Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the large and small intestines that causes acute diarrhea and vomiting. Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition during episodes is critical in the management of gastroenteritis. Knowing what foods and fluids to consume during the acute phase of the illness may prevent the need for hospitalization.
Cause
Both viruses and bacteria can cause gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is contagious and spreads from person to person through close contact or contaminated foods and beverages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most cases of gastroenteritis are benign and result in no long-term complications. If you are unable to replace the fluids that you lose through diarrhea, however, hospitalization for intravenous fluids and medications may be necessary. If your gastroenteritis is the result of a bacterial infection, you will also need antibiotics.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of gastroenteritis include watery diarrhea and vomiting. You may also have a fever, stomachache, headache and general muscle aches. If the cause of gastroenteritis is viral, symptoms may last several hours to several days. In cases of bacterial gastroenteritis, infectious symptoms may last longer than a week.
Treatment
Doctors treat gastroenteritis by identifying the causative agent and resting your intestinal tract. Oral hydration with clear liquids is possible in most cases and is critical to prevent dehydration. As soon as the diarrhea starts to subside, you can begin a progression from clear liquids to full liquids and soft foods.
Diet Specifics
During the acute phase of this illness, you should consume clear liquids such as apple juice, gelatin, ginger ale and electrolyte replacement drinks. Coffee and caffeinated beverages are excluded in clear liquid diets. Once you can tolerate clear liquids, you can progress to full liquids such as rice cereal, broth and sherbets. Suggested additions to your diet after full liquids include bananas, rice, applesauce and tea---often referred to as the BRAT diet. Other foods to consider at this time are mashed potatoes, pasta, soft-cooked vegetables and canned fruit. If your diarrhea does not return during this diet progression, the last step before resuming a regular diet is to incorporate soft or poached eggs, tender meats and dairy into your meals.
Prognosis
If symptoms reappear or worsen at any point during the diet progression, you should regress to full or clear liquids and notify your physician. Gastroenteritis can be serious if hydration and nutrition needs do not keep up with the fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
