Gastroenteritis: Last week I developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea which lasted a couple of days. Although I'm recovering slowly I'm still not back to myself.
Gastroenteritis is usually a self-limiting condition which includes a combination of symptoms such as abdominal cramping and pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, chills and high temperature. In severe cases you can also experience rectal burning, tenesmus (painful spasm of the rectal sphincter) and bloody stools. The majority of cases of gastroenteritis are caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections.
It can last between 24 and 72 hours and depending on its length and severity it can take an additional few days before you feel back to normal. Severe gastroenteritis which is either prolonged or left untreated can result in dehydration and a change in the balance of electrolytes within the body. Therefore if a bout is protracted or particularly severe you should seek medical assistance.
I'm careful about washing my hands before eating so how did I pick it up?
You can contract gastroenteritis in a variety of ways. Improper handling of food during preparation, storage or cooking can allow harmful bacteria to thrive. In addition, viruses that cause gastroenteritis may be passed from one person to another. Food and water can become contaminated from environmental pollutants, while toxic substances found in some foods such as mushrooms or rhubarb leaves can also cause severe gastroenteritis. Although you are correct to wash you hands regularly and always before eating, it is more difficult to ensure that anyone preparing your food is following the same protocol.
What's the best way to treat it? I just stuck to water and dry toast.
Treatment with a combination of anti-diarrhoea and anti-nausea drugs can be helpful. In addition if a bacterial cause is suspected then a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. If dehydration occurs a special preparation, available from your pharmacist which restores the electrolyte balance, is recommended. Once diarrhoea has subsided dilute fruit juice, tea, clear broth and other bland foods should be introduced slowly.
Avoid foods that are high in roughage such as raw fruits or vegetables and whole-grain products. Milk and other dairy products may cause a recurrence of diarrhoea if reintroduced to the diet too soon.
Marion Kerr