Gastroenteritis
November 8th, 2008 Posted by: admin
Description
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes referred to as stomach flu, gastroenteritis can be caused by a number of different factors, including bacteria, virus (usually the rotavirus or Norwalk virus), internal parasites, food poisoning, and tainted drinking water.
Symptoms of gastritis usually come on suddenly, and with the possible exceptions of headache and fever, are limited to the gastrointestinal tract. The severity and duration of symptoms depends solely on what caused the infection. Most cases of gastritis last for no more than 48 hours, though some viral infections and parasites can cause more than a week of discomfort.
Signs and Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
Conventional Medical Treatment
If you suspect you have gastritis, see your physician, who conducts a physical examination. A stool sample also may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and uncover the cause. If the condition is not severe, your doctor may prescribe an anti-diarrheal medication and recommend increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration and replace fluids lost through diarrhea. If you have a severe bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Nutrition and Supplementation
Gastroenteritis often is caused by a viral infection. Fallow dietary guidelines for gastritis, and supplement with zinc to stimulate immunity and with vitamin A to help the intestinal lining. Daily supplementation guidelines follow:
- vitamin C (1000 mg)
- zinc (25 to 30 mg; never take on an empty stomach)
- vitamin A (5000 IU)
- multivitamin complex
(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Gastroenteritis encompasses mynad symptoms, from nausea and vomiting to diarrhea and stomach cramps. Fortunately, acupuncture can be used to remedy most gastroenteritis-related problems, whether viral or parasitic in nature. The areas to be targeted depend on the patient’s symptoms, but they will include various stomach, large intestine, kidney, bladder, gallbladder, and related points.
Acupressure To help relieve the discomfort of gastroenteritis, the practitioner may focus on massaging Pericardium 6 (to relieve nausea), along with points on the abdomen and lower back (for other symptoms).
Chinese Herbal Therapy Fresh ginger is a famous nausea home remedy; costus and garlic can be used to quell dysentery. Chinese formulas that may be used to help relieve gastroenteritis include Curing Pills, Citrus and Pinellia, Bupleurum and Tang Gui, and Ginseng and Atractylodes.
