Treatment of Gastroenteritis
Most cases of gastroenteritis are self-limiting, requiring no medication. Self-care at home may help relieve the symptoms and prevent dehydration.
Follow these steps at home to recover from a bout of gastroenteritis.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Even if you are vomiting, drink as much water as you can tolerate, in small sips.
- Get plenty of rest. The loss of fluids would have left the person weak and tired. Exertion will only contribute to the dehydration.
- Go easy on food. Avoid dairy products, coffee and tea, alcohol, and oily food. When the person is able to keep things down, restrict him- or herself to easy-to-digest foods, like bananas, toast, crackers, and rice.
- Avoid medications, unless prescribed by a medical professional. They may add to the stomach irritation, making the condition worse.
- Use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to keep the child hydrated.1 Water may not be absorbed well, and carbonated drinks, apple juice, and sports drinks are not suitable for children.
- Continue breastfeeding your child even when he or she has a bout of gastroenteritis. It is very rare for a baby to have to stop breastfeeding.
Medication may be of help in certain situations. Gastroenteritis arising from parasitic infection is treated with antiparasitic drugs such as metronidazole and nitazoxanide. The patient may be advised to take antibiotics if he or she has bacterial infection. Probiotics (good bacteria) have recently gained popularity and have been known to reduce the severity of rotavirus diarrhea.2
Next page: Prevention of gastroenteritis
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 08, 2012