How Long Does A Gastroenteritis Last?
Gastroenteritis is an infectious disease that disappears on its own after a few days, except for very particular situations that turn into chronic diarrhea. However, when we suffer from it we are not able to estimate how long we will be suffering from the discomfort it causes.
The duration period can be two days, a week or a month. There is no specific number of days. However, if we pay attention to the symptoms, we can take the appropriate measures to stop its transmission and prevent the situation from worsening.
Here we tell you what they are and how long the discomfort caused by gastroenteritis can last.
A disease spread throughout the world
Gastroenteritis is a health problem that affects people in all countries. It is the inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach and intestine due, most of the time, to an infection by microorganisms. It presents with a diarrheal picture that is usually accompanied by abdominal discomfort and nausea.
This pathology can evolve into very serious and complicated states, but it is normal for it to be suffered in a mild form. In adults it appears as an ailment that is overcome as the days go by.
In childhood, the perspective is different. The consequences can be dangerous in young children or the elderly, due to their weak or immature immune systems.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrheal diseases are reported worldwide, where developing countries are the most affected, due to unsafe water supplies, lack of sanitation and nutritional deficiencies.
Causes and symptoms
This pathology can be caused by several causes, such as infection by microorganisms (viruses, bacteria or parasites), food intolerance, reactions to medications, or poisoning that alters the intestinal balance.
In children, the main culprit is rotavirus, while in adults it can be caused by norovirus or bacteria, due to food poisoning. Microbial transmission can occur in the following ways:
- consumption of contaminated food or water ,
- contact with an infected person .
In general, the symptoms suffered by affected people are related to the digestive system. The most common are diarrhea, vomiting, headache, abdominal discomfort and, in some cases, even fever.
Sometimes, it can present as a mild diarrhea that goes away in three days. However, in babies, the elderly, sick people or people with weakened immune systems, complications are an option, accompanied by dehydration.
Duration of gastroenteritis
Estimating the length of time that an infectious disease, such as gastroenteritis, lasts is crucial. The sooner we know that we are suffering from it, the earlier we can take the appropriate measures to prevent its transmission and prevent the disease from progressing to more serious stages.
Actually, there is no set number of days to have a gastroenteritis. Sometimes it is less than a week, and other times it is spread over a month or more.
In any case, to calculate the time that we can suffer it, we can be guided by a classification based on the duration of the diarrheal picture:
- Acute diarrhea: lasts for less than 14 days.
- Persistent: the patient suffers it throughout a month.
- Chronic: those that extend for more than 30 days.
How we can act against gastroenteritis
If you are suffering from diarrhea, vomiting and general discomfort, it is best to rest and go to your medical center when possible. Gastroenteritis is highly contagious, so the steps you can take to stop transmission to your direct contacts are crucial.
There is no specific treatment to cure this pathology, but we leave you some tips that will help you alleviate the symptoms:
- Wash your hands frequently: one of the best ways to avoid the transmission of microorganisms is with the use of soap and water. Especially after using the bathroom. That is why washing should be a common practice in our routine.
- Drink plenty of fluids – Dehydration is one of the most serious problems caused by gastroenteritis. This is why it is important to stay hydrated, be it by drinking water or a serum preparation.
- Keep a safe distance and avoid sharing objects
- Get immunized: the rotavirus vaccine helps prevent the worst symptoms, especially in children.
