The combination, familiar to most of us, of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes abdominal pain or cramping is a classic indication of gastrointestinal infections ('tummy bugs') or food poisoning from contaminated food or drinks ("travellers's diarrhea). In most cases, home treatment quickly clears up the problems .
Although cases of diarrhea tend to last only a day or two and require no specific medications, moderate to severe diarrhea is often best treated with over-the-counter remedies . Products that contain loperamide will bring immediate relief from diarrhea ,but make sure that you seek medical advice if symptoms aren't better within two days, get worse or if other problems develop . The following measures will help you recover quickly.
1. DRINK PLENTY WATER:
Even if you're feeling sick , try to take frequent sips of plain water , herb teas , diluted juice, lemon juice with salt and sugar added or clear soups . This is important for everyone but especially for babies and young children, older people and those with existing illness, who are more susceptible to dehydration and its effects . Those who are vulnerable should take a sip every 10 minutes or so. Specific dehydration fluids, available from pharmacies, that replace the correct balance of salts (electrolytes) in the blood are the best. You should encourage a baby to carry on feeding from the breast or bottle as usual.
2. KEEP IT BLAND:
As symptoms improve, eat only soft , bland foods to maintain nutition and reduce symptoms until you're feeling better .
3. AVOID FATTY FOODS:
When you begin to feel like eating normally, be sure to steer clear of fatty and fried foods, which can make you feel nauseous and worsen diarrhea. Also avoid milk and milk products, such as cheese and ice cream, and citrus fruits. Beware of sugar - laden foods or drinks (cakes, biscuits and cola-style drinks). Continue to choose base meals around bland, starchy foods. Try bananas, rice, boiled potatoes, toast, pasta and crackers. Skinless baked chicken breast is a good choice if you feel like some protein .
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
If you or an adult member of your family is suffering from diarrhea and or vomiting, look out for the signs of dehydration listed below .
Dehydration in babies and young children is discussed under ...
- THIRST
- DRY MOUTH AND LIPS
- REDUCED URINE OUTPUT
- DARK-COLORED URINE
- DRY SKIN
- FEELING TIRED
- FEELING GIDDY OR FAINTING
Article by,
Priya Somasekar,
Chennai
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