treatment for diarrhea and stomach cramps when you have stomache flue

How do you get rid of stomach flu cramps and diarrhea?

Stomach Flu: 5 Remedies To Treat Cramps, Diarrhea, And Other Symptoms. Stay hydrated. Diarrhea and vomiting will drain your body of essential fluids. Stay hydrated by sucking on ice chips and drinking small sips of water, clear soda, clear broths, and noncaffeinated sports drinks. Replace lost nutrients.

What are the treatments for abdominal pain and diarrhea?

The type of medical treatment you’ll receive for your abdominal pain and diarrhea depends on the underlying condition causing your symptoms. Treatments for some of the more common causes of these symptoms include: antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, including food poisoning

What should I do if I have diarrhea and vomiting?

This usually means drinking plenty of water, juices, and broth. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your doctor might recommend getting IV fluids. Treating underlying conditions Your diarrhea might be caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Is there a cure for stomach flu?

It’s awful, and there is no cure. Stomach flu has to run its course. That said, the remedies below may provide relief from the most difficult symptoms and help get you back on your feet once the toughest phase subsides. 1. Drink lots of fluids

How do you stop diarrhea from stomach flu?

Adults can use oral rehydration solutions or diluted juices, diluted sports drinks, clear broth, or decaffeinated tea. Sugary, carbonated, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks can make diarrhea worse, so be sure to dilute sugary beverages if you drink them. Don't eat only bland foods.

How long does stomach cramps last with stomach flu?

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.

Can a stomach virus cause stomach cramps?

Viral gastroenteritis is a highly contagious intestinal infection commonly known as stomach flu. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Stomach flu usually develops after contact with a person carrying the infection or consuming contaminated food or water.

What gets rid of stomach cramps?

Try putting a heating pad or hot towel on your abdomen. The heat can help relax the muscles and relieve cramping. Taking a hot shower or bath with Epsom salts may also help. If the stomach pain is persistent, try sticking to the basics with the “BRAT” diet – that is, bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

What helps stomach cramps from the flu?

Rest: Most people need to rest for a few days to let the illness work its course. Heating pad: A heating pad may help relieve abdominal cramping. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Take for pain or fever. This is recommended over aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can upset the stomach.

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach virus?

Lifestyle and home remediesLet your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ... Ease back into eating. ... Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Try anti-diarrhea medications.

Is Gatorade Good for stomach flu?

During an illness involving vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids in small sips until the stomach is settled and then in larger amounts until your thirst is satisfied. Clear liquids are the best. Water, Gatorade, Sprite, 7-Up, and Ginger Ale are suggested.

Why does your stomach cramp when you have diarrhea?

Sudden stomach cramps with diarrhoea This means you have a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel. It should get better without treatment after a few days. Gastroenteritis may be caused by: coming into close contact with someone who's infected.

How to treat a stomach ache?

As soon as you start feeling sick, begin limiting your diet to clear liquids in frequent, small amounts. Make sure to drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or a pale yellow.

What to do if your stomach hurts so bad?

You should call your doctor immediately if the pains in your stomach are so severe that you can't move, sit still, or find a comfortable position that doesn’t cause additional pain. Seek immediate medical help if the pain becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms like: . Bloody stools. Fever.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

Symptoms associated with diarrhea may include: Abdominal cramps. Bloating. Blood in the stool. Mucus in the stool. Fever. Nausea. Sudden need to have a bowel movement. Remedies and Treatments for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea.

How many children die from diarrhea?

In children, particularly young children, diarrhea should be taken seriously as it can quickly lead to dehydration and, possibly, death. One out of nine child deaths are due to diarrhea, and it is the second leading cause of death in children under five years of age.

What does it mean when your stomach is upset?

An upset stomach, also known as indigestion, is a general term used to describe discomfort or pain felt in the upper abdomen . Some common symptoms associated with an upset stomach are: Body chills. Burning Sensation (heartburn) Cramps. Discomfort.

How to avoid an upset stomach?

Additional prevention measures you should take to avoid an upset stomach are: . Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom . Wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating or handling food. Do not share eating or drinking utensils with others.

What to do if you can't keep liquids down?

If you’re not able to keep liquids down and begin to vomit, start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips. Once you are able to keep that down, try other fluids like:

How to treat viral gastroenteritis?

