What Is Gastroenteritis? Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment Explained
When everyone else is having fun in the sun, you don’t want to be missing out because of a stomach bug. (PHOTO: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels)
By Dr Laylah Fayker | MBChB (STELL)
The warmer months might be known for the sun and outdoor activities, but one unwelcome guest that’s known to show up is gastroenteritis. As people are more likely to spend time with family, travel, and prepare food this time of year, the chance for contamination and the spread of infection is higher than at any other time.
While everyone dips their toes into the ocean or shares a chilled beverage, nobody wants to miss out while dealing with stomach issues. We unpack how to handle it so you can get back to enjoying the warmer season.
What is it?
Gastroenteritis occurs when the stomach and intestines are inflamed and can be caused by infections or viruses. In South Africa, the viruses most commonly responsible for gastroenteritis are the norovirus and rotavirus. Alternatively, it can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections—the most common being a viral infection for both adults and children.
TYPES OF INFECTIONS COMMONLY CAUSING GASTROENTERITIS
VIRAL – Caused by viruses which invade your body’s cells to multiply
BACTERIAL – Caused by bacteria, an organism that can multiply independently. Examples of this are E.coli or salmonella which often occur due to poor food hygiene or improper food handling.
PARASITIC – Caused by parasites, which are tiny creatures like tapeworms which live in your body and use your body as a resource to remain alive.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Food poisoning and gastroenteritis are often, but one thing that can help you distinguish between the two. The first typically occurs between 12 and 24 hours whereas gastroenteritis is more persistent and can occur for multiple days and even weeks when not treated timely.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis:
Diarrhoea (watery stools)
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain or cramps cai
Fever
Decreased appetite
Dehydration (which can show up as a dry mouth and reduced urination)
In children: Poor appetite, irritability and listlessness
When untreated: It can lead to exacerbated gastrointestinal diseases like IBS and gastritis
WHO IT AFFECTS THE MOST
Children are especially vulnerable to dehydration as they have a smaller body size and a big loss can have life-threatening consequences. Added to this, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, like cancer patients and people living with HIV are easily affected by gastroenteritis.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO SEE A DOCTOR
Once you start experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see the doctor:
Severe dehydration: Dry mouth, dizziness, and very little urination.
High fever: A fever above 38.5°C in children or 39°C in adults warrants medical attention.
Blood in stool or vomit: This shows a possibility of a more severe infection.
Severe abdominal pain: This is a possible sign of complications like appendicitis or other gastrointestinal conditions.
Prolonged symptoms: If symptoms last more than a few days or worsen, it’s important to see a doctor.
Drinking the Oral Rehydration Solution is helpful when experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms. (PHOTO: Mart Production/Pexels)
HOW TO TREAT IT AT HOME:
1. Hydration
As there is a great deal of fluid loss in gastro, this is the most important step. It’s vital that you replace lost fluids and electrolytes by consuming the Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) which can be made at home.
How to make ORS:
Ingredients:
1 litre of safe water (water that has been boiled and cooled or bottled)
½ a teaspoon of salt
4 tablespoons of sugar
What to do:
Combine all ingredients until the salt and sugar are dissolved in the water.
Consume after every loose stool. If more ORS is needed, you’ll need to make more.
2. Dietary Adjustments
To prevent rebound nausea and diarrhoea, slowly start introducing foods back into your diet. Foods that are easy to digest, like toast, rice and bananas are a good place to start. Avoid foods that irritate the stomach like dairy, spicy and acidic foods should be avoided at this time.
3. Rest
As your energy is already limited when experiencing gastro symptoms, rest forms an important part of the recovery process.
4. Self-medicate
Make use of over-the-counter medication like anti-diarrheal medication along with pain medication for any abdominal cramps.
5. Take probiotics
When suffering from gastro, you are most likely to lose gut flora through fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhoea. Taking probiotics helps restore your gut flora, which is the group of good bacteria and organisms that promote the breakdown of nutrients in your gut for absorption. Gut flora assists with normal digestion and helps maintain a healthy immune system.
Having gastroenteritis can be exhausting and taking it easy is one of the best things you can do to recuperate. (PHOTO: Miriam Alonso/Pexels)
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
The best way to avoid gastroenteritis during the peak gastro season is by practising proper hygiene and food safety. Here are some tips for preventing the spread of gastroenteritis:
Wash your hands frequently: Especially after using the toilet, handling food, or caring for someone who is ill.
Ensure proper food hygiene: Cook food thoroughly, avoid eating undercooked meat, and wash fruits and vegetables properly.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clean, safe water, particularly during hot weather.
Avoid close contact with infected individuals: Gastroenteritis spreads easily, so it's important to avoid sharing utensils, towels, or close contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness.
Vaccinate against rotavirus: There is a vaccine available for rotavirus, which is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children. Speak to your healthcare provider about vaccination options.
Gastroenteritis is a common but unpleasant illness, especially during South Africa's gastro season lasting from November to March. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies, you can help reduce the risk of infection for you and your loved ones. If you or your child show signs of dehydration or worsening symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice promptly.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the summer season!
