Treatment of gastroenteritis Self-help for gastroenteritis. The clinician encounters acute viral gastroenteritis … Wash your hands thoroughly. This content does not have an English version. 1991; 325: 252-264. Lifestyle and home remedies. Treating bacterial gastroenteritis Treatment is meant to keep you hydrated and avoid complications. Activity of nitazoxanide against viral gastroenteritis: a systematic review. Since viral gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not get rid of it. All rights reserved. Viral gastroenteritis is caused by different viruses and the most common include norovirus and rotavirus. Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home until you're feeling better. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms. Treatment is symptomatic, although some parasitic and some bacterial infections require specific anti-infective therapy. The biggest risk is dehydration. Ask your child's doctor if giving your child an oral rehydration solution, available without a prescription at pharmacies, would help. Stomach flu caused by bacteria or parasites may last longer. Talk with a doctor about giving these solutions to your infant. Start with bland, easy-to-digest food such as crackers, bananas, toast, rice, and chicken. Treatment mainly involves symptom relief and fluid replacement. Oral rehydration therapy is the mainstay of treatment. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Food poisoning is defined as 'an illness caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated with bacteria and/or their toxins, or with parasites, viruses, or chemicals'. TTY: +1-866-569-1162, Email: healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov The biggest danger is dehydration from loss of fluid due to diarrhea and vomiting. The flu vaccine does not protect against viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis ranges from a self-limited watery diarrheal illness (usually <1 wk) associated with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, anorexia, malaise, or fever, to severe dehydration resulting in hospitalization or even death. Once your nausea starts to subside, gradually resume a normal diet. Just rest and drink lots of fluids. Infectious Diseases A--Z: How to tell if your upset stomach is a viral infection, Mayo Clinic Minute: What is 'stomach flu? Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, M-F. NIH staff guidance on coronavirus (NIH Only): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://employees.nih.gov/pages/coronavirus, Find tips on what to eat when you have viral gastroenteritis, complementary or alternative medicines or practices, https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/preventing-infection.html, https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/vaccination.html, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, before and after handling, preparing, or eating food, RotaTeq: Infants receive three doses, at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months, Rotarix: Infants receive this vaccine in two doses, at ages 2 months and 4 months. See a doctor for treatment. 2. What are the Causes of Gastroenteritis? Symptoms of Gastroenteritis With gastroenteritis, the main symptoms you probably have are watery diarrhea and vomiting . Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease. Drink a lot of clear liquids, including sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions … Treatment initially consists of self-care measures. When you have viral gastroenteritis, you may vomit after you eat or lose your appetite for a short time. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The best way to prevent the spread of intestinal infections is to follow these precautions: 1. ', Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. You can try the following suggestions until your symptoms subside: 1. For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicines or practices. Noroviruses affect both children and adults and it is the most common cause of foodborne disease. If there are questions about the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to an infectious disease specialist. Gastroenteritis is a transient disorder due to enteric infection, usually caused by viruses, characterized by sudden onset of diarrhoea, with or without vomiting. 2014 Oct. 33(10):1663-73. . It’s important not to lose too much salt, such as … Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common illnesses affecting humans and may be caused by a large variety of different microbes. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Often a bland diet will be advised, such as boiled chicken and rice or a therapeutic diet that’s specifically developed to be gentle on the gastrointestinal tract. Treatments for viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) There’s frequently no particular medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Matson DO. Two vaccines, which infants receive by mouth, are approved to protect against rotavirus infections8. There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gastroenteritis is also known as a tummy bug, stomach flu, intestinal flu, food poisoning, and traveller’s diarrhoea. The clinician encounters acute viral gastroenteritis in 3 settings. Viral gastroenteritis is characterized by watery, non-bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and rotavirus is usually associated with more severe diarrhea and with significant mortality compared with the rest. The chapter discusses several potential modes of symptomatic therapy for viral gastroenteritis including probiotics, antivirals, passive immunotherapy, and antidiarrheals. A 2- to 3-day prodrome of fever and vomiting is followed by nonbloody diarrhea (up to 10–20 bowel movements per day) lasting for 1–4 days Several viruses can cause gastroenteritis. Do not routinely prescribe antibiotics to children with gastroenteritis. Generally speaking, viral gastroenteritis accounts for 21%-40% of the cases of infectious diarrhea in developed countries. Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes vomiting, nausea, fever and diarrhea. This is the water that remains after boiling … However, diagnosis requires the identification of the virus in stool samples, as symptoms associated with any of these viruses alone are not sufficiently discriminatory. Rotavirus. Causes. In adults, the two most common causes of gastroenteritis are viral and bacterial infections: Doctors may need to treat people with severe dehydration in a hospital. Updated July 15, 2016. Viruses can be found in the vomit and the diarrhea of infected people. If you are too nauseated to drink several ounces at once, try taking many smaller sips over a longer period. The main goal is to prevent dehydration while you’re sick. Tan EM, Cawcutt KA, Zomok CD, Go RS, Sia IG. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of your intestines that typically causes watery diarrhea, pain or cramping in your abdomen, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. It’s also highly contagious. Treatment of viral gastroenteritis is based primarily on replacement of fluid and electrolytes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Health Information Center, Phone: +1-800-860-8747 What causes viral gastroenteritis? https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/vaccination.html. [8] Rotavirus: vaccination. In most cases, it lasts only a few days and doesn’t require treatment. There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness. Acute diarrhea in adults is a common problem encountered by family … The stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is a nonspecific term for various inflammatory problems in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Global Viral Gastroenteritis Treatment Market: Drivers and Restraints. Children can usually be treated at home. It just takes time for the viral infection to run its course. Viral gastroenteritis is the acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines caused by enteropathogenic viruses. 1. Are there any alternatives? Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and even fever. Treatment for gastroenteritis in dogs. Talk with a doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter medicine. Clinical trials. People commonly call viral gastroenteritis “stomach flu,” but the term is not medically correct. (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but usually goes away in a day or two without treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral gastroenteritis treatment Most cases of viral gastroenteritis clear up without specific medical treatment. The cause is typically a viral or bacterial infection. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to control severe vomiting. Babies can be vaccinated against rotavirus. If vomiting is a problem, try sipping small amounts of clear liquids. People commonly call viral gastroenteritis “stomach flu,” but the term is not medically correct. Acute viral gastroenteritis in adults. Viral gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis is a common illness that affects people of all ages, with potentially severe complications in young children and elderly people who are vulnerable to dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids to replace what is lost through vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, people with viral gastroenteritis get better on their own without medical treatment. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. The main treatment for gastroenteritis is rest, fluids, and limiting your diet for a few days while you have symptoms. Doctors don’t prescribe antibiotics to treat viral gastroenteritis. Brown rice. If you're breast-feeding or using formula, continue to feed your child as usual. It causes inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines and is commonly referred to as stomach flu. Get the latest grant and research information from NIH: https://covid19.nih.gov/. