Stomach discomfort and vomiting

Nowadays, due to the increase in social engagements, some stomach problems are becoming more and more common, especially among the younger generation. Due to unhealthy eating habits and frequent consumption of irritating foods, almost everyone has some stomach problems to a greater or lesser extent. Common symptoms include stomach pain and vomiting. Generally, if the vomiting continues until yellow water is vomited, it is basically an attack of gastroenteritis, and it is already quite serious and needs early treatment. The following editor will introduce the situation in detail.

Overview of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is usually caused by microbial infection, but can also be caused by chemical toxins or drugs. Typical clinical manifestations are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In healthy adults, gastroenteritis usually causes only discomfort and inconvenience without causing serious consequences, but in seriously ill, debilitated, very young, or elderly patients it can cause life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.

Causes

Infectious gastroenteritis can be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Toxins and drugs can cause chemical gastroenteritis. Viral infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. There are many viruses that can cause gastroenteritis, the most common of which is rotavirus, followed by Norwalk virus, astrovirus and enteric adenovirus.

Common routes of infection include: food (especially seafood), contaminated water sources, contact with infected people, unclean tableware, and not washing hands before eating.

treat

Treatment of gastroenteritis should include fasting and correction of water and electrolyte imbalance. Usually, all that is needed is bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids (such as oral rehydration salts). Even patients who are vomiting should drink as much fluid as possible. Breastfeeding infants should continue to breastfeed. If vomiting or diarrhea persists or if dehydration is severe, intravenous rehydration may be necessary. Antiemetics may be used when vomiting is severe. If diarrhea persists for more than 24 to 48 hours and there is no evidence of a more serious bacterial infection, antidiarrheal drugs may be added. Antiemetics and antidiarrheal drugs are generally not recommended for children.

Because antibiotics may cause diarrhea or promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, they are usually not recommended even if the pathogen of gastroenteritis has been identified. However, antibiotics may be used for infections caused by certain pathogens (such as Campylobacter, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, etc.) or for patients with traveler's diarrhea.

Antibiotics are not effective for gastroenteritis caused by viral infections. Gastroenteritis caused by parasitic infections requires the use of antiparasitic drugs.