1. Causes of the disease
Gastroenteritis is mainly caused by a virus called Coxsackievirus, often accompanied by bacterial co-infection. Medically, gastroenteritis is also known as "vomiting-related upper respiratory tract infection." Its main symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea (multiple bowel movements per day), and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and damage to the immune system.
Treating gastroenteritis as a flu can actually delay proper diagnosis and treatment. The main triggers for gastroenteritis are external stimuli, and it often occurs during changes in temperature. This is due to cold air irritating the stomach and intestines, coupled with unhealthy lifestyle habits and poor diet. Gastroenteritis is different from gastroenteritis. The main difference is that patients with acute gastroenteritis often have a history of consuming contaminated food, experience more severe nausea and vomiting with a pungent odor, but generally do not have a fever. Many people mistakenly treat gastroenteritis as acute gastroenteritis in its early stages.
Preventing gastroenteritis is actually quite simple: drink plenty of water, preferably not refrigerated drinks, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, eat easily digestible foods, ensure good ventilation in your living room, and avoid crowded public places.
For patients with gastroenteritis, the saying "a cold is most vulnerable when it affects the internal organs" holds true. If the virus impacts organs such as the liver and kidneys, it increases their burden. If the virus invades the heart or brain, it can lead to other diseases such as viral myocarditis and viral encephalitis. Therefore, when symptoms worsen, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment and causing other complications.
2. Diagnosis and treatment
Anti-inflammatory drugs
For patients with good gastrointestinal response, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin can be used. If there is a concurrent viral infection, ribavirin or moroxydine hydrochloride can be used. For fever reduction, acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be used. If the condition is severe and causes stomach cramps, dexamethasone can be used for emergency treatment.
When used in conjunction with other medications, Huoxiang Zhengqi tablets and Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid are more effective.
Take a rest
Treatment for gastroenteritis mainly focuses on rest. On the one hand, patients should rest more to reduce physical exertion and enhance the body's ability to fight the disease.
On the other hand, it's also important to allow the stomach and intestines to rest fully. Reducing the burden on the digestive system helps restore digestive function sooner, allowing for increased food intake. Conversely, overburdening the stomach and intestines can eventually lead to chronic gastroenteritis.
Food therapy
Under normal circumstances, a diet of about a week should not cause nutritional deficiencies. If vomiting is significant in the early stages, intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary; otherwise, treatment is the same as for a cold. You can also refer to the experiences of some patients: a suitable fasting method can be used, but it is important to drink plenty of fluids, preferably a little salt and sugar water, ensuring at least 500 ml per day.
