Gastroenteritis

Alternate Names : Enterogastritis, Intestinal Flu, Viral Enteritis

What are the treatments for the condition?

The main treatment of this condition is fluid replacement. If a person is able to keep liquids down, he or she simply needs to take in extra fluids. However, a person may vomit repeatedly, making it impossible to keep anything down. In this case, the person may need fluid administered directly into a vein with an intravenous line. Antibiotics are used in some cases, but not routinely, because they can make the condition worse. Lead poisoning can be treated with chelation, which involves giving medications that cause the lead to be excreted into the urine. For example, a medication called succimer, or DMSA, may be used.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Succimer may cause a rash or a metallic taste in the mouth.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Most people recover quickly. An individual can usually return to normal activities as soon as the symptoms subside. Someone who develops hemolytic uremic syndrome after an infection may need further treatment for kidney damage.

How is the condition monitored?

Most people can monitor their symptoms at home. Someone who is very ill or dehydrated may need to be admitted to the hospital. This allows closer monitoring and further treatment as needed.