Stomach Flu

The other name for stomach flu is gastroenteritis; this is an inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. The possible causes of gastroenteritis are bacterial food poisoning, amoebiasis, adenoviruses, entero viruses and coxsackieviruses, parasites, seafood, contaminated food and certain drugs. Gastroenteritis irritates and inflames the gastric mucosa, resulting in vomiting, which is a protective mechanism that empties the contents of the stomach and portions of the small intestines when noxious or irritating substances affect the GastroIntestinal tract. Toxins that stimulate secretion of water and electrolytes, destruction of the intestinal epithelial cells and local inflammation by the organism produce diarrhea. In healthy adults, gastroenteritis usually is a self-limited problem producing minor gastrointestinal symptoms that are more inconvenient than dangerous.

Manifestations will show that there is abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever, malaise and borborygmi or rumbling, gurling and tinkling sounds heard upon auscultation of the abdomen.

To determine if the person is positive for Stomach Flu, the diagnostic examinations are stool; this will show the leukocytes, blood, mucus and parasite ova. Complete blood count values are all elevated because of dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels are also elevated because of acute diarrhea.

To manage stomach flu, provide measures designed to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest such as provide nothing per Orem and maintain bed rest. Return to regular diet must be promoted such as fluid electrolyte replacements and oral replacement therapy then; followed by bland diet resuming to the client's regular diet.

In the hospital setting, ongoing assessment and intervene as necessary for the client is implemented. For hospital employees, closely monitor intake and output of client and fluid and electrolytes status. This is done to determined and monitor for dehydration. The intravenous infusion therapy is used to increase fluid intake.

For home prevention, safe preparation and storage of food products like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meat. Proper cleaning of cooking utensils and food containers this is to avoid the epidemic diarrhea. Always assess the client for dehydration, such as sunken eyes, depressed anterior fontanel and the client is thirsty. Oresol can also be given this can be done in a 200ml of glass with a 5teaspoon of salt. Stop smoking and eating foods that exacerbate diarrhea because they increase intestinal motility. Always maintain the perineal skin area to be clean to avoid skin irritation. If needed bed pan or bed commode will be offered. Check for the color of stool and take note how many times the diarrhea occurs. Bring the client especially for children who experiences diarrhea for more than 5 days, even though they are the one who have a high body water percentage they still the one prone having dehydration because the major organs in the body is not yet well develop.