Treatment of Gastroenteritis

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General Supportive Measures

As the majority of cases of gastroenteritis is self-limiting, the mainstay of home treatment is really to ensure sufficient fluid intake.  Specially formulated oral rehydration solutions (which contain the appropriate proportions of glucose and electrolytes) are commercially available for use, as the inflammed intestinal tract does not absorb plain water very well.  Besides, the body's electrolytes, which may be lost in large quantities due to vomiting and diarrhoea, may be further diluted, if plain water is used to replace loss fluids.

In underdeveloped regions without commercially available paediatric rehydration solutions, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a recipe for fluid rehydration:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey with quarter teaspoon of table salt and quarter teaspoon of baking soda.

• Mix in 1 L of clean water.

If severe nausea and vomiting prevents adequate oral intake, hospitalization may be required for intravenous fluid replacement therapy.

After 24 hours of fluid without vomiting, soft bland diet may be started slowly.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your symptoms.  In general, antibiotics are not needed for the majority of gastroenteritis (which tends to be due to viral infections).  Some medication commonly prescribed include:

Anti-emetics (anti-vomiting medication): (to be used with care in young children) include metoclopramide, prochlorperazine and dimenhydrinate

Anti-diarrhoea agents: diphenoxylate and loperamide may be used (once again to be used with care in young children).  They help reduce diarrhoeal volume by decreasing gut movement and increasing absorption.

Antibiotics: antibiotics are rarely required as most are due to viral infections.  Under certain circumstances, such as when there is documented infection by bacteria or protozoa, antibiotics will be required.

How can Gastroenteritis be Prevented?

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As with most infections, the key is to prevent the spread of the organism.  This can be achieved by:

• Proper and frequent hand washing

• Eating properly prepared and stored food

• Avoiding going to school or work until symptoms have resolved

• Not sharing food and avoiding close contact with someone ill with gastroenteritis

• Vaccinations for salmonella typhi and rotavirus

Find a Gastroenterologist

The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation. 
Please see your doctor for professional advice.