Treatment for Stomach Flu

n/a Stomach Flu

Although it sometimes carries a similar name, the stomach flu is not caused by the same germs as the flu and doesn’t cause the same symptoms. The medical term for the condition is actually gastroenteritis which essentially means an inflammation or irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract. The treatments for gastroenteritis will be significantly different than the treatment for influenza, or the seasonal flu.

Any treatment protocols which you may try for the stomach flu must be based on the underlying cause of the year irritation, diarrhea and possible vomiting. In some cases gastroenteritis is caused by an allergic reaction to a specific type of food. In other cases there are stomach viruses that cause the symptoms, parasites and sometimes even bacteria.

If the gastroenteritis is caused by an underlying allergic reaction to a specific type of food than removal of that food and time for the gastrointestinal tract to rest will often be enough treatment. Gastroenteritis or the stomach flu that is caused by viruses do not have any known cures and the treatment goals are focused on providing supportive care while the body fights the stomach flu. Fortunately, most people with a healthy immune system are able to effectively kill the virus after only one to 10 days.

Gastroenteritis which is caused by an invading parasite is treated by the removal of the parasite from the gastrointestinal system. Many times this particular conditions appears to be the same as other gastroenteritis symptoms and it may take close to two weeks in order to be fully diagnosed and an appropriate treatment protocol recommended.

It is the side effects of gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, which can cause significant damage to the body. Primarily, it is the dehydration caused by an inability to keep fluids in the body because of vomiting and diarrhea. This is especially dangerous in young children, the elderly and people who have already weakened immune systems. Maintaining hydration is the most important aspect of treating viral gastroenteritis to prevent severe loss of fluids.

Individuals who are suffering from the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, can begin treatment at home. And if the body responds quickly, there is no further need to see your primary care physician. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that families who have infants and young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution at home at all times. Any medications, including antibiotics, should be avoided unless they are specifically recommended by your physician.

If the symptoms of the gastroenteritis are primarily diarrhea, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Adults and children can use oral rehydration fluids (sold at the pharmacy), juice or water. Sports drinks do not replace the nutrients in minerals that are lost during an illness so don’t rely on them.

You can help to settle the gastrointestinal tract by allowing it to rest and not eating for several hours. If vomiting is an issue, then sip on very small amounts of clear liquids or suck on an ice chip to help with dehydration. These small amounts of fluid can be absorbed more quickly and are less likely to upset the stomach.

Once vomiting has stopped for at least four hours you can gradually reintroduce food. Start with very bland foods that follow the BRAT diet. These are banana, rice, apples and toast with some bland chicken broth. Avoid any dairy products, caffeine and alcohol as well is getting plenty of rest until the recovery is complete.

If vomiting goes on for more than 12 hours, the individual stops urinating or the individual vomits more than five or six times in a couple of hours it is important to seek the advice of your primary care physician. Nausea and vomiting is often triggered from a center in the brain and not directly from the stomach itself. A feedback loop can sometimes be set up, which is recurrent, and even when the virus has completely been cleared from the body, the individual can continue to vomit. Physicians have medications which can be used in order to calm the brain and stop that feedback loop.

Symptoms of dehydration are excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow urine or no urine at all, severe weakness or lethargy and dizziness or lightheadedness. These are all signs and symptoms that an individual should be treated in an emergency room. Dehydration is a symptom of a lack of fluid in the body which is vitally important to maintain life. Your physician may recommends hospitalization for a short time in order to replace fluids through an intravenous line and stop the feedback loop that is causing the nausea and vomiting.

One method I have used for my family several times (with a good rate of success) is giving activated charcoal to help stop the vomiting. I give one tablespoon of activated charcoal powder in an 8 ounce glass of water after each round of vomiting. It sometimes takes 3 or 4 doses for it to really help, but this can be a very effective remedy. You can read more about the benefits of activated charcoal, including how to use it as remedy for stomach ailments, here.

Related Natural Product

Stomach Flu Fighter is a safe, non-addictive, FDA-registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients especially selected to address vomiting, diarrhea and cramps often associated with inflamed stomach and irritated gastrointestinal tract. Stomach Flu Fighter may be taken at the first signs of soft or runny stool with vomiting for the relief of gastric symptoms, without side effects. Stomach Flu Fighter is taken internally and works quickly to support calmness in the stomach. Presented in a tincture formula, Stomach Flu Fighter is easy to ingest and hassle-free with no artificial colors or preservatives. It is safe for all ages, including pregnant women or those who may be breastfeeding.

Stomach Flu

---

Free PDF Health Ebook…

Natural Help for Alcoholism

    Simply right click the ebook title above, and choose Save As to save to your desktop!  You can find more FREE Natural Health, Wellness and Pet Ebooks at Remedies4.com!

---

There are many vital components to regaining and maintaining health. Natural
therapies can be a crucial part of a healing journey and you can learn how
to help yourself and others achieve whole body wellness through holistic
healing. If you would like to learn Reflexology, Color Therapy, Reiki,
Holistic Beauty Therapy, Anatomy & Physiology, Crystal Therapy, Crystal
Reflexology or Aromatherapy at your own pace in your own home, check out
Alternative Healing Academy’s Home Study Courses. We offer a wide range of
comprehensive holistic health courses at affordable prices and even offer
payment plans! http://www.alternativehealingacademy.org/

Source: