Stomach flu (enteritis): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Stomach flu, sometimes referred to as enteritis, is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract and stomach.Although bacteria or parasites can also cause illness, viruses are more frequently the culprit.

There are several types of stomach flu (enteritis), usually caused by a virus. Some of the most common types include:-

• Norovirus: This is one of the most common causes of stomach flu and can result in severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Rotavirus: This virus is more common in young children and usually causes more mild symptoms than norovirus.
• Astrovirus: This is another type of virus that can cause gastroenteritis, often with milder symptoms than norovirus or rotavirus.
• Adenoviruses: These viruses can cause severe gastrointestinal problems, but typically take longer to develop than noroviruses or rotaviruses.
• Other Bacterial Causes: Certain bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella can also cause gastroenteritis, resulting in bloody diarrhoea and other abdominal discomfort.

• Stomach flu (enteritis) is usually caused by a viral infection and can spread from person to person through direct contact or contaminated hands, food, water, and surfaces.
• There is also the possibility of bacterial and parasitic infections as a cause.
• Typically, the virus that causes stomach flu has already been present in the intestine before symptoms develop.
• Children are particularly vulnerable to this condition due to their close contact with other children in daycare or school.

• Abdominal pain or cramps.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Watery diarrhoea
• Low-grade fever
• Bloating, belching, and gas.
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue.

• Before eating, just after using the toilet, and after coming into contact with animals, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with others who have enteritis.
• Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated by an infected person’s stools.
• Before consuming fruits and vegetables raw, give them a thorough wash.
• Only drink water or other beverages from safe, clean sources, such as bottled or boiled water that has cooled to a safe temperature⁴ (such as 158°F) or made with treated water that comes from a safe source like a large-scale filtration system (such as one used in many public water supplies).
• Avoid undercooked poultry, meat, seafood and unpasteurized dairy products to reduce risk of infection by bacteria or parasites that contribute to enteritis or food poisoning.

• Physical examination:A physical examination for stomach flu typically includes checking the abdomen for tenderness and/or distention (swelling), looking for signs of dehydration such as decreased skin turgor, checking the stool for signs of infection, etc.
• Medical history:The medical history may include questions about recent diet, exposure to infectious agents, travel history etc. that may aid in diagnosis and management.
• Blood Test:A blood test can be performed to check for signs of dehydration, anaemia or other underlying infections which could explain the symptoms of enteritis.
• Stool Culture:Samples of stool are collected from the patient and sent for testing in a lab to check for bacteria, parasites or viruses that could be causing the illness.
• Imaging Scans:Abdominal X-rays or scans such as CT scans may be used to help diagnose enteritis in some cases by showing inflammation or signs of obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Endoscopy:Endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth or rectum and into your stomach. During the endoscopy, the doctor will be able to examine the lining of the stomach and take tissue samples for further testing if necessary.

• Dehydration:The main complication of stomach flu that occurs due to the large amount of fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Malnutrition:Patients with enteritis can suffer from poor nutrition due to decreased intake of food.
• Electrolyte Imbalance:Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, causing weakness, confusion, or irregular heartbeat that can be potentially lethal.
• Kidney Failure:In extreme cases, sodium and potassium levels can become too high leading to kidney failure, which requires dialysis for treatment.
• Worsening Symptoms:If left untreated, severe dehydration can progress to a coma or even death in some cases.

• Take a mixture of honey and lemon juice three times a day to soothe the digestive system.
• For severe cases, take an equal amount of gooseberry (amla) juice with honey three times a day to reduce vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Make a paste of fennel powder mixed with clarified butter (ghee). Eat this slowly before meals to help prevent further discomfort in the stomach area.
• Have small amounts of warm, cooked rice mixed with coriander and ghee several times throughout the day to improve digestion and ease abdominal pain or discomfort caused by enteritis.
• Taking an infusion prepared from black pepper, dry ginger and cardamom can provide relief from abdominal pain due to gas accumulation in the stomach.

• Bland Foods: Eating bland foods, such as toast, boiled potatoes, and crackers, can help to settle your stomach.
• Rehydrating Drinks: Staying hydrated is essential to ensuring that your body has the fluids it needs to manage your illness. Try clear broths or fruit juices in low sugar content.
• Bananas and Applesauce: Bananas and applesauce contain soluble fibre which can help bind loose stool and ease diarrhoea symptoms.
• Protein Sources: Protein helps maintain energy levels during illness, so try eating some toast with peanut butter or Greek yoghourts with fruit for a protein-filled meal.
• Rice: Rice is full of complex carbohydrates which provides long-lasting energy but is relatively easy on the stomach during times of distress such as enteritis.
• Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals but they also contain natural fibres which can help reduce symptoms of diarrhoea or constipation due to enteritis if eaten in moderation.

