Think you have the “stomach flu”?
In reality, it’s probably not the flu at all.
Instead it’s most likely agastroenteritisa nasty virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
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Check Your Symptoms
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Nausea, vomiting.
and diarrheaare the symptoms most often cited when people think they have stomach flu.
But it’s important to know when you do.
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Some people may becomedehydratedfrom vomiting and having diarrhea.
Unfortunately, many people make mistakes in how they attempt totreat vomitingand diarrhea.
As with vomiting, it’s important to stay hydrated.
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You are likely to best tolerate a bland, starchy diet.
Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, and Kaopectate may help.
However, these medications should not be given to children without specific instructions from the child’s healthcare provider.
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One traditional formula was theBRAT diet, an acronym forBananas,Rice,Applesauce (or Apples) andToast.
It is intended to be used for just a short period, such as 48 hours or less.
Should You Take Probiotics for an Upset Stomach?
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But do they actually work?
Many people recommend themincluding a lot of healthcare providers.
However, in the U.S., probiotics are still sold and marketed as natural supplements.
They cannot legally make any claims about curing or treating any conditions or diseases.
Due to the increasing interest in probiotics, many studies are in progress about what benefits they may offer.
It may also help to have a trash can or bucket nearby.
Drink plenty of water during the day to help with recovery.
Food poisoning can cause your neck to become stiff after diarrhea.
Mayrhuber EA, Peersman W, Van de kraats N, et al.
2018;18(1):647. doi:10.1186/s12879-018-3568-9
Sattar SBA, Singh S.Bacterial Gastroenteritis.
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Chow CM, Leung AK, Hon KL.Acute gastroenteritis: from guidelines to real life.
Nemeth V, Zulfiqar H, Pfleghaar N.Diarrhea.
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Food Poisoning Symptoms.
