In order to control symptoms of stomach virus, the person is advised to drink plenty of water and initially put on a bland diet to promote digestion.
Stomach virus, better known as gastroenteritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach and the intestines are swollen. Also known as stomach flu, this condition is often the result of having contaminated food and water. Difficulty digesting food, high fever, and frequent vomiting are some of the most common symptoms of stomach flu.
Treatment
One may assume that treating this digestive issue involves taking medicines that eliminate this stomach virus. Surprisingly, no medicine has been yet formulated that specifically targets the virus causing this infection. Some necessary steps have to be taken to keep the condition under control. They are mentioned below:
Drink Plenty of Water
Vomiting and diarrhea can make the body dehydrated and hence it becomes essential to have water from time to time, throughout the day. Give the stomach a break and stop eating food for a few hours. In fact the person won’t be in a position to have solid foods due to nauseating feeling. Keeping the body well-hydrated will assist the immune system to get rid of this virus. Dehydration can bring weakness and further aggravate the condition. So, consuming sufficient water is essential to manage the symptoms properly.
Dietary Modifications
Following are the foods that are not included in the diet to relieve symptoms of stomach flu:
- Ice-cream
- Caffeinated drinks (coffee)
- Carbonated drinks
- Candy
- Milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt
Carbonated drinks like coffee can worsen stomach flu symptoms like diarrhea and prolong the recovery time.
Foods to Include: In case this intestinal infection is severe, the patient will be given fluids intravenously for a few days. The patient will be slowly introduced to a bland diet that involves eating soft and light foods easy to digest. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Cooked white rice
- Cooked noodles
- Bananas
- Mashed potatoes
- Apple or grape juice
- Green peas
Natural Remedies for Children
Children diagnosed with this stomach infection often vomit frequently, which can result in severe loss of fluids. So in order to compensate for fluid loss, besides water intake, children should also be given oral rehydration solution (ORS) at regular intervals. It is available at various drug stores without prescription.
Say No to Anti – Diarrheal Medications
Children who have contracted this viral infection should not be given anti-diarrheal medicines without consulting the doctor. This is because the body may not be able to tolerate this medicine in this condition.
Stomach Virus and Immune System
A healthy immune system can fight off this viral infection effectively. The infection cannot remain for long in people who have a strong immune system and goes away within 7-10 days, without causing much discomfort. However, people with a weakened immune system are likely to experience symptoms for quite some time.
On the whole, taking plenty of rest is equally important to speed up recovery and is the best treatment for stomach virus. Also, taking painkillers such as acetaminophen may help to alleviate abdominal discomfort.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