You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms. Research shows that following a restricted diet does not help treat viral gastroenteritis.

What to give a child with viral gastroenteritis?

If your child has viral gastroenteritis, you should give your child an oral rehydration solution —such as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyte—as directed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions are liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes. Talk with a doctor about giving these solutions to your infant.

How long should you wait to eat if you have gastroenteritis?

If you have viral gastroenteritis, avoid handling and preparing food for others while you are sick and for 2 days after your symptoms stop. 7 People who have viral gastroenteritis may spread the virus to any food they handle, especially if they do not thoroughly wash their hands.

Can you vomit after eating?

When you have viral gastroenteritis, you may vomit after you eat or lose your appetite for a short time. When your appetite returns, you can most often go back to eating your normal diet, even if you still have diarrhea. Find tips on what to eat when you have viral gastroenteritis.

Can you give a child over the counter medicine?

If you have bloody diarrhea or fever—signs of infections with bacteria or parasites —don’t use over-the-counter medicines to treat diarrhea. See a doctor for treatment.

Do probiotics help with viral gastroenteritis?

to treat viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics don’t work for viral infections. In some cases, your doctor may recommend probiotics. NIH external link. . Probiotics are live microbes, most often bacteria, that are like the ones you normally have in your digestive tract.

How long does diarrhea last after eating?

That can be dangerous if it’s not dealt with. Stomach cramps and diarrhea can be for 2, 3, 4, 5 days or even over a week, after eating, during pregnancy, especially in early pregnancy, after running, every morning, at night, with nausea, with gas, after eating while pregnant.

What are the symptoms of a bowel movement?

You might have: An urgent sensation that you need to have a bowel movement. Thin or loose stools. Watery stool. Nausea and throwing up. Bloating in your belly. Aches. More significant symptoms consist of: Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool.

How to get rid of hemorrhoids?

Utilize a hemorrhoid cream or try white oil jelly. Do your finest to stay hydrated. You should drink a minimum of 6 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. Choose fruit juice without pulp, broth, or soda (without caffeine). Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey, and sports drinks are likewise great options.

What is the best medicine for stomach cramps?

6. Pop Tylenol for stomach cramps. “Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended for the stomach flu, unless you have liver disease,” Dr. Sonpal notes, since it relieves aches, has fewer side effects than ibuprofen, and is less likely to irritate your stomach.

What is the best medication for diarrhoea?

Try some anti-diarrhea meds. Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication, like loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), can provide some short-term relief, but “check with your doctor before trying OTC options,” cautions Dr. Sonpal.

How long can you pass stomach flu?

“Even after you recover from diarrhea and other symptoms, you can still pass [the stomach flu] on to others for 2 to 3 more weeks ,” Dr. Pham cautions.

How long after a fever can you see blood in your stool?

If more than four days have passed and you're still experiencing the awful symptoms, call your doctor. This is especially true if you can’t keep down any food or water, are running a fever, have severe abdominal pain, or notice blood in your stool. If that’s the case, “seek help immediately,” says Dr. Pham.

How to get rid of norovirus?

1. Drink lots of fluids—but not just water. The risk of dehydration is a big deal when you have norovirus.

Can ginger help with stomach flu?

Whether ginger chews or ginger tea, some form of this remedy is worth a try—if you can keep it down. But remember that this isn't a cure —even if ginger does help reli eve your symptoms, you're still contagious and should continue to take it easy.

Does Tylenol help with stomach flu?

“Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) is often recommended for the stomach flu, unless you have liver disease,” Dr. Sonpal notes, since it relieves aches, has fewer side effects than ibuprofen, and is less likely to irritate your stomach.

How to prevent gastroenteritis in children?

Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness. Wash your hands thoroughly .

What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Abdominal cramps and pain. Nausea, vomiting or both. Occasional muscle aches or headache.

How do you get viral gastroenteritis?

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, ...

What is the main complication of viral gastroenteritis?

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem.

What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children?

Rotavirus. Worldwide, this is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths. The infection is most severe in infants and young children.

What is the difference between the flu and gastroenteritis?

Real flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Abdominal cramps and pain.

How to avoid getting sick from contaminated water?

Take precautions when traveling. When you're traveling in other countries, you can become sick from contaminated food or water. You may be able to reduce your risk by following these tips: Drink only well-sealed bottled or carbonated water. Avoid ice cubes, because they may be made from contaminated water.

