Gastroenteritis FAQs: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention and All Else You Need to Know Amid Unconfirmed Reports from Mumbai | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com - The Weather Channel

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(IANS)

While some parts of India, including the national capital region, are struggling to avoid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Mumbaikars may have a new prospective battle on their hands.

Unconfirmed reports from the Maharashtrian capital have shed light on multiple fresh infections of gastroenteritis. While over 800 cases of the disease have been registered in the city until March so far this year, an actual outbreak of the disease has not yet been confirmed.

As the city awaits more clarity on the situation, here are answers to some frequently asked questions on gastroenteritis.

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a contagious form of stomach flu that spreads through contact with an infected person or contaminated food or water. It leads to the inflammation of the lining of the intestines.

What are the causes of gastroenteritis?

The conditions can be caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Of them all, viral gastroenteritis is the most common, and is either a result of rotavirus or norovirus (if acute).

An individual is most likely to get viral gastroenteritis by consuming contaminated food or water. Sharing utensils, towels or food with someone who has one of the viruses that cause the condition.

In case of bacterial gastroenteritis, E. coli and salmonella are the most common culprits.

Which population groups are most susceptible to gastroenteritis?

People who may be more susceptible to gastroenteritis include children and senior citizens, as these age groups are especially vulnerable due to a weakened immune system. Furthermore, if an individual is immunosuppressed (has low resistance to infection), he/she may be especially at risk.

What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?

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The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis include:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Excessive dehydration and fatigue

How can gastroenteritis be prevented?

Following a balanced diet and avoiding foods like citrus fruits, coffee and painkillers — especially the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) used widely for pain relief or fever — is a must, Dr Purshottam Vashistha, a senior Gastroenterology consultant, told the Free Press Journal.

Following a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and having early dinner and light meals can help avoid gastroesophageal reflux disease as well, he added.

How severe can a gastroenteritis infection be?

While most people recover without requiring any treatment, some individuals may need to be hospitalised, especially in case of severe dehydration or diarrhoea.

In fact, as per a recent tweet by a journalist in Mumbai, 14 patients were admitted to a city hospital in a single day after experiencing symptoms of the disease.

When to seek help?

Unless immunocompromised, treatment or testing is not needed for a person who shows gastroenteritis symptoms for just a day or two. But if the fatigue or dizziness prevails for longer, seeking medical help is advised.

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