The causes of the stomach flu and food poisoning are completely different. One is attributable to a virus and the opposite is attributable to bacteria or their toxins.
Food poisoning and the stomach flu have many similarities, but additionally some differences this have to be taken into consideration. Depending on the explanation for the disease, different treatment is required, so it is necessary to make the proper diagnosis.
We will show you the differences between the 2 conditions, not only when it comes to their causes, but additionally when it comes to consequences and prognosis. have in mind that, in lots of cases you will want medical advice – otherwise, the person’s health could also be in danger.
What causes the stomach flu?
The stomach flu is generally attributable to a virus that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, which causes problems within the stomach and intestines. Vomiting, diarrhea and pain often occur resulting from this kind of infectious pathology.
It must be noted that is a contagious disease that might be transmitted between people in close contact. It is transported using microdroplets which are excreted during speaking. It can be possible to turn out to be infected through the usage of contaminated objects.
Several viruses may cause the issue. Noroviruses often affect younger children, as do rotaviruses. This is evidenced by A study published within the journal Practice. However, in adults, astroviruses and adenoviruses are far more common. Some varieties of coronaviruses may also cause these processes.
To learn more, read: 13 most dangerous viruses for humans
Stomach flu symptoms
The stomach flu often causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. However, relatively often these ailments are accompanied by chills and fever in an attempt by the body to kill the virus that causes the disease. In addition, muscle pain is common.
Signs of dehydration must be fastidiously monitored. Sometimes the patient is unable to take fluids without vomiting and is subsequently susceptible to water deficit. Remember that dehydration might be life threatening, so be careful for accompanying symptoms.
What causes food poisoning?
Unlike the stomach flu, food poisoning is attributable to bacteria or protozoa. The origin is the microorganism or its toxin which irritates and inflames the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and generates symptoms much like those described in lots of situations.
The most typical poisoning is attributable to bacteria of the genus Clostridium. However Salmonella Very often, a microorganism can be accountable for this condition.
According to study published within the journal Epidemiological Review, the variety of cases affected by this bacterium has increased lately. It is principally present in meat and meat products.
Common symptoms
The symptoms attributable to food poisoning are very much like those of the stomach flu in some cases. Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and dehydration are common. However, they typically don’t last that long, although this may depend upon the severity of the poisoning and the quantity of bacteria or toxins ingested.
However, some poisonings may cause damage to other organs. The liver is generally the most important organ affected. It suffers mainly when consuming mycotoxins from mushrooms. He even has has been shown that these toxins may increase the chance of cancer and hepatitis.
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When to go to the doctor?
Whatever the explanation for your discomfort, it is vital to see your doctor if symptoms don’t improve inside 24 hours or in the event that they worsen over time. This also applies to skin lesions, headaches or intense fever.
Besides, a specialist will find a way to supply solutions to stop persistent vomiting in the shape of medicine administered intramuscularly. They are frequently very effective in helping the body to tolerate fluids and reducing the chance of dehydration.
If you experience lack of consciousness or severe pain, you (or another person) should contact the emergency department immediately.
Symptoms of stomach flu and food poisoning often don’t last greater than 2 days. However, complications can occur at the extent of the digestive tract, so it’s best to monitor if blood appears in your stool and seek the advice of your doctor if this happens.
How are they diagnosed?
A reasonably complete medical history might be required to ascertain a diagnosis of food poisoning or stomach flu. The specialist will ask in regards to the foods you’ve got eaten in the previous few hours to evaluate whether any of them could also be of microbiological risk.
It can even be crucial to examine whether any of your close contacts are in the identical situation. In general, diagnostic tests as such are frequently not performed except in essentially the most serious cases. You may even ask for a serology or stool culture to know exactly which microorganism is causing the damage.
Recommended treatments
The really helpful treatments, whatever the explanation for the pathology, might be aimed toward resolving the symptoms and stopping dehydration.
The very first thing might be to step by step increase the quantity of water, so long as it doesn’t cause nausea or retching. From hereeasily digestible solid foods, like white rice and chicken must be included within the food regimen. Foods high in fat or fiber might be reintroduced last.
The most severe cases may require an anti-emetic to scale back vomiting. Intravenous fluids might be given even when there are signs of dehydration, although this can be a hospital management issue.
In case of a virus problem a vitamin C complement could also be included to spice up the immune system. If the disease is attributable to bacteria or toxins, medications that block its motion or eliminate the pathogen might also be considered. An example can be antibiotics in essentially the most severe cases.
How to stop them?
Prevention is the important thing point in terms of stopping stomach flu and food poisoning. To prevent food poisoning, ensure good hand hygiene and proper handling of food before and through consumption. Compliance with the cold chain and good storage practices might be essential.
Similarly, not having close contact with individuals who develop gastrointestinal symptoms may also prevent you from contracting the virus if that is the cause.
However, it is kind of difficult to do because these microorganisms are frequently very contagious before symptoms appear in humans.
Stomach flu and food poisoning: two different problems with similar symptoms
As you’ve got noticed, the stomach flu and food poisoning have many similarities when it comes to the symptoms they generate. However, are attributable to various microorganismsso the proposed treatment for essentially the most intense types of the disease can be different.
It is best to stop and be sure that hygiene measures are observed between people and when handling food. When the primary symptoms appear, it is vital to know when to see a health care provider and learn how to prevent dehydration.
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