The intestinal flu or viral gastroenteritis is described as a disease of sudden onset with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites,which can quickly spread through contaminated water or food. In the following article we will detail what are the symptoms and treatment of intestinal flu.

Causes of intestinal flu

The causes of the so-called intestinal flu can be as follows:

The bacteria that cause gastroenteritis are Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Shigella and are normally found in food , but can spread from one person to another.

The viruses that cause gastroenteritis include adenovirus, rotavirus, calciviruses, astrovirus and norovirus and appear in specific locations.

The parasites and protozoa that commonly lead to gastroenteritis include Cryptosporidium and Giardia ; the latter lives in the intestines of infected people or animals, and often spread through contaminated water.

The chemical toxins in seafood, exposure to heavy metals, food allergies, medications or antibiotics may also be the cause of intestinal flu.

Symptoms of intestinal flu

Among the milder symptoms of intestinal flu include:

– Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and low grade fever between 37.5 degrees-38 degrees. 
– Diarrhea mild to moderate and painful swelling. 

The most serious symptoms of intestinal flu include:

– Vomiting long – term , more than 48 hours. 
– Bloody . 
– Fever higher than 38 degrees . 
– Abdominal swelling or pain in the lower right abdomen. 
– Dehydration.

Treatment of intestinal flu

Most cases of intestinal flu go alone , especially if it is caused by a virus; to treat the nausea and vomiting a recommended diet convalescent based on clear liquids and oral rehydration solutions , which have a balance of salts and sugars but not due to take sports drinks.

In the treatment of intestinal flu also should avoid antidiarrheal to allow time for the body to heal by itself, but if vomiting or diarrhea unrelieved should seek immediate medical help in case there are the following symptoms:

– Drowsiness or fatigue. 
– Blood in the stool or vomit. 
– Vomiting that continue for more than 48 hours . 
– More than 38 degrees fever . 
– Abdominal pain or swelling in the lower right abdomen. 
– Dehydration , little or no urine, severe thirst, dry mouth, lack of tears.

In three to five days of treatment of intestinal flu l must symptoms disappear , depending on the severity and the causative agent.

In these cases the doctor will develop a careful medical history , including any symptoms; if dehydration is severe , you may first be given intravenous fluids.

In the treatment of intestinal flu should not be given antibiotics until the bacteria have been correctly identified, and avoid giving medication against diarrhea if you suspect that the infection is caused by a toxin, but the doctor if you can manage antiemetic drugs for Stop vomiting.