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Gastroenteritis – What it is and how it is treated?

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a type of gastrointestinal inflammation that can be caused due to bacterial infection, viral infection, or by a parasite. Its symptoms involve diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In local parlance, it is known as a bug in the tummy, stomach influenza, intestinal illness, food poisoning, and traveller's diarrhoea.

Generally, the disease is easily transmittable and spreads through contaminated water or food and from individual to individual. It irritates the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhoea and other symptoms, including vomiting, stomach pain, and tension. In such cases, you should go for Gastroenteritis hospitalization, so that you get a proper treatment for the disease and get yourself up and running soon.

A bacterial or viral illness and a parasite infection although less often, is by far the most major condition of gastroenteritis. Norovirus and rotavirus seem to be the most causative factors of viral gastroenteritis. The most likely reasons for gastrointestinal infections include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Campylobacter. Giardia is caused primarily by parasite gastroenteritis. The most prevalent cause of gastroenteritis becomes viral gastroenteritis, which occurs an individual is affected by both types of virus.

Norovirus outbreaks may affect the child and adults, while rotavirus affects babies and children in particular. Health insurance plans can help you fight this disease.

How to know if you have Gastroenteritis?

Diarrhoea is a sign of gastroenteritis. However, you can take a stool (faeces) specimen to find out the strain of bacteria that triggered the disease and if the effects are serious or persistent.

Diarrhoea is the primary symptom of gastroenteritis. Here are several other triggers:

  • ​​​​Poor feeding in babies
  • Cramp and pain in Abdomen
  • Appetite loss
  • Pain in head and muscles
  • General weakness in body and tiredness
  • Vomiting and nausea

How to prevent it?

Clean drinking water and good hygiene practices drive reduction rates of gastroenteritis. The risk of gastroenteritis decreases if soap is used to wash hands. Also, it is necessary to avoid infected foods that can harbour harmful bacteria and viruses.

In general, for rotaviruses, vaccination is also successful. In both developed and developing nations, rotavirus vaccines have led to a sharp decline in disease prevalence and mortality. Oral rehydration for the patient with moderate to severe dehydration is the foundation of the care. A solution that is water-filled, salt and sugar will accomplish this.

Make sure that gastroenteritis treatment cost is a part of your health insurance coverage. ​

How can health insurance help me?

In cases of medical crises, healthcare coverage offers a much-needed financial backup. One cannot schedule and become ill, but the financial element can be planned. One way to plan for financial implications in case of health risk is by purchasing medical insurance.

Health insurance benefits are a part of the health insurance policy that pays for the insured's medical expenses. The health insurance company may either reimburse or compensate the partner hospital for the cost incurred because of gastroenteritis treatment.