In most cases home remedies for gastroenteritis will be the only care you will need. However, if your symptoms do not subside within the first 24 hours then you must visit a doctor.
Gastroenteritis is a viral infection of the stomach. Most common viruses that affect the stomach and cause gastroenteritis are rotavirus in children and norovirus in adults.
These viruses enter the stomach through food and drinks prepared in unhygienic conditions. Most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting and sometimes fever.
Home Remedies for Gastroenteritis
Adults and children should be treated slightly differently as the children take longer time to recover from gastroenteritis.
The most important aspect to remember is to ensure that the affected person, child or adult remain fully hydrated. Diarrhea and vomiting caused due to gastroenteritis dehydrates very fast and the body fluid and minerals must be replenished quickly.
There are times when you may not be able to consume even a small sip of water. It gets immediately thrown out. Under such circumstances you must get hydrated through drip in a hospital or a clinic where the facility is available.
1. Give Rest to Your Stomach
Do not eat any solid food. In most cases of severe gastroenteritis you may not be able to eat anything even if you want. However, if you do not have a severe case of gastroenteritis and are able to eat solid food , even then avoid solid food for 12-24 hours. Let your stomach settle.
2. Drink Sparkling water or Soda
Although most aerated drinks are sugary and are not considered good for healthy living, in case of gastroenteritis carbonated soda no sugary and sparkling water are good. They help the stomach to settle down. Take a few sips of sparkling water slowly.
3. Ice cubes/ Chips
If you are throwing water as soon as you drink it then try keeping ice chips. Keep some ice chips in your mouth and let it melt.
4. Slowly Move Back to Solid Food
Once you are able to intake water and other liquids, you should gradually try to add solid foods such as banana and rice.
5. Avoid Certain Foods
Do not eat certain food items and drinks until you feel better. Top in the list of foods to avoid are dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods. Once you recover from gastritis then you can take these products.
Take sufficient rest.