Symptoms of stomach flu

Information on Stomach Flu

Stomach flu is a medical condition which can be characterized by an irritated gastrointestinal tract. The irritation usually gets triggered by certain types of bacterial or viral infections.

This condition is medically referred to as the gastroenteritis. It is actually a pathological disturbance of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract which can be recognized by an irritated small intestine and stomach. In most cases it gets triggered by certain types of viral infections. Other possible causes may include bacterial infections, biotoxins and certain types of parasites.

The most common viruses that cause the stomach flu include norovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus. Norovirus is the one that causes the most cases of intestinal flu. Rotavirus usually affects infants more than it affects the adult persons. The most common species of bacteria that can be associated with stomach flu include Escherichia coli, salmonella, clostridium and staphylococcus.

Of all parasites that can be affiliated with the stomach flu, giardia is the most common one. Most cases of stomach flu caused by infections are associated with the consumption of contaminated beverages and food.

Other causes may include consumption of polluted water, seafood, mushrooms and sometimes even heavy metal poisoning.

Symptoms and Treatments

The symptoms of stomach flu can be different from person to person and they largely depend on the factor that caused the condition in the first place. Diarrhea is the major symptoms which is present in almost all cases.

Viral intestinal flu can be characterized watery stools, while bacterial instances of this medical condition usually cause the stools to become bloody. Some cases may also involve vomiting.

Other symptoms of intestinal flu may or may not include nausea, dark eye circles, headache, pale skin color, fever, dehydration, loss of appetite, low fever, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, inflammation of the large intestine, and inflammation of the colon. In order to properly diagnose the condition the patient needs to be examined and the stool analysis needs to be performed.

This condition usually lasts for just a couple of days and in cannot be cured, so it is best to leave it to resolve on its own. There are several remedies which can be helpful in reducing the intensity of the symptoms and shortening the duration of the condition. Salt and sugar can be dissolved in water and consumed in order to prevent excess dehydration.

Lime juice can be used for the same purposes. Peppermint and ginger tea are also good for replenish the lost body fluids. Flavored soda drinks can sometimes be helpful as well.

Coffee and other caffeinated products should be avoided. Apples and bananas are very helpful in relieving the symptoms. Yogurt can also come in very handy.