Definition
Also called intestinal flu, viral gastroenteritis refers to an inflammatory process affecting the stomach and / or small intestine, caused by viruses; the disease causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
Causes
In most cases, gastroenteritis is due to a viral insult; the transmission of the virus occurs through contact with an infected person, or by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Infants, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk not only of viral gastroenteritis, but also of its complications.
Symptoms
The typical symptoms of viral gastroenteritis generally appear 4-48 hours after contact with the virus, and can involve: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration (more serious complication, typical of children and the elderly), joint and abdominal pain, emesis, fever, loss of appetite , bloating, nausea, blood in stool and vomit.
Diet and Nutrition
Please Note: Information on Medicines for the Treatment of Intestinal Flu is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Medicines for the Treatment of Intestinal Flu.
Medicines
Given that close contact with an infected person represents a possible causal element for contracting viral gastroenteritis, it is clear that frequent hand washing is the most suitable preventive measure ever to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Having said this, it is good to stress again how prevention is essential to avoid getting sick, considering, moreover, that there is no targeted and specific treatment to cure viral gastroenteritis.
We have seen that dehydration of the organism represents a possible complication of the disease: in order to avoid it, it is good to take large quantities of liquids, through food, drinks and, when necessary, intravenously (hospitalized patients).
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against viral gastroenteritis, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his or her response to treatment.
Pharmacological treatment consists exclusively in treating the symptoms
Administration of saline supplements: viral gastroenteritis generally begins with diarrhea and vomiting, responsible for progressive dehydration with loss of electrolytes and mineral salts. Just to balance the electrolyte quantity, it is recommended to supplement the diet with products enriched in vitamins and mineral salts. Intravenous rehydration is only indicated for patients with viral gastroenteritis associated with severe dehydration.
Do not take fruit juices or fizzy and sugary drinks: the large amount of sugar contained in them can favor the evacuation, causing damage without compensating for the lost electrolytes.
Antibiotics: these drugs are completely ineffective in healing viral gastroenteritis, precisely because it is caused by a virus. If the viral gastroenteritis is accompanied by bacterial superinfections, the antibiotic carries out its therapeutic action towards the responsible bacterium. It should also be remembered that the abuse of antibiotics can increase the resistance of the bacteria to treatment and delay healing. The eventual recourse to the use of this type of drugs, therefore, can only take place if there is the actual presence of bacterial superinfection and only if prescribed by the doctor.
Antidiarrheals: Contrary to what one might think, taking antidiarrheal drugs is not always useful for healing, since it can prolong the viral infection. These drugs can only be taken after consulting a doctor. The use of these medicines is not recommended for children.
Antipyretics: paracetamol (eg Tachipirina, Efferalgan) is particularly effective in fighting fever and balancing body temperature. In any case, remember that this drug must also be taken with caution. Even in this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Vaccination: Vaccination is possible for the prevention of viral gastroenteritis in young children. Eg:
- Rotarix (live attenuated Rotavirus vaccine): is indicated for the active immunization of infants from the sixth to twenty-fourth week of age for the prevention of gastroenteritis due to rotavirus infection. Clearly, it must be prescribed by the doctor.
- Rotateq (Rotavirus vaccine, pentavalent, live, reassortant): is indicated for the active immunization of newborns from six weeks of age up to thirty-two weeks of age for the prevention of gastroenteritis due to rotavirus infection. Of course, also in this case. case, it must be prescribed by the doctor.
