People frequently confuse symptoms of stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, with the viral condition known as "flu". However, they are not the same, says the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
Stomach flu occurs when the stomach and intestines (also known as the gastrointestinal tract or GI tract) become inflamed and irritated. Bacteria, viruses and parasites are among the causes, as are food responses and contaminated water.
Flu symptoms include fever, congestion, muscular aches and lethargy. The influenza virus is to blame. Severe occurrences might result in life-threatening infections such as pneumonia.
Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat bacterial gastroenteritis, but they are ineffective against flu viruses, says the gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Flu?
The typical symptoms of stomach flu are:
• Cramps in your stomach or sides
• Stomach ache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
Vomiting and diarrhea (or both) can cause your body to lose a lot of fluid in severe circumstances. If you also start losing weight, you should seek medical treatment as it can sometimes be life-threatening. Sunken eyes, light-headedness, increased thirst, a dry or sticky mouth, a lack of normal skin suppleness, less peeing and fewer tears are warning signs, says the top gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
You can avoid it by drinking enough fluids. Start with basic foods like toast, rice, bananas and applesauce when you can eat again. If possible, return to a normal diet within 24 hours.
What Is the Root Cause?
Bacteria, viruses, parasites and poor hygiene are all causes of gastroenteritis. E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella and Salmonella are among the bacteria that cause gastroenteritis. Viruses are responsible for around half of all gastroenteritis cases in adults and even more in children, says the gastroenterologist in Kolkata. Some examples are:
• Adenovirus
• Rotavirus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Astrovirus
• Calicivirus
Stomach viruses spread quickly because people do not thoroughly wash their hands after using the restroom or changing a baby's diaper. Wash your hands with soap for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Because stomach flu is so contagious, it can affect the entire family if one of them gets it. Many doctors refer to it as “a family affair” due to this reason.
Parasites such as giardia, cryptosporidium and E. histolytic can induce severe diarrhea and dehydration in people with stomach flu. They are frequently seen in areas where the water is contaminated. To avoid them, travellers should consume packaged drinking water. Eating contaminated foods, chemical pollutants and medicines can also cause gastroenteritis, says a specialist of The Newtown Clinic, the best gastroenterology hospital in Kolkata.
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