What is the stomach flu? The stomach flu is an infection of the gut. The scientific name for the stomach flu, gastroenteritis, describes the exact parts of the human body that are affected by the stomach flu as well as the process by which it happens. It is the inflammation (-itis) of the stomach (gastro-) and small intestine (entero)- due to thebody’s defense mechanism reacting to the virus invader.
What causes the stomach flu? Germs like viruses, parasites and less commonly, bacteria can cause the stomach flu. The rotavirus is the most common culprit of the stomach flu in infants, while an adult case of the stomach flu can be caused by the calicivirus (norovirus), rotavirus, astrovirus, or adenovirus. The stomach flu can be caught from someone else who has it, especially through inadequate hand washing after a bowel movement. The infection can also be caught through the ingestion of foods that contain these harmful germs. Germs can find their way into food while it is being grown, processed, or prepared. Ill-prepared, or undercooked foods are a common source of harmful microbes that cause the stomach flu.
How do I know if I have the stomach flu? Someone with the stomach flu may present with abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and low grade fever. Many will present with runny nose or other cold symptoms.
What can I expect when I see a doctor? Your doctor will likely inquire about possible triggers and timing of your problem. Lab tests are generally not indicated for gastroenteritis. If bacterial infection is suspected, one can identify the toxins in the stool. Giardia lamblia can be detected by identifyingtrophozoites or cysts in the stool. Stool antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are also a viable option and have a high sensitivity and specifity rate. Viral epidemiologies rely on a careful physical and history examination with the elimination of other possible pathologies. However, rotavirus can be identified using rapid antigen testing of the stool. Enzyme immunoassays for calicivirus infections have recently been developed, but are expensive to run.
How is the stomach flu treated? The mainstay treatment for the stomach flu is bed rest and PLENTY OF FLUIDS. Dehydration is the biggest risk from the stomach flu as the body is prone to losing more fluid than it takes in during this state due to diarrhea and/or vomiting. Consult your physcian if you sufferr from dehydration a evidenced by dry mouth or wrinkled skin, or urination is reduced or stops in an eight-hour period. Keeping one’s body hydrated during this illness is the most important treatment. Water is a good fluid of choice for hydration; however, in many circumstances water may not contain enough electrolytes that were lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration salts can be bought over the counter and mixed into water to replace the electrolytes and salts that were lost during the infection.
What if my symptoms get worse? If you suffer from stomach flu and rehydration is not enough, seek advice from a medical professional about other possible therapies. We can look at some of the common reasons for stomach flu and provide techniques for decreasing the symptoms; however they do not replace the role of a qualified health professional. Consult your health care provider if your diarrhea lasts for more than two days, there is blood in the stool, your stool looks like back tar, you have a fever above 101 degree farenheit. If you try any of these techniques and experience worsening symptoms, you should immediately stop and consult a health care professional.
CONNECT WITH YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
What is the immune system? The immune system is a highly complex defense mechanism that helps us fight infections.What are the viruses causing the stomach flu? The rotavirus is the most common culprit of the stomach flu in infants, while an adult case of the stomach flu can be caused by the calicivirus (norovirus), rotavirus, astrovirus, or adenovirus. The rotavirus is the number one cause of acute onset diarrhea. It produces a protein that disrupts reabsorption of water. Lactase deficiency is a common symptom of rotavirus infection and can last for weeks. Adult cases of the stomach flu can be caused by the calicivirus (norovirus), rotavirus, astrovirus, or adenovirus. In adults, the Norwalk virus from the is another common culprit of gastroenteritis. Unlike bacterial infections, viruses can not be eliminated by antibiotics.
How does the body work as a unit? The digestive track is necessary for the absorption of nutrients and vitamins needed to support the immune system. If the body is not taking in the appropriate amount of nutrients and vitamins, the immune system cannot function effectively. If the body is not absorbing the nutrients and vitamins due to problems with digestion, this can also effect the immune system.
HARMONIZE WITH BODY
What are some lifestyle advise? Proper hand hygiene is important. The stomach flu can be caught from someone else who has it, especially through inadequate hand washing after a bowel movement.Make sure to handle raw foods with care and properly cook all meats. The infection can also be caught through the ingestion of foods that contain these harmful germs. Germs can find their way into food while it is being grown, processed, or prepared. Ill-prepared, or undercooked foods are a common source of harmful microbes that cause the stomach flu.
Cleaning objects touched by the affected individual with chlorine-based disinfectants or using a dishwasher can help to eliminate the virus. The Norwalk virus and Rotavirus are not susceptible to alcohols and detergents. Sufficient heating, autoclaving, or the use of chlorine-based disinfectants are effective ways to eliminate the viruses from surfaces and objects.
What are some nutritional advise? Limiting food is another good precaution that should be taken early in the course of the infection as people with the stomach flu may have trouble tolerating large meals. Foods that are easy to digest such as cereal, bananas, rice, noodles, soup, and toast can be introduced gradually as the person’s condition improves. Rice helps to form stools and supply the body with B vitamins.
|
Helpful Nutrients |
Dosage |
Reason |
|
Essential fatty
acid complex |
|
Aids in forming
stools
|
|
Kelp
|
1000 mg daily
|
To replace
minerals lost through diarrhea
|
|
Garlic (Kyolic
from Wakunaga)
|
2 capsules
twice daily with meals
|
Destroys
harmful bacteria in the colon
|
|
Vitamin C with
bioflavonoids
|
500 mg 3
times daily
|
Has a cleansing
and healing effect. Helps immunity.
|
|
Acidophilus
|
|
Aids in normal
bowel function. Allows survival and rapid passage of
"friendly" bacteria through the stomach into the small intestine.
|
|
Multienzyme
complex with pancreatin
|
|
Aids digestion
|
|
Zinc
|
50 mg daily
|
Aids in repair
of damaged tissue of the digestive tract and enhances immune response.
|
|
Wild oregano
oil
|
|
Contains
antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents
|
However, remember to refrain from drinking milk as it can make the symptoms of the stomach flu much, much worse due to the temporary loss of the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Avoid high-fiber foods, which may stress the digestive system. Limit intake of fats and foods containing gluten, including barley, oats, rye, weat. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.
What are some exercise advise? Bed rest is advised for quicker recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise while suffering from the stomach flu.
What can be expected from homeopathic medicines? Homeopathic medicines can be used to significantly reduce the diarrhea symptoms. Arsenicum album can be used for burning diarrea that is troublesome at night. Podophyllum can be used for watery stools. Sulfur is excellent for diarrhea that comes on suddenly.
What are some exercise advise? Bed rest is advised for quicker recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise while suffering from the stomach flu.
INTEGRATE COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
What can be expected during osteopathic manipulative treatment? Chapman reflex points are defined as a system of reflex points on the outside of the human body that reflect dysfunctions in the various organ systems that comprise the body. Chapman reflex points located on the persons sternum and ribs can be tender in the face of a stomach infection and when treated by a trained osteopathic physician can provide symptomatic relief.What can be expected from homeopathic medicines? Homeopathic medicines can be used to significantly reduce the diarrhea symptoms. Arsenicum album can be used for burning diarrea that is troublesome at night. Podophyllum can be used for watery stools. Sulfur is excellent for diarrhea that comes on suddenly.