What to do if you're throwing up and have diarrhea?

If you’re throwing up or have diarrhea, experts say to drink plenty of waterto avoid dehydration. See a doctor if your symptoms get more serious, including: Bloodin your poop. A high fever (temperature over 102 F) Throwing up many times, which can lead to dehydration.

How do you get a stomach virus?

You get a stomach virus through close contact with someone who has the virus, such as sharing food or kitchen utensils, like a fork or knife. You can also get the virus by eating or drinking unsafe food and water.

What is the name of the disease that can cause diarrhea in a child?

Also call the doctor for diarrhea in a child under 6 months old or for an elderly adult with chronic medical problems or a weakened immune system. Stomach Virus. You may hear your doctor call this viral gastroenteritis. People also call it stomach flu, but it's not caused by the flu virus.

What does it mean when your stomach is tight?

A stomach cramp is a sudden, tight feeling in the muscles of your belly. Learn what causes stomach cramps, how to treat them, and when you should see a doctor. Skip to main content . Check Your Symptoms . Find A Doctor . Find A Dentist .

Can you get stomach cramps?

They’re uncomfortable and sometimes hurt. Anyone can get them. Most of the time, stomach cramps aren’t serious and don’ t need to be diagnosed.

How to help someone with stomach flu?

Wash laundry of those recovering from the stomach flu in different loads than the rest of your family. Keep your distance. Try to keep your children, especially newborns, away from anyone who is sick. If someone in your family is sick, stay home and do not go to work, school or day care.

What is the stomach flu?

Stomach Flu Symptoms. Miller says it’s easy to get confused about the difference between influenza, or “the flu,” and gastroenteritis, better known as “the stomach flu.”. The stomach flu is caused by a number of viruses, mainly norovirus, which accounts for more than 50 percent of all cases, and others, like rotavirus.

How long does the stomach flu last?

Symptoms can start as little as 12 hours after exposure.”. These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.

How to protect against gastroenteritis?

Miller offers these tips to protect against the viral infections that cause gastroenteritis: Immunize little ones. Infants can be immunized with the rotavirus vaccine. This is offered at 2, 4 and 6 months old during well-child visits. Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs.

How to stop germs from spreading?

Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer works after being in public as well. Give your home the once-over. Use household cleaning products to disinfect surfaces and objects, like countertops, doorknobs, handles, sinks, toilets, computer keyboards and phones.

What is the best drink to drink for dehydration?

You’ll need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition to water, older children and adults can drink sports drinks, like Gatorade, Power Aid, while babies and young children can have an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte.

Can you take antibiotics for gastroenteritis?

Miller says there's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses, and overusing them can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. She recommends treating the stomach flu with the following self-care steps:

How to prevent stomach flu?

If you know the stomach flu is going around, take extra precautions. Avoid close contact with infected people if possible and wash your hands frequently. Some basic ways to avoid getting the stomach flu (and illness in general) include washing your hands regularly and getting plenty of rest.

What causes stomach flu?

Causes of the stomach flu. The stomach flu (also known as gastroenteritis) is usually caused by any number of different viruses that can attack your gastrointestinal system. It’s not caused by the influenza virus, which gives you the seasonal flu.

How long is the stomach flu contagious?

And even after you’ve recovered from your symptoms, you can remain contagious for up to two weeks. Children can remain contagious for an even longer period afterward.

How to get rid of nausea from P-6?

These can be useful in treating nausea if the P-6 acupressure point gives you relief. 4. Get plenty of rest. When you have the stomach flu, your body needs rest in order to fight off the infection. Get plenty of sleep and reduce the amount of activity you normally do during the day.

What to not drink during stomach flu?

What not to drink. Most likely, you won’t be in the mood for these during a bout of stomach flu anyway, but avoid: caffeinated drinks like coffee, strong black tea, and chocolate, which can affect your sleep at a time when getting enough rest is crucial. alcohol, which acts as a diuretic.

What are the best foods to digest?

These four foods are easy to digest, contain carbohydrates to give you energy, and replenish nutrients: Bananas: Bananas are easy to digest, can replace the potassium you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, and strengthens stomach lining. Rice: White rice is easy for your body to process and provides energy from carbs.

What is the best medicine for nausea?

Your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic such as promethazine, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, or ondansetron to stop the nausea and vomiting.