The First Day Of Gastroenteritis: Basic Care

Many people go through the first day of gastroenteritis without being aware of the symptoms, and without consulting a doctor. Vomiting, possible diarrhea, abdominal pain that comes and goes, makes them think that they simply ate something that has upset their stomach.

They end up thinking that the discomfort is temporary and that it will go away quickly. But when they realize that they have been dealing with the symptoms for several consecutive days to the point where they feel a sharp pain, they decide to respond and visit their doctor. This is the beginning of the disease.

The time that elapses between when you get the infection and the first day of declared gastroenteritis (incubation period) depends on the type of infection. It can last for an hour or for many weeks, but it usually lasts between two and three days.

What is gastroenteritis?

It is a disease that affects the stomach. The most common cause is the presence of bacteria that are usually ingested due to some contaminated food. This bacterium damages the gastric mucosa and causes inflammation and bloating.

Sometimes this disease is caused by the use or misuse of painkillers, against viruses or parasites, as a result of the use of cocaine, alcohol or stress.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are:

• Burning in the stomach, which means the upper part of the abdomen
• Raping
• Hiccup
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• The feeling of being “too full” after eating
• Loss of appetite

From the first day of gastroenteritis, these symptoms may begin to appear. This can happen at the same time or with just one of them. It is necessary to monitor your symptoms, as they are an indication that the disease has developed. There are patients who suffer from very mild symptoms, while others have unbearable pain.

Suggestions to keep in mind from the first day of gastroenteritis

Just when you notice the first symptoms, the most important piece of advice is to consult your doctor. However, there are some measures that should be taken until the doctor makes the diagnosis and prescribes a treatment, for example:

• Keep your stomach and intestines empty. If it is not full of food, the infection will not spread and it will heal. Because of this, the affected person should skip two or three meals and not eat anything.
• Eat little by little. Start with natural foods and remedies such as natural sugar-free yogurt, as lactobacillus will help replenish the intestinal flora. It is important that the food does not contain sugar, because sugary foods will help spread the infection. It is also advisable to eat rice and clean bread (in small portions).
• Drink plenty of bottled water. Drink it with small sips. It is recommended that you drink two tablespoons of water every five minutes. The small amounts of water will effectively hydrate the body.

Once the disease has disappeared, and for a while after, we recommend that you eat small but frequent meals. It is important to avoid irritating foods, such as those that are spicy, sour and fried, as well as alcohol consumption. Infusions can also help soothe the pain. Incorporating stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, is usually a great help.

How is gastroenteritis spread?

This disease is becoming more and more common all over the world and can spread in different ways:

• By eating contaminated food.
• From person to person. This happens if an infected person goes to the toilet and then does not wash their hands before working with food or touching other people.
• When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is transmitted to the air and someone can inhale it.
• By drinking contaminated water, especially in places where the water is of low quality for consumption.

Prevention of gastroenteritis

Hygiene is a fundamental factor when it comes to prevention. If there is a person in your home who is infected with gastroenteritis, hygienic measures are the most important way to prevent it from spreading. Some suggestions to prevent this are:

• Clean the toilet frequently with disinfectant.
• Avoid sharing towels and kitchen utensils with people who show symptoms of gastroenteritis.
• Insist on washing your hands as well as getting others in the family to do it.
• Avoid eating foods that do not offer hygienic guarantees, such as those sold on the street.

• Always drink boiled water or from a bottle.
• Wash and disinfect vegetables and fruits before eating them.
• Cool foods such as cheeses, milk, butter, cream and meat.

It is important to deal with this condition during the first few days and to follow the treatment your doctor has given you strictly, if not, there may be acute gastroenteritis.