Gastroenteritis Treatment in Dubai
Yugen Care’s gastroenterologists give quality care for gastroenteritis in Dubai within a short time to reduce nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. We carry out proper tests to diagnose whether the illness is bacterial, viral, or parasitic and then treat the patient to help regain his/her health. Hydration therapy, dietary changes, and medications for symptom control and prevention of complications constitute our strategy. Yugen Care always provides friendly and comfortable care so that the patients can get better soon and achieve the normal functioning of the digestive system.
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is a short-term illness triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system. Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
Causes of gastroenteritis?
There are many things that can cause gastroenteritis, including:
- viruses – such as norovirus, calicivirus, rotavirus, astrovirus and adenovirus
- bacteria – such as the Campylobacter bacterium
- parasites – such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium
- bacterial toxins – the bacteria themselves don’t cause illness, but their poisonous by-products can contaminate food. Some strains of staphylococcal bacteria produce toxins that can cause gastroenteritis.
- chemicals – lead poisoning, for example, can trigger gastroenteritis.
- medication – certain medication (such as antibiotics), can cause gastroenteritis in susceptible people.
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?
The symptoms of gastroenteritis can include:
- loss of appetite
- bloating
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal cramps
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- bloody stools (poo) – in some cases
- pus in the stools – in some cases
- generally feeling unwell – including lethargy and body aches.
FAQ
What is infectious gastroenteritis?
Infectious gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. In each case, infection occurs when the agent is ingested, usually by eating or drinking. Some of the common types of infectious gastroenteritis include:
- Escherichia coli infection – Common among travelers to countries with poor sanitation. Infection is caused by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated raw fruits and vegetables.
- Campylobacter infection – Found in animal feces and uncooked meat, particularly poultry. Infection is caused by consuming contaminated food or water, eating undercooked meat (especially chicken), and not washing hands after handling infected animals.
- Cryptosporidium infection – Parasites found in the bowels of humans and animals. Infection is caused by swimming in a contaminated pool and accidentally swallowing water, or through contact with infected animals. An infected person may spread the parasites to food or surfaces if they don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet.
- Giardiasis – Parasite infection of the bowel. Infection is caused by drinking contaminated water, handling infected animals, or changing the nappy of an infected baby and not washing hands afterward.
- Salmonellosis – Bacteria found in animal feces. Infection is caused by eating contaminated food or handling infected animals. An infected person may also spread the bacteria to other people or surfaces by not washing their hands properly.
- Shigellosis – Bacteria found in human feces. An infected person may spread the bacteria to food or surfaces if they don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet.
- Viral gastroenteritis – Infection caused by person-to-person contact such as touching contaminated hands, feces, or vomit, or by drinking contaminated water or food.
What is the diagnosis of gastroenteritis?
It is important to establish the cause, as different types of gastroenteritis respond to different treatments. Diagnostic methods may include:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
What is the treatment for gastroenteritis?
Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:
- Plenty of fluids
- Oral rehydration drinks, available from your pharmacist
- Admission to hospital and intravenous fluid replacement, in severe cases
- Antibiotics, if bacteria are the cause
- Drugs to kill the parasites, if parasites are the cause
- Avoiding anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhea drugs unless prescribed or recommended by your doctor, because these medications will keep the infection inside your body