanding, allowing the pathogen to spread into the bloodstream where circulation will enable it to spread through the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of systemic inflammation can affect any of the biological systems in the body, including the nervous and neurological systems. The inflammation spreads to the brain, and the patient starts to notice that they have a hard time thinking or focusing on tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of \u201cbrain fog\u201d typically occurs when the patient starts to run a fever. The inflammation affects the part of the brain responsible for controlling cognitive functions, such as thought, speech, and swallowing. As the symptoms of the disease start to fade, the patient will make a return to normal cognitive function within a few hours.
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11. Bloating and Gas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the first symptoms of gastroenteritis is gas and bloating. The bacteria or virus responsible enters the mouth through eating contaminated food, or touching a contaminated surface and then making contact with the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pathogens then spread to the digestive system where they start to colonize. As the pathogens <\/a>grow, the patient may begin to notice sensations of gas build-up in their digestive tract. Less than an hour later, they will start to feel bloated, and the patient will experience bouts of gas and flatulence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These symptoms typically intensify as the bacteria or virus causing the infection spread throughout the digestive system. The bloating may be so intense that the patient starts to experience stomach pains and sensations of discomfort in the abdominal wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These symptoms of pain, bloating, and gas will only start to subside after the virus or bacteria begin to die off and exit the body. Doctors don\u2019t treat viral gastroenteritis, but they may choose to treat bacterial gastroenteritis with antibiotics.
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12. Sleep Deprivation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The pain and discomfort <\/a>of the bowels associated with gastroenteritis can range in intensity \u2013 from mild to severe. Patients who are dealing with an aggressive form of the infection \u2013 such as bacterial gastroenteritis, may find that they have trouble sleeping. It\u2019s challenging to fall asleep when your stomach is convulsing in pain, and you feel the need to run to the bathroom every 10-minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the patient may develop mild insomnia, where they don\u2019t reach full REM sleep. Instead, the patient spends the night tossing and turning, not knowing whether they are asleep or awake. This sleep deprivation can further degrade the health of the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we sleep, the brain clears neural pathways of toxins. Not getting the sleep we need results in the toxins remaining active. As a result, we feel tired and lethargic the following day. These symptoms typically only last one or two nights before the patient starts to make a recovery.
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13.    Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most cases of viral or bacterial gastroenteritis clear up on their own without any medical intervention. Symptoms last for 24 to 48-hours, depending on the severity of the infection<\/a>. Therefore, it’s possible to stay at home while you deal with this condition, and you won\u2019t have to waste time and money on visiting your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best treatment for gastroenteritis is remaining hydrated \u2013 it\u2019s the most critical part of dealing with the infection. When we are dehydrated, our body loses its mineral balance and water it needs to function. With low levels of hydration and a lack of vital minerals, the patient is at risk of experiencing seizures that could result in the patient falling into a coma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are rehydration supplements specifically designed to deal with the effects of dehydration and mineral loss. These supplements contain essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, and calcium. Drinking bone broth after your nausea symptoms pass is an excellent way to rehydrate and nourish your system.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14.    Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contracting gastroenteritis infection is something all of us can live without in our lives. Fortunately, gastroenteritis is a preventable disease, and all you need to do to increase your resistance to the condition is to pay better attention to your hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you wash your hands frequently. When cleaning, make sure you use an anti-bacterial soap that kills germs and always clean the back of your hands as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack a travel bottle of anti-bacterial<\/a> hand lotion in your handbag or car, and use it after you meet people. Shaking hands with infected friends and colleagues is one of the leading causes of developing gastroenteritis, and it\u2019s one of the reasons why celebrities now endorse the \u201cfist-pump\u201d instead of shaking hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you store your raw and cooked food on different shelves in the fridge and use a separate cutting board for your meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and avoid eating raw or undercooked fish and meat.
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