Conditions & Diseases: Digestive System

Stomach Flu (Gastroenterititis)

See Also:
Stomach Flu: Introduction
Stomach Flu: Causes & Risk Factors
Stomach Flu: Symptoms & Medical Tests
Stomach Flu: Treatment & Prevention Options

Treatment Options

Over the counter antidiarrheal drugs such as Imodium, Lomotil and Pepto-Bismol are often recommended to control diarrhea and stomach cramps (6).

Antiemetics (i.e., medications used to stop vomiting) such as Promethazine, Prochlorperazine or Ondansetron may be prescribed to adults (6).

Your physician may also recommend a liquid diet high in electrolytes and/or an Oral Rehydration Solution made at home or purchased in a store.

Prevention Methods

Gastroenteritis can be prevented by adopting some simple hygienic measures:

1. Thorough washing of hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing nappies, after smoking, after using a handkerchief or tissue, or after handling animals.

2. Thorough washing of hands with soap and water before preparing food or eating.

3. Using disposable paper towels to dry hands rather than cloth towels, since the bacteria can survive for some time on objects

4. Cold food should be stored below 5°C and hot food should be maintained at temperatures above 60°C to prevent the growth of bacteria.

5. Foods should be thoroughly cooked.

6. Toilets and bathrooms ought to be cleaned regularly, especially the toilet seat, door handles and taps.

7. When travelling overseas, only drink bottled water must be consumed. Food buffets, uncooked foods or peeled fruits, vegetables and ice in drinks must be avoided (8).

See Also:
Stomach Flu: Introduction
Stomach Flu: Causes & Risk Factors
Stomach Flu: Symptoms & Medical Tests
Stomach Flu: Treatment & Prevention Options

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

Bibliography

1. Gastroenteritis, NHS Direct, Health Encyclopaedia, August 2007.
2. Gastroenteritis, Medicinenet.com, January 2007.
3. Introduction, Digestive Disorders, The Merck Manuals, September 2007.
4. Viral Gastroenteritis, National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), February 2006.
5. Gastroenteritis in Adults and Older Children, PatientPlus, March 2007.
6. Gastroenteritis, eMedicineHealth, Jason Gardiner, August 2005
7. Gastroenteritis, The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center, August 2005.
8. Gastroenteritis - an overview, Better Health Channel, Department of Human Services, State Government of Victoria, February 2007.