Vomiting, diarrhea, maybe even fever, the signs of gastroenteritis are quite easy to observe. But how to treat this gastro?

Self-care or not?

Be careful, a banal gastroenteritis, it can be treated on its own. But it’s a matter of knowing when to see a doctor, because gastroenteritis can also be very serious.

Gastroenteritis in a child:

• He vomits many times during the day (more than 6 times)
• If it has a high temperature,
• If his urine is scanty,
• If he has blood in his stool,
• If he has a bad headache,
• If he has a hard and tense stomach
• If it can’t stand light or noise.
• And if the gastro does not meet these criteria, but it lasts more than 7 days, consult the doctor.

Gastroenteritis in an adult:

You have other signs than vomiting or diarrhea (severe headaches, violent stomach ache, blood in the stools), high fever … And beware, in an elderly person, it is easier to consult a doctor because she is more fragile and can become dehydrated more quickly.

What to do and not to do to take care of yourself?

What not to do in case of gastro:

• Do not take medication for vomiting or diarrhea without medical advice. They can make the disease worse (if the diarrhea is caused by bacteria in the gut, drugs that block the transit to block the diarrhea will allow them to grow even more, thus making the disease worse instead of being flushed out quickly! ).
• Do not take antibiotics, as gastroenteritis is most often caused by viruses. Antibiotics are ineffective.
• Do not take Cola, carbonated drinks or sports drinks, fruit juices.
• Do not drink alcohol.

What to do in case of gastro:

• Wash your hands often and especially thoroughly after using the toilet.
• Do not share cutlery, toiletries (toothbrush, glass, etc.)
• Take rehydration solutions at least 30 minutes after vomiting and in small sips gradually. The goal is to provide water associated with the amount of salt necessary for the balance of the body. These solutions can be bought in pharmacies, for example Adiaril, Gastrolyte, Pedialyte (it’s good to have some in advance at home). This treatment is systematically recommended in small children and in the elderly. And also beneficial in adults.

When we do not have it on hand (the disease starts in the middle of the night for example), we can make it with:

• 330 ml of squeezed orange juice without sugar, 600 ml of water that you have boiled before, 2,5 ml of salt (1/2 teaspoon or teaspoon).
• Or simpler: 1 liter of boiled water, 30 ml of sugar (3 tablespoons) and 5 ml of salt (1 teaspoon).
• If it is a breastfeeding, breastfeed much more often, waiting half an hour after vomiting.
• Against fever, take paracetamol or acetaminophen.
• If it is an adult and the diarrhea seems trivial, it is still possible to take antisecretory drugs (racecadotril or Tiorfan®) or products supposed to strengthen the intestinal mucosa (diosmectite or Smecta®) because they decrease the duration of diarrhea.

Foods to avoid with gastroenteritis

Complementary approaches for gastroenteritis