Steer clear of dairy items such as milk and cheese because they have the potential to irritate the digestive system and make symptoms much worse.

Steer clear of processed meals since they can be difficult to digest and can cause irritation in the digestive system, which can make the symptoms of enteritis worse.

• Avoid fatty and fried foods:Fatty and fried foods are likely to cause cramping and bloating due to poor digestion.
• Avoid spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks:Spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks are all known triggers of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract which can worsen symptoms of enteritis.
• Avoid high fibre foods:High fibre foods such as fruits or vegetables can be difficult on the stomach during an infection like enteritis as they speed up digestion which may increase diarrhoea or abdominal pain associated with this type of illness.

• Get rest:Rest is important in helping to reduce the symptoms of stomach flu.
• Adequate hydration:Adequate hydration is essential for recovery from the stomach flu (enteritis). Drinking plenty of fluids will help replace lost electrolytes, prevent dehydration and reduce symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Medications:Stomach flu (enteritis) is typically treated with medications to help ease the symptoms such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medications, etc.
• Stomach flu (enteritis) is not typically treated with surgery. However, in rare instances where it causes extensive intestinal damage or blockages, or if there are other underlying causes that require surgery to treat, surgical options can include:
• Intestinal Resection:A section of the intestine may be removed to address problems caused by enteritis.
• Intestinal Bypass Surgery:If a patient has a blockage that cannot be resolved with medications, a surgeon may create a bypass between two parts of the intestine so waste can flow around the blockage.
• Ostomy:In cases of severe damage from enteritis, an ostomy procedure may be used to allow waste to exit the body directly out of the abdomen instead of through the intestine.
• Laparoscopy:In some cases, laparoscopy can be used to inspect and repair damaged or blocked areas in the intestine caused by enteritis without having to make larger incisions along the abdomen.

A person with stomach flu (enteritis) should consult a doctor specialising in gastroenterology. In order to diagnose enteritis, they will conduct a physical exam and acquire a thorough medical history from the patient.

• Antibiotics:Antibiotics help fight bacterial infections, which can be a cause of stomach flu. Examples include ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.
• Anti-diarrheals:Antidiarrheals such as loperamide help reduce diarrhoea caused by enteritis.
• Antiemetics/Anti Nausea medications:These help to reduce nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain associated with enteritis, such as ondansetron or promethazine.
• Acid reducers:Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers may be prescribed if there is too much acid in the stomach or the patient has heartburn symptoms due to enteritis. Examples include omeprazole, famotidine and ranitidine.
• Stool softeners:Stool softeners such as docusate sodium can help with constipation that may accompany some cases of enteritis by allowing for softer stools that are easier to pass from the body; this helps to ease discomfort and reduce inflammatory GI symptoms associated with enteritis caused by stool retention in the gut tract.

The duration of stomach flu (also known as enteritis) normally ranges from two to seven days, with three to five days being the norm. Unfortunately, some people may have lingering symptoms for weeks.

No, the results of treatment for a stomach flu (enteritis) are not permanent. The goals of treatment for stomach flu are typically to alleviate symptoms and protect against the development of future problems.Symptom relief can make the illness more bearable, but it is important to remember that it cannot cure enteritis permanently.

• Consume a lot of water to prevent being dehydrated and bring down a fever.
• Consume a diet that is healthful, well-balanced, and simple to digest, and stay away from meals that are fatty, spicy, or acidic.
• Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
• Get plenty of rest and activities as tolerated to support healing.
• Follow up with your doctor for any follow-up examinations or lab tests recommended by your doctor or surgeon in order to ensure your recovery is progressing healthily.

The cost of treating stomach flu (enteritis) in India varies depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required.

Generally, a standard round of antibiotics costs approximately 250 to 400 Rupees. If hospitalisation is required, this can range from ₹3000-5000 per day depending on the severity of the infection. Additionally, any medication or tests that are needed can increase the overall cost.

• Nausea and vomiting:These are the most common side effects of stomach flu treatments, as they provide relief from symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and fever.
• Diarrhoea:Treatment may cause diarrhoea due to the medications suppressing natural digestive processes.
• Stomach cramps and discomfort:This can be caused by the medications or due to a sensitivity reaction to the treatment itself.
• Headaches and dizziness:Some treatments for enteritis can cause these symptoms as a result of dehydration or electrolyte disturbances caused by the medications themselves.
• Rash or itchiness:These may be an allergy-related response to any medication used in treatment for enteritis.

You should see a doctor close by if you have any stomach flu (enteritis) symptoms since they can lead to 'malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, and renal failure,' whose treatments can take anywhere from a few months to years, depending on how severe the condition is.