Gastroenteritis Symptoms, Timeline and Treatment 

Gastroenteritis is a condition in which the stomach and/or intestines become inflamed. This is often a result of a bacterial or viral infection. Gastroenteritis is characterised by vomiting episodes and diarrhoea.

Young children are commonly affected by gastroenteritis. The cause of this illness in children is a virus called rotavirus. But adults get it too, most often as a result of food poisoning and another virus known as norovirus.

The condition often subsides on its own after one week. However, the symptoms can be troublesome and unpleasant, prompting sufferers to seek treatment and other interventions.

Vomiting and diarrhoea may also cause dehydration due to rapid fluid loss in the body. This is why patients are advised to increase their fluid intake while recovering from gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis could be contagious. Hence, personal visits to a physician are quite discouraged. Thankfully, there are services such as Mobidoctor’s online physician appointment where you can get connected to a doctor online in minutes, all in the comforts of your own home. You can discuss symptoms, get diagnosed, and have prescriptions for your treatments as needed.

Unintentional weight loss is one of the most prominent symptoms of gastroenteritis. This is often accompanied by other symptoms including:

• Projectile vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• An impending feeling of being sick soon

If you experience fever or other symptoms alongside these four gastroenteritis symptoms, it could be a sign of something more serious such as appendicitis. Talk to your doctor the soonest possible time you can afford.

Onset: Typically within 24 hours after infection. You may experience added symptoms such as headache, limb pain, and lack of appetite.

Recovery: Usually clears up after one week. Some cases may last a bit longer. However, if yours seem to be persistent or your symptoms intensified, talk to a doctor right away.

Mild gastroenteritis is usually treatable through the following interventions:

• Getting enough rest to recover your lost energy
• Increase your intake of water and other fluids to avoid dehydration
• Take paracetamol for pains and aches associated with the condition

Chat with our Mobidoctor physicians through our online video consultation if you feel your symptoms worsened or persisted for more than a week. You can also ask them for expert advice on how to manage your gastroenteritis symptoms.