The gastroenteritis that makes us better thanStomach fluis known to arise from the ingestion of various types of viruses or bacteria. These occur, among other things, in spoiled food, so food poisoning is a common cause of stomach flu. They can also be absorbed by toxic substances. These include, for example, mushrooms and pesticides. However, this case occurs less frequently. Contamination with such viruses or bacteria can happen at any time. That's how they canGroceriescome into contact with the viruses in the factory or in the store or during storage at home. Restaurants can also pose a danger.
The symptoms of stomach and intestinal flu
The symptoms in oneStomach fluare extremely unpleasant. The disease usually begins with a loss of appetite. This is followed by nausea and vomiting. There are also cramping abdominal pains and diarrhea after a few hours at the latest. The latter can also contain mucus or blood. That depends on the extent of the gastrointestinal flu. Fever can also be a symptom. The patient feels weakened and may be plagued by dizziness. All of these symptoms can occur over a different period of time. The duration and extent of the disease depends on the type of pathogen. Of course, the human organism also plays a further role. It can only take between half an hour and an hour, but it can also take several days. In most cases it soundsStomach fluafter 24 to 48 hours. But that doesn't mean that you'll recover straight away. On the contrary! The body then needs up to 10 days to fully recover.
Who is at risk from stomach flu?
If the immune system is not sufficiently strengthened, the risk of infection is greater. For this reason, newborns and small children whose organisms have not yet developed immunity to the various pathogens are particularly at risk. Even during thepregnancyextreme caution should be exercised. Older people are also at greater risk. There are also some chronic diseases that increase the risk ofStomach fluincrease. Such diseases are diabetes, liver pathology, HIV, healing through immunosuppression, eating disorders such as starvation.
The triggers of the stomach and intestinal flu
There are numerous pathogens that cause gastrointestinal flu. Because the illness passes quickly in most cases, no doctor is consulted. It therefore remains uncertain which pathogens exactly caused the gastrointestinal flu. Furthermore, even when you see a doctor, tests to identify the pathogen are not always carried out. The reason for this is that this knowledge would have no influence on the healing therapy, that is, it would always be the same.
The following pathogens can cause gastrointestinal flu:
Viruses
The most common reason for oneStomach flu, which was caused by viruses, is the rotavirus. This usually infects children, who in turn can pass it on to adults. But it also happens that children are carriers of the virus without showing any symptoms themselves. The calicivirus, on the other hand, causes the disease in people of all ages. The risk of becoming infected is particularly high if you are in a room with sick people or carriers of the virus. This virus also includes the Norwalk virus and the Norwalk-like virus. Adenoviruses and the hepatitis A and E viruses can also cause diseases with symptoms similar to:Stomach flusame.
bacteria
Bacteria can be very dangerous. Their effect or the poisons they produce are callingInflammationthe gastric mucosa. This can lead to serious complications and organ failure. Those affected can fall into a coma or even die. Salmonella is a common cause of bacterial infection and food poisoning. These are mostly found in meat, fish, eggs and milk. The reason for this is often that they are not stored properly. Room temperature offers the perfect conditions for the formation of salmonella. The salmonella continues to multiply in the gastrointestinal tract and secrete endotoxins, which are particularly dangerous for patients with a weakened immune system. The resulting symptoms usually begin 48 hours after ingestion of the bacteria. TheStomach fluitself lasts 2 to 8 days.
Other triggers
There are also other triggers for the stomach flu. These include, for example, Shigella, Yersinia enterocollitica, Staphylococcus aureus. They are all representatives of the Clostridium family. Clostridium botulinum is often found in improperly preserved foods prepared at home. The bacterium affects the nervous system.
The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
There are also bacteria that occur in the human gastrointestinal tract and can be dangerous, including gastro-intestinal flu can evoke. One such bacterium is Escherichia Coli, abbreviated E. coli.
Pesticides
Pesticides can also be oneStomach flucause. However, in this case the symptoms are different and are caused by the neurotransmitters of the nervous system being blocked. Symptoms include excessive sweating and saliva production, slow heartbeat, spasms in the bronchi and consequent shortness of breath, vision problems, dizziness, muscle weakness or even paralysis. The reason for falling ill with this type of stomach flu is food that has been processed with pesticides and not washed well before consumption. It is just as dangerous to eat such foods (often...Vegetables) to be consumed shortly after using pesticides.
Mushrooms
Depending on the variety, mushrooms can cause stomach flu cause various symptoms. Some only cause symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea and diarrhea. Some varieties may also exhibit symptoms such as those associated with pesticide poisoning. The reason for this is again that these mushrooms influence the messenger substances in the nervous system. However, some mushrooms can also lead to severe liver failure.
In which cases should you see a doctor?
As already mentioned, food poisoning goes away on its own within a few days. The organism recovers on its own. However, there are cases in which it is advisable to see a doctor. An elevated temperature is generally dangerous and should be at oneStomach flushould not be underestimated. If you notice blood in your diarrhea or vomit, or if the cramps become unbearable, this is also a sign that you should see a doctor.
A serious consequence, especially in newborns, is dehydration due to constant vomiting and diarrhea. That's why it's important to drink plenty of fluids once the nausea and vomiting has subsided. The liquids should under no circumstances contain carbon dioxide and should only have a low sugar content. To avoid irritating your stomach, you should drink small sips. If there is a serious case of gastrointestinal flu, dehydration is counteracted by a hospital stay where fluids are given intravenously.
For faster healingStomach fluAn antibiotic may also be prescribed. However, this only occurs in the case of a bacterial illness, as it has no effect on viruses. Diarrhea can also, under certain circumstances, be treated with medication. Medications such as Imodium, Smecta or Enterol are often used for this purpose. However, since prolonged use is not recommended, attempts are made to avoid it.
The body's recovery phase
Is theStomach fluover, that doesn't mean you should jump straight back into work. Quite the opposite! The body still needs rest in order to recover. You can help him in a variety of ways. Since the stomach is still irritated, you should eat food that is easy to digest. These include toasted bread, cookies, boiled potatoes and rice, and bananas. Like water, you should consume this in small portions. What you should definitely avoid in order to recover more quickly from the stomach flu is alcohol, as well as caffeinated drinks and spicy food.
Stomach flu prevention
The best thing you can do to avoid getting sick is to practice proper hygiene, including in the kitchen.
– Make sure you always wash your hands well, clean the kitchen counter thoroughly and rinse the cutlery well. This especially applies to knives and the wooden board after you have cut raw meat or vegetables.
– When storing fully cooked food in the refrigerator, it should be kept separate from the raw products.
– As already mentioned, you should not keep the food at room temperature, that is, no longer than 2 hours. If the weather is warm, this should not exceed an hour. The pathogens of oneStomach flureproduce better under these conditions.
– If you are not convinced of the quality of a product, it is better not to consume itStomach fluto avoid. This also applies to products whose expiry date has expired.
– To defrost frozen foods, use the microwave or place them in cold water. It is even better if you take the product out of the freezer in a timely manner and put it in the refrigerator to thaw. Avoid letting the products thaw at room temperature to avoid pathogensStomach fluwho can form.
– You should avoid foods that do not contain well-processed meat, fish or eggs!
– Do not store food near cleaning products.
Even if you travel, you can take the riskStomach flureduce the risk of illness to a minimum. For example, never drink water from the tap. Instead, buy bottled mineral water that you also use to brush your teeth. You should also not use ice cubes from a restaurant.
