How to know if you have gastro?

Feeling sick is never fun. It’s like a tiny demon has taken residence in your stomach and is determined to wreak havoc on your day. One possible culprit of this feeling could be gastroenteritis, also known as ‘the not-so-fun virus’. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure out if that little demon might just be trying to give you the old one-two punch.

What Is Gastro?

First things first – what exactly is gastro? Technically speaking, it’s an inflammation of the stomach and small intestines caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Sounds fancy right? Basically, it means that something nasty has found its way into your digestive system and is causing all sorts of chaos.

Symptoms

So how do you know if this demon inside you really is gastro? Look out for these symptoms:

Nausea

That queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach could mean trouble brewing below.

Vomiting

Being best friends with the toilet bowl isn’t ideal but may be a sign of gastro

Diarrhoea

If running for the bathroom sounds like an hourly midday activity- trust me something isnt ok!

Cramps in your tummy

Feeling straight-up uncomfortable after food consumption can certainly indicate potential problems down under.

You might experience some or all of these symptoms – they tend to come as part-and-parcel when it comes down to dealing with our gut!

So Why Do We Get Gastro?

Unfortunately, sometimes our poor tummies are at greater risk due factors plain outside our control! Let’s take a look…

1. Undercooked Meat: While pink meat might seem delicious, it’s also possibly lethal giving rise bacteria such as Salmonella typhi . This little bacteria fella packs quite a punch!
2. Cruise Ships: Unexpected? Perhaps! With over 19 million passengers each year come intimately and efficiently face-to-face with an increased risk for developing gastro!
3. Contaminated Water And Food: Well, let’s just say that what you may assume to be safe tap water in certain countries are truly not as bobo smart. Additionally, the cleanliness of food hygiene varies far more than perhaps ready to accept.

How Long Does Gastro Last For?

The dreaded question we know all too well – how long will this misery last?

If it is run-of-the-mill gastroenteritis your experiencing – sought comfort knowing most gastro cases will have ceased within two or three days. However when it comes to antibiotic resistant bacterias such as Salmonella typhi , strain times can surpass a couple of weeks.

On second thought maybe cut down on shellfish and gin & tonics while on holiday in Thailand next time- you’re welcome!

If You Think You Have Gastro…

Firstly: stay inside! Your colleagues won’t miss you that much anyways…

Second point don’t just start consuming random antibiotics because Tim from Marketing recommended them very strongly after his Bali-hell experiences, okay? This creates drug-resistant bacteria – hastening us towards our inevitable doom before chance has gotten its proper turn.

Instead sip ginger ale (w / ice!) keeping hydrated is important but keep clear of solids especially initially due to digestive irritation caused by foods.

Thirdly communication w/ your GP particularly if symptoms persist longer than expected increases chances an effective treatment method could be administered along with recommendations on a better way forward!

Keep watchfulness about the infection spreading via contact w/ humans & animal feces – yuck right?! Sanitizing objects + surfaces … pillowcases , light switches should prove priority where possibility remains minimal.

Your good health takes precedence so continue following suitable measures diligently until given sincere reason otherwise – focus not on the disease but on healthy habits to maintain a strong immune system such as good food choices, regular exercise+even in your most dire moments – a positive outlook & hearty laugh can really go far!