Home Remedy for Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, or "stomach flu," is not a type of influenza at all but an infection or irritation of the stomach and bowels. Gastroenteritis can be viral or bacterial (for instance, transmitted by contaminated food or water) and the treatment varies depending on the cause. Both types are contagious, and one simple way to prevent spreading the sickness is by frequent hand washing, particularly after using the bathroom.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

• Viral and bacterial gastroenteritis share the same set of symptoms: nausea, diarrhea and, possibly, vomiting. Some people may have a slight fever.

  More serious symptoms might accompany the basic symptoms. If you have a fever higher than 101 degrees F, blood in the stool, abdominal cramps or have been vomiting for longer than 2 days, seek medical attention.

Home Treatment for Children

• If a child is vomiting or nauseous, has diarrhea and has no fever or a slight fever, home treatment focuses on keeping the child hydrated until he recovers on his own. Give the child a pediatric rehydration drink (such as Pedialyte) to replenish electrolytes. If he is unable to keep fluids down, have him drink tiny sips or administer the fluid with an oral syringe slowly enough for the stomach to absorb the liquid.

  If he is not urinating or his urine is concentrated, is crying without tears or complaining of thirst, he may be dehydrated. Seek medical attention in case he needs to receive fluids intravenously.

  When he is able to drink clear liquid without vomiting, he should try to eat bland, soft food. Follow the BRAT diet--bananas, rice, applesauce and toast--to help with the diarrhea until he recovers.

Home Treatment for Adults

• Adults, like children, can become dehydrated, although the risk is lower. Consume extra fluids, sipping slowly if you are nauseous or vomiting. As your symptoms subside, slowly eat soft, bland food as you recover.

Medications

• If caused by a virus, gastroenteritis will eventually subside and you'll recover on your own. Most cases of gastroenteritis resolve within a day or two without medication.

  However, if symptoms persist for more than a couple of days or worsen, see a doctor. Your infection might be bacterial, and for some bacterial gastroenteritis, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Don't take antibiotics without a prescription--they might be the wrong kind, and inappropriate use of antibiotics can increase the severity of an infection.

  Some people take loperamide, an antidiarrhea medicine that is available over the counter and by prescription. (Brand names include Imodium, Diamode, Imotil and others.) Loperamide should not be given to children without the guidance of a doctor and should not be taken by anyone for longer than 48 hours unless prescribed by a doctor.