Gastroenteritis

[breathe]

I made a thread before about this and my question wasn't answered.

I've experienced a full spectrum of stomach pains and sensations, having issues with food intolerances and IBS-type symptoms.

I do, however, not recall having stomach flu since age 4 or so; even though I've been surrounded by my family all being sick with it at different times over the years, I somehow have avoided it.

I actually have developed a bit of a phobia around stomach flu and throwing up. Yuck. And stomach pain in general I guess, since I recall getting suddenly violently ill (and feeling much better instantly after throwing up) after eating something a few years ago, but that was a short episode. It was, however, awful pain in my stomach... I was writhing, and couldn't stay still with it. I think of it like a migraine in my stomach.

Main question: Does stomach flu HURT, as in a stomach ache? Or can it just be a queasy, rolling stomach? AND Does it start with just gurgling and such, or does it usually develop into pain very quickly?


Thanks

 

[hyperion]

I just completed my first portion of gastroenterology in med school and all I can tell you is it depends. It really depends on what 'bug' you caught, a virus, bacteria or, more rarely, a parasite. Most stomach flues are caused by viruses (in North America), the most commonly found is Rotavirus. There can be pains, but normally, they are not sharp pains. Then again, if you have a peptic ulcer, the pain might be more severe.
The MOST important thing here to remember is the duration of the symptoms. Normally, they don't last more than 2-5 days. Should there be any blood either in stool or vomit, consult. It is not necessarily life threatening, but might lead to dehydration. Another thing is that it is not recommended to use anti-motility agents (like Imodium or the like) as it will prolong the microbes stay in your intestine/colon. Also, it seems as though antibiotics are not prescribed any more in most cases (with the exception of some, like dysenteric gastro and C. difficile) . Drink rehydrating solutions : 200ml orange juice + 800ml boiled water + 1 teaspoon of salt is a good way to go. Degassed pop, sports drinks are not the way to go. Hope this helps!
Cheers,

 

[KaraBulut]

I actually have developed a bit of a phobia around stomach flu and throwing up. Yuck. And stomach pain in general I guess, since I recall getting suddenly violently ill (and feeling much better instantly after throwing up) after eating something a few years ago, but that was a short episode. It was, however, awful pain in my stomach... I was writhing, and couldn't stay still with it. I think of it like a migraine in my stomach.

Main question: Does stomach flu HURT, as in a stomach ache? Or can it just be a queasy, rolling stomach? AND Does it start with just gurgling and such, or does it usually develop into pain very quickly?

Most stomach flues are caused by viruses (in North America), the most commonly found is Rotavirus. There can be pains, but normally, they are not sharp pains. Then again, if you have a peptic ulcer, the pain might be more severe.

What OP is describing is a mixed bag of different causes.

If you eat something and got violently ill and threw up, chances are that you had a mild food poisoning episode. These are usually cases of poorly prepared food or improperly refrigerated food where there was a bacterial overgrowth in the food. And often it's not the bacteria that are making you but instead a toxin produced by the bacteria that triggers a violent reaction in humans.

Hyperion is correct- "stomach flus" that aren't food-related are usually viral and are epidemic in schools and day-care centers. They occasionally will break out in situations where humans are in close contact with shared facilities for extended periods of time which is why we periodically here of breakouts of rotavirus or norwalk virus on military bases or cruise ships and sometimes in places of employment.

Food poisoning is a pretty miserable experience.

Viral enteritis isn't particularly painful but the vomiting and diarrhea that occur are not pleasant.

Instead of being fearful about contracting these things, the energy would be better spent being mindful of washing your hands periodically throughout the day and particularly if you're in contact with children or adults who are sick. People who change children's diapers should use gloves and wash their hands afterward. And be careful that you properly refrigerate foods (especially in the summer) and check the expiration dates on refrigerated items and perishables before you eat them.

 

[breathe]

EXCELLENT responses guys. Thanks.

1) Why are sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) not a good idea during stomach flu?

2) If stomach flu is not a "pain" sensation then, what is it? Just a rolling stomach and nausea?

Thanks

 

[hyperion]

What OP is describing is a mixed bag of different causes.

If you eat something and got violently ill and threw up, chances are that you had a mild food poisoning episode. These are usually cases of poorly prepared food or improperly refrigerated food where there was a bacterial overgrowth in the food. And often it's not the bacteria that are making you but instead a toxin produced by the bacteria that triggers a violent reaction in humans.

Hyperion is correct- "stomach flus" that aren't food-related are usually viral and are epidemic in schools and day-care centers. They occasionally will break out in situations where humans are in close contact with shared facilities for extended periods of time which is why we periodically here of breakouts of rotavirus or norwalk virus on military bases or cruise ships and sometimes in places of employment.

Food poisoning is a pretty miserable experience.

Viral enteritis isn't particularly painful but the vomiting and diarrhea that occur are not pleasant.

Instead of being fearful about contracting these things, the energy would be better spent being mindful of washing your hands periodically throughout the day and particularly if you're in contact with children or adults who are sick. People who change children's diapers should use gloves and wash their hands afterward. And be careful that you properly refrigerate foods (especially in the summer) and check the expiration dates on refrigerated items and perishables before you eat them.

1st lesson in being a good doctor, think like a patient. Thanks for that KaraBulut. I only concentrated on the 'stomach flu' portion and left out food poisoning, which are 2 different things to health practitioners and scientists, but can seem one in the same for most people.
Indeed, food poisoning will usually start quite soon after ingesting the 'culprit' and will usually induce violent vomiting, which can cause stomach pains. These pains are mostly associated with muscle contractions (stomach muscle lining and other abdominal muscles). Sometimes, these can also be a tearing of the superficial portion of the esophagus and there can be blood mixed in (this happened to me once during a particularly nasty food poisoning episode). This is not uncommon and fairly benign but can be scary. This can cause esophageal pain. If the tear is near the stomach, it can be interpreted as stomach pain.
KaraBulut, your tips on preventing are bang on. Can't really add anything to what's perfect!
As for why Gatorade and the like are not appropriate, when you vomit/have diarrhea, you lose water and minerals, specifically, sodium, that need to be replaced. You don't need sugar at all. That can actually aggravate the situation, depending on what you have. Pedialyte, gastrolyte, or the 'homebrew' recipe I gave (which was given by our gastro professor who's an MD) will do the trick. You need to replace what you lose, i.e. if you estimate 250 ml/hour, you drink 250 ml/hour.
But, the best medicine is prevention. So, stick to what KaraBulut recommended!

 

[navidzurender]

EXCELLENT responses guys. Thanks.

1) Why are sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) not a good idea during stomach flu?


Thanks

That's because such beverages like gatorade or powerade contains sugar which can increase the tonicity of the fluid in the colon thus more fluid will be retained in that area causing much more diarrhea, that's why it's much better to make your own rehydrating solution with controlled sugar content

 

[breathe]

Okay so what does stomach flu feel like? More of a rolling "sea sick" stomach and nausea feeling?

And while we're somewhat on the topic: why do infections like strep or bad colds sometimes cause stomach pain or vomiting? Is it the lymph nodes down in that area or what? I've never understood that since those problems affect the respiratory system/ other body parts than the stomach.

 

[breathe]

I ask this because I currently have a bad sore throat... very red and inflamed, but doctor said he doesn't suspect strep. He did send away the test though.

However, I'm nauseous at times and my stomach has consistently hurt for more than a day, maybe two. I've tried to make myself eat mild foods, including plain brown rice noodles, and that didn't help much... I still felt sick.

Does it make sense to have nausea/stomach cramping in addition to a sore throat/bad cold? (NOT strep)