Here's what to do when you have enteritis!

The child has been frequently complaining of stomach pain all last week.

I had diarrhea over the weekend, so I think I have enteritis.

I haven't had gastroenteritis many times while growing up... I was confused about the symptoms and searched to see what I can or cannot feed myself.

And the symptoms, treatment methods, and prevention methods.

 

Symptoms

If your lower abdomen feels cold and you experience repeated diarrhea and vomiting, you should suspect enteritis or food poisoning. Enteritis can be caused by bacteria present in food or by viral infections, leading to symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.

The initial symptoms of enteritis include abdominal pain similar to indigestion, which gradually worsens, along with persistent watery diarrhea and vomiting regardless of day or night, as well as headaches and cold sweats.

Food poisoning frequently occurs not only during the hot summer months when food is easily spoiled but also in winter when bacteria and viruses are prevalent. If enteritis is left untreated, it can develop into chronic enteritis.

Treatment

Gastroenteritis usually improves on its own after a certain period when proper hydration is maintained and adequate rest is taken, even without specific treatment.

However, in infants, young children, elderly patients, and those with chronic illnesses, clinical symptoms often appear more severe. If a high fever above 38°C persists for more than a day, or if severe diarrhea occurring more than six times a day, bloody stool, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting are present, it is advisable to visit a hospital.

Intravenous injections or antibiotics must be administered to prevent dehydration and infection.

Prevention and Management

1) Handwashing

Gastroenteritis is caused by unsanitary living habits. The younger the patient, the more common it is, because infections from contaminated water, food, or group infections through school meals occur more easily. Therefore, to prevent gastroenteritis, it is important to wash hands thoroughly and eat food properly.

Viruses and bacteria on the hands can easily enter the mouth and cause enteritis, so keeping hands clean is very important.

2) Cook food thoroughly before eating. Do not consume old or spoiled food.

Consuming non-fresh seafood often leads to enteritis, and caution should be exercised when eating at unhygienic restaurants or street foods. Cooked food should be consumed as soon as possible, and when reheating stored food, it should be boiled before eating. Also, storing food in the refrigerator does not guarantee that it won't spoil.

3) Sterilization and disinfection

Regular sterilization and disinfection are necessary for frequently touched areas such as virus-contaminated door handles and knobs. Use disinfected knives and cutting boards, and separate cooking utensils (for vegetables, meat, and fish).

Foods good for enteritis

1) Eggs, tofu, fish fillet

All non-irritating, soft foods can be consumed. They help recover the body weakened by enteritis. However, since digestive function is reduced compared to usual, it is better to chew each bite more than 30 times and eat small, frequent portions.

2) Crackers, rice, chicken

It is easy to digest and does not have a negative effect on the stomach while treating enteritis.

3) Onion porridge and cabbage porridge

It is important to replenish deficient nutrients and treat the irritated intestinal mucosa in cases of enteritis. Therefore, it is recommended to eat soft foods that are easy to digest. The allicin component found in onions helps eliminate viruses and can help heal intestinal mucosal damage caused by enteritis.

Cabbage contains an amino acid called lysine, which helps promote digestion and stimulate appetite.

4) Plum tea

If you have acute enteritis, it is good to drink plum tea, which has excellent sterilizing effects. The fruit plum, which is good for enteritis, stimulates the appetite with its refreshing taste and helps protect the stomach by strengthening it.

Going to the bathroom more than 3 to 4 times a day is a typical symptom of enteritis, and plum helps alleviate diarrhea.

In addition, drinking electrolyte drinks to prevent fluid loss caused by frequent diarrhea is also one of the foods that can be consumed during enteritis.

Dandelion tea

Dandelions help with digestion and are effective in reducing fever caused by enteritis symptoms.

Barley tea

Drinking warm barley tea rich in fiber can help prevent dehydration symptoms. Additionally, barley tea activates intestinal movement, effectively stopping diarrhea.

7) Banana

The first is a banana. Bananas are easy to digest and do not cause stomach upset, so they are known to be commonly eaten by marathon runners.

Additionally, the pectin content in bananas helps facilitate smooth bowel movements and naturally stabilizes intestinal activity, making it effective for indigestion.

8) Ginger

Ginger helps when feeling nauseous, experiencing vomiting, or having gas in the stomach.

Foods to Avoid When You Have Gastroenteritis

1) Spicy and salty food

It is best to avoid spicy or greasy foods as they can interfere with digestion.

2) Fatty meats

Fried foods and other dishes high in oil can cause diarrhea, so they should be especially avoided during gastroenteritis.

3) Bread, ramen, snacks

Bread, snacks, noodles, and other wheat-based foods contain gluten, which is difficult to digest and absorb. Therefore, people with stomach or intestinal problems should avoid wheat-based foods.

4) Dairy products

Dairy products stimulate the intestines and cause diarrhea.

I hope it was helpful.

Thank you.

[Source:https://tlwkr0410.tistory.com/22]