Gastroenteritis: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your stomach turns against you—cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea—chances are you’re dealing with gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Also known as stomach flu, it’s not related to the influenza virus, but it hits just as hard. This isn’t just a one-day nuisance. For kids, the elderly, or anyone with a weak immune system, it can lead to serious dehydration, a dangerous loss of fluids and electrolytes that can require hospital treatment if ignored.

Most cases come from viral gastroenteritis, the most common type, often spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Norovirus and rotavirus are the usual suspects—norovirus spreads fast in schools and cruise ships, while rotavirus used to be a top cause of severe illness in babies before vaccines became routine. But food poisoning, triggered by bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, or Clostridium perfringens, is just as common. You don’t need to eat something gross—sometimes it’s just undercooked chicken, unwashed lettuce, or a dirty knife.

What helps? Rest. Fluids. Avoiding dairy, caffeine, and heavy meals until things settle. Oral rehydration salts work better than plain water because they replace what your body loses. Antibiotics? Rarely. Most cases are viral, and antibiotics won’t touch them—they might even make diarrhea worse. If you’re vomiting nonstop, can’t keep fluids down, have blood in your stool, or feel dizzy when standing, you need medical help. That’s not just bad luck—it’s a sign your body is in trouble.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of myths or miracle cures. It’s real, practical advice from people who’ve been there—how to manage symptoms safely, what meds to avoid, how to protect others in your household, and when to skip the home remedy and head to the clinic. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.

Gastroenteritis and Weight Loss: What to Expect & How to Recover

Gastroenteritis and Weight Loss: What to Expect & How to Recover

  • Oct, 5 2025
  • 9

Learn why gastroenteritis leads to weight loss, how much to expect, safe rehydration tips, and when to see a doctor.

view more

Categories

Archives

© 2025. All rights reserved.