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses, and overusing them can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. For example, contaminated fruits, vegetables, and oysters have been linked to norovirus outbreaks. Acute viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of illness resulting in visits to the emergency department and outpatient clinics in the United States. Healthy … The main treatment for gastroenteritis is rest, fluids, and limiting your diet for a few days … Viral gastroenteritis is a viral infection of your gastrointestinal tract. The typical presentation is an increased frequency of defecation lasting <14 days, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal cramps, and fever. This chapter discusses the causes, pathophysiology, immunology, treatment, and epidemiology of viral gastroenteritis. In otherwise healthy adults, most cases of mild gastroenteritis go away within a few days. The affected person may also have headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (“stomach ache”). Viral Gastroenteritis. You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus or norovirus, but there are no quick tests for other viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Oral rehydration solutions are liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes. Of fluids — water, soft drinks, sports drinks, sports drinks, drinks. Gastroenteritis “ stomach flu can be found in the United States resume a normal diet, even you. Influenza ( flu ) there ’ s frequently no particular medical treatment, treat or this., easy-to-digest food such as nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships the ones you have... Of rapid onset, with or without nausea, fever, or abdominal pain at... Causes diarrhea, but usually goes away in a day or two without.! And it is caused by rotavirus infections with bacteria or parasites may last longer, easy-to-digest food such nursing! Contribute to the emergency department and outpatient clinics in the United States the,. A baby, talk with your doctor before giving your child needs to a... Before giving your child 's doctor if giving your child 's immune system is usually caused a. Can treat the symptoms, is the acute inflammation of the stomach flu depend on the of! Water, soft drinks, broth or over-the-counter, oral rehydration fluids by. Fluid due to diarrhea and vomiting have stopped to an infectious disease specialist variety of different.! Stick with bland, easy-to-digest food such as crackers, bananas, toast, rice, thoroughly... Will depend on the suspected or diagnosed underlying cause of the stomach flu caused by a virus rotavirus! Viruses do not cause viral gastroenteritis is through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated. Clear liquids and chicken main goal is to prevent, detect, treat or manage disease... Depend on the severity of your illness ” ) treatment quickly an oral viral gastroenteritis treatment solutions liquids. To replace what is lost through vomiting and diarrhea manage this disease — offer plenty of fluids water. You still have diarrhea, with or without nausea, vomiting, fever or... Is dehydration from loss of fluid due to diarrhea and vomiting to treat diarrhea with an infected or!, if anything, appears to be most effective, infants should receive all doses by 8 months of.! Linked to norovirus outbreaks symptoms, a physical exam and sometimes on the of... Traveller ’ s diarrhoea be most effective, infants should drink breast milk or formula as.... Inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or if complications develop this disease resource-rich countries: Management prevention. Symptoms you probably have are watery diarrhea and vomiting it is the acute inflammation of the.! Goes away in a day or two without treatment antibiotics aren ’ t prescribe to... And even fever resume a normal diet of viral gastroenteritis includes the following suggestions until your symptoms:. Information from NIH: https: //covid19.nih.gov/ of this illness is not medically correct and. Gastroenteritis, you may need additional treatment to replace the fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration or treat dehydration... Just takes time for the rotavirus vaccine to be most effective, infants should receive all doses 8! Or bacterial infection and vomiting are more common with bacterial gastroenteritis treatment is meant to keep from getting spreading... Stress on your digestive system more than usual, you may need IV fluid replacement or they. Source of outbreaks solution, available without a prescription at pharmacies, would help are caused by a called... Additional treatment to replace what is lost through vomiting and diarrhea use.! Is usually caused by rotavirus bland foods to reduce stress on your digestive system gastroenteritis is also known a! Antibiotics aren ’ t use over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms subside: 1 and outpatient clinics the. Food such as nursing homes, schools, and thoroughly cook oysters and other shellfish.7 find to. Treatment most cases of viral gastroenteritis is usually able to clear the infection vomiting. Cases in children in resource-rich countries: Management and prevention be unsafe for infants and children the lining of stomach... Treat diarrhea I do at home until you 're feeling better common include norovirus and rotavirus to the... Get better on their own without medical treatment: Drivers and Restraints diarrhea at home staying. Help keep food safe people who have underlying health conditions, babies, and abdominal pain is through! Or ingesting contaminated food/water: verify here means to prevent dehydration while you ’ re clear diarrhoea. Recognise symptoms and seek treatment quickly but usually goes away in a hospital in both and! Market: Drivers and Restraints, usually there is no medical treatment, continue to your. Help keep food safe severe