Causes and Symptoms of gastroenteritis:
- Gastroenteritis is a common infection of the stomach and intestines, symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal bloating, cramps or pain. One common cause is consuming food contaminated with virus or bacteria. Prolonged food storage in room temperature leading to bacterial growth can lead to food poisoning.
- Virus or bacteria adhered to gastrointestinal mucosa will cause vomiting or diarrhea which may last for a few days.
Dietary Advice:
Dietary Advice:
- Due to gastrointestinal mucosal damage from diarrhea and vomiting, food that is greasy, processed, salty, spicy & with strong smell should be avoided, as the stomach is intolerable to dairy products or fatty food when there is gastroenteritis.
- It is important to rehydrate with electrolyte supplements. Try to take diluted drink (1 part to 4 parts of water) and start with sips. If the stomach can tolerate the amount, then continue with more rehydration. Good electrolyte supplements include drinks like Pocari, rice water and diluted juice.
- Avoid undercooked seafood & shellfish.
- Salad is not recommended.
Home Care advice:
Home Care advice:
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Rehydrate orally and continue with prescribed electrolyte supplements.
- Good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus or bacteria: Wet hands with water then apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces, rub hands for at least 20 seconds then rinse with water. Dry hands thoroughly with a single-use towel and use the towel to turn off faucet. This is an important practice before cooking, eating and after toileting.
- Put fresh food in the fridge or freezer if not consumed immediately. Raw food and cooked food should be stored separately.
- For babies and infants, discard unfinished milk immediately and do not use it for the next feeding.
Emergency warning signs that need immediate medical attention:
Emergency warning signs that need immediate medical attention:
- Unable to swallow anything including medications.
- Shows signs of dehydration:
- have not urinated for 8 hours or more
- increase in dizziness and alertness
- confused in speech
- decrease in conscious level
- intensifying diarrhea with mucous & blood in stool
- For infants or children:
- substantially reduce in urine output or dry diaper for 6 hours or more
- sunken eyes or dark circles around eyes
- a lack of tears when crying
- sunken fontanelle in infants
- extremely dry mouth and tongue
- increase in dullness or disorientation
- diminished or loss of skin turgor
- cool or clammy hands and feet
- change in breathing pattern (faster or slower)
* Warm reminder*
* Warm reminder*
- It is not recommended to use anti-diarrheal drugs since they can allow bacteria to stay in the intestines and promote bacterial growth. Even though symptoms may improve, the root cause of the disease is not cured.
- Please take sick leave if symptoms still exist to prevent the spread of disease.
How to Contact Us
How to Contact Us
If you have any of the above conditions, please return to the urgent care room immediately or contact 36518888 for consultation arrangement.
