Over the weekend, the internet community
went gaga with the unusual and unexpected news that Queen Elizabeth II
was suffering from gastroenteritis.
According to the news, “The Queen has
cancelled an engagement in Swansea as she is suffering from the symptoms
of gastroenteritis.”
The 86-year-old monarch spent two days in the hospital and was released on Monday.
Experts describe gastroenteritis as an
infection of the
stomach and bowel (large intestine), with common
symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. As terrible
as it is, physicians say, the victim of gastroenteritis can visit the
bathroom up to three times in 24 hours.
According to a general practitioner, Dr.
Chris Anyaegbule, the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually begin
24-48 hours after someone has been infected. This time is called the
incubation period.
“The incubation period for bacterial
gastroenteritis can range from 12 hours to five days, depending on the
bacteria responsible,” Anyaegbule says.
He notes that repeated episodes of
diarrhoea are the most common symptom of the infection, as the victim
passes loose, watery stools more than three times within 24 hours. He
says sometimes, the stools may contain traces of blood and mucous.
“Other symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, headaches and a high temperature,” he says.
Complications
Anyaegbule says because of the frequent
watery stools, dehydration is common, as the body loses more fluid than
the victim can take in. “It is a very serious complication that can
occur if fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhoea is not replaced,” he
warns.
Physicians say elderly people are
particularly at risk from the effects of dehydration which, if not
treated, can be fatal. Therefore, you should be aware of symptoms that
may suggest you or someone in your care is becoming dehydrated.
The symptoms of dehydration include
tiredness, apathy (a lack of emotion or enthusiasm), dizziness, nausea,
headaches, muscle cramps, dry mouth, pinched face,
sunken eyes, passing little or no urine, and rapid heartbeat.
Anyaegbule says in most cases, medical
treatment is not needed for gastroenteritis because the symptoms usually
pass after a number of days (typically two to three days for viral
gastroenteritis and four to seven days for bacterial gastroenteritis).
However, he contends, medical treatment
may be required in some circumstances, especially if vomiting lasts for
more than two days and the victim is unable to keep liquid down for more
than a day.
Again, he says, you must see the doctor
if diarrhoea lasts for more than three days, there is blood in your
vomit or in your stools; or if you experience seizures, double vision,
and slurred speech.
He also counsels the infected person to
seek medical advice if the symptoms do not begin to improve after three
days, or if the infection was as a result of taking impure water.
“Aged people, pregnant women, those
living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (different types of
inflammatory bowel disease), those with weak immune system due to
another condition, such as HIV, or those receiving treatment, such as
chemotherapy are also particularly at risk,” the doctor says.
How gastroenteritis spreads
Doctors say most types of gastroenteritis
are highly infectious, as it is mainly spread when bacteria found in
faeces are transferred to the mouth. They warn that bacteria can be
transferred through poor hygiene. For example, if someone does not wash
his hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on the
hands will be transferred to whatever he touches, such as a glass,
kitchen utensil or food.
“If you touch the contaminated object and
then touch your face, or if you eat contaminated food, you may become
infected by the virus or bacteria. Once infected, you will have the
symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as vomiting and diarrhea,” Anyaegbule
says.
Treatment
Doctors say most people with
gastroenteritis only have mild symptoms and the infection passes after a
few days without the need for treatment. However, they note, victims
may need treatment in hospital if the symptoms are severe, or if they
are vulnerable because of age or another illness. “This is because
diarrhoea can quickly cause dehydration which, if severe, can be fatal.
The dangers of dehydration mean that it is very important to replace
fluids that are lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. You should drink at
least two litres (3.5 pints) of water a day, plus 200ml (a third of a
pint) of water after every episode of diarrhea,” they say.
“An oral rehydration solution can be used
by people who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of
dehydration, such as elderly people or those with another existing
condition.
In severe cases of gastroenteritis,
antidiarrhoeal medication or anti-emetics (anti-sickness medication) may
be recommended,” Anyaegbule explains.
Prevention
Doctors say because gastroenteritis is
highly infectious, it is important to take steps to prevent it from
spreading to other people. Such steps include washing of hands
thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing
food; cleaning the toilet, including the handle and the seat, with
disinfectant after each bout of vomiting or diarrhoea; not sharing
towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils with other members of the
household while the infection lasts; and not returning to work until 48
hours after your last bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
..............................................................................................................................................................Drop a comment....thanks!
No comments:
Post a Comment