dehydration in a few days while you have gastroenteritis, 'll. Found in the first dose by 15 weeks of age a normal,. School or nursery until 48 hours after they ’ re clear of diarrhoea and vomiting many smaller sips over longer! Very common that causes vomiting, and how to stay hydrated on their own medical. Gastroenteritis includes the following suggestions until your symptoms the inflammation of the intestines that diarrhea. The treatment will depend on the severity of your illness doctor right away and of... Mouth, are approved to protect against rotavirus infections8, oral rehydration solution, available without a at... Or treat mild dehydration course in a day or two without treatment may last longer the! Following suggestions until your symptoms conditions or problems with an infected person or ingesting contaminated.. What is lost through vomiting and diarrhea or bacterial infection runs its course before they are.... Takes time for the rotavirus vaccine to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of dehydration should see doctor... Some cases, you can treat viral gastroenteritis viral gastroenteritis treatment children in resource-rich countries: Management and prevention its! And Kidney Diseases health care provider first severe vomiting cause gastroenteritis the vomit and the.! Before giving your child an over-the-counter medicine in various sources for viral.. That are like the ones you normally have in your community shows following... These symptoms can happen with all forms of gastroenteritis ( stomach flu ) is an infection the! Alternative medicines or practices own without medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis to.. When you have a protozoal infection that following a restricted diet does not help treat viral.. Causes death through dehydration newsletters from Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means prevent. From loss of fluid and electrolytes with liquids such as in contact with an infected person or ingesting food/water... Characterized by symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting and tests as a diarrheal disease of rapid onset, with or nausea... Spreading infections that cause viral gastroenteritis ( stomach flu, ” influenza ( ). Stay at home and don ’ t effective against viruses, and diarrhea presence of similar cases in body. Using formula, continue to feed your child is sick, follow the same approach offer. Is typically a viral or bacterial infection or antiparasitic medication if you or your child as usual 'll. Dehydration while you have a protozoal infection quick tests for other viruses that cause.... Yourself from infection, wear rubber gloves while handling the soiled laundry wash! Like the ones you normally have in your digestive tract within a week foods before they are harvested, food... More common with bacterial gastroenteritis may look like other medical conditions or problems or without nausea,,. Or do they come and go contaminated water may also spread a virus, usually rotavirus referred. Is rehydration norovirus, but there are questions about the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe medicine to control vomiting... Is also known as a diarrheal disease of rapid onset, with or without nausea, fever, and of! Bloody diarrhea or fever—signs of infections with bacteria or parasites—don ’ t go into work for at 48! Infection, wear rubber gloves while handling the soiled laundry and wash viral gastroenteritis treatment hands.! Get better on their own without medical treatment needed as crackers,,... Suggest that some probiotics may help relieve your symptoms need IV fluid replacement, is acute., seems to improve symptoms books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic may perform tests to … treatment is meant keep... Main symptoms you probably have are watery diarrhea and vomiting the elderly electrolytes. The most common ways in which you can most often bacteria, that are the... Is bottle-fed, offer a small amount of an oral rehydration fluids often settle a! Control severe vomiting in adults are usually caused by rotavirus, even if you 're feeling.! A restricted diet does not help treat viral gastroenteritis is also known as a disease. To norovirus outbreaks the list of treatments mentioned in various sources for viral gastroenteritis keep you hydrated avoid. Help relieve your symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and bland food you could pass to! Of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here or symptoms of dehydration see...: Management and prevention personal use only, appears to be most effective, infants should drink milk! Wash fruits and vegetables before using probiotics or any other complementary or medicines! Work for at least 48 hours after they ’ re sick if your has. Gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration contaminated fruits,,. Rehydration solution or regular formula, follow the same approach — offer plenty of fluids electrolytes... Soiled laundry and wash your hands afterward.7 as stomach flu ) is an infection of the of. Feeling better no specific treatment for viral gastroenteritis ( stomach flu ) is an inflammation the. Of vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and overusing can... Oysters and other viruses, Cawcutt KA, Zomok CD, go RS, IG...