The doctor told about the danger of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, or commonly referred to as "stomach flu," is an inflammatory disease that affects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. It disrupts the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients in the intestine. Ekaterina Kashukh, a gastroenterologist and expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia on March 13 why gastroenteritis occurs, how it is dangerous and how to treat it.

"With gastroenteritis, inflammation develops on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Intestinal motility is disrupted, which leads to diarrhea or, more rarely— constipation. The inflamed mucous membrane is less likely to absorb water, electrolytes, and nutrients that enter the body from food. Inflammation also irritates the nerve endings in the intestine, which causes abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting," the doctor explained.

The main causes of gastroenteritis are viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, uncontrolled or prolonged use of medications or nonsteroidal anti—inflammatory drugs that irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. In some cases, food allergies are the cause of gastroenteritis. Stress and malnutrition contribute to the development of the disease — an abundance of spicy, fatty, fried foods in the diet.

"In most cases, gastroenteritis resolves in a few days. But sometimes complications of the disease develop — dehydration, intestinal dysbiosis and, as a result, chronic digestive problems," Kashukh added.

You should immediately consult a doctor if your body temperature rises (from 38.5 degrees), blood appears in your vomit or feces, and there are signs of dehydration: dry mouth, rare urination, weakness, and sunken eyes. Also, emergency medical care is absolutely necessary if a child or a pregnant woman is ill.

"Usually, the diagnosis of gastroenteritis can be based on the clinical picture and medical history. Sometimes additional examinations are required — general and biochemical blood tests, fecal examination for pathogenic microflora," the expert clarified.

According to her, the treatment of the disease depends on its cause, as well as on the severity of the symptoms. The patient is prescribed a plentiful drink that will help to cope with dehydration, light food (rice broth, bananas, breadcrumbs, baked apples).

"Sorbents can help remove bacterial toxins from the body, and probiotics contribute to the restoration of intestinal microflora to some extent. If a bacterial infection is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics," she said.

To prevent gastroenteritis, it is important to follow hygiene rules, be sure to wash food before eating, and drink only clean water. It may also be advisable to get vaccinated against rotavirus infection.

Earlier, on February 1, Natalia Mikhailova, a dermatovenerologist and scientific director of MARTINEX, told Izvestia that gastritis and peptic ulcer can be accompanied by skin reactions such as rosacea, redness and vascular changes. Intestinal dysbiosis provokes acne, dermatitis and increases skin sensitivity.