Gastroenteritis – Myths And Facts
by Premier Hospitals | February 21, 2019 |
Have you ever woken up suddenly in the middle of the night, just because you feel an urgent need to empty your bowels?
I am sure some of us have. Especially after an evening of enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant or at an evening event such as a wedding or The feeling will be embarrassing to have a loose motion after a delicious meal, yet spicy food.
What's the underlying cause behind it?
Do you know?
It may be due to Gastroenteritis and It is said to be one of the most common diseases which affects digestion and all the organs involved in it.
Gastroenteritis is a fairly common word you may hear around often or people used to say “Don’t have spicy food or outside food daily, it may lead to ‘gastric’ problemsâ€.
Gastroenteritis is a painful infection. Never ignore the symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. But the problem is, some other diseases also have similar symptoms like gastroenteritis. The infections which might affect your intestine directly associated with many factors and not only concerning food.
So, let’s see some of the myths and facts surrounding Gastroenteritis:
MYTH - Every incident of chest pain, might not result in a Heart Attack
FACT - Chest pains are usual symptoms of Gastritis, and it might not be a heart attack always.Have you encountered such pains, then don’t neglect, it is safe and essential to get checked by a Gastroenterologist.MYTH - Heartburns are always due to Spicy Food.
FACT - Do you know what else can cause heartburns? ULCERS.Yes, ulcers in the stomach or oesophagus are the sores which can cause heart burns. Usually, ulcers are caused by an infection.
MYTH - Blood in the stool always means a tear in your track.
FACT - When you find blood in your stool, it’s an indication that you might have a condition called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is one of the digestive disorder which affects the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES- muscle between the oesophagus and stomach). It is a condition where the acids in the stomach irritate the lining of the food pipe. Many people who are suffering from heartburn or acid indigestion might be due to GERD.
MYTH - Smoking can help you in Digestion.
FACT - This myth about smoking is partially true but also a false statement to some extent. Smoking does not help in digestion; It just helps in the movement of the stool. Smoking will cause a lot of harm in the process of digestion; it causes heart burns, liver diseases, peptic ulcers, and also stones in the gallbladder.
MYTH - A short period of starving can resolve Diarrhoea.
FACT - There is a popular false belief that enforced starvation, i.e. not having food for a period of time can help with diarrhoea. You need to consume more fluids at regular intervals and should some calories rich diet to get relief from diarrhoea.
MYTH - The symptoms will go away within 24 hours.
FACT - The exact period of Viral Gastroenteritis is still to be known. Usually, It can be for 24 hours, but in most the cases, it can extend to several days. In such cases, it is essential to be checked up by a gastroenterologist.
MYTH - It can just be PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
FACT - Either it could be PMS (Premenstrual syndrome), nor it can also not be. Symptoms associated with PMS and Gastroenteritis like constant mood changes, cranky behaviour and vomiting might look similar. So, the best way to know the cause is taking your child to the doctor.
MYTH - Unhealthy and Fatty food will cause Gastroenteritis.
FACT - Fatty foods are hard to digest, and they can result in acute diarrhoea, but food with little fats might help in easing it. Fatty foods digest slower and help in reducing the symptoms of diarrhoea.
MYTH - It might be Food Poisoning.
FACT - In most of the cases, when the symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting are involved, it might be an indication of Viral Gastroenteritis. So, consulting a doctor to be sure is fairly a right decision.
MYTH - Fibre rich food can help in Gastroenteritis.
FACT - Fibre is of two types. Insoluble fibre such as skins of raw vegetables and fruits, it does not help in diarrhoea — fibre from beans, peas etc. can help in curtailing the disease.
About The Hospital:
Since the inception of Premier Hospital in 1991 till today, we have grown to unprecedented levels, due to our excellence in medical sciences and healthcare. Premier Hospital is the creation of Dr Mahesh Marda and when it was first established, was only a small, 30-bed hospital facility. Back then, we provided only secondary care to patients, but that certainly has changed in the present landscape.