Time to Know the Truth Behind Gastro - 5 Common Misconceptions
One of the common conditions doctors at 247 Doctor Service are requested for a home visit is 'gastro.' Believe it or not but this condition is one of the top medical conditions our team of doctors is called upon to attend after-hours. While generally not dangerous, gastro can be an unpleasant experience for patients and their caregivers.
There is a common misconception among patients that just because they have eaten something wrong, they are experiencing food poisoning. Though, it can be a reason but is surely not the complete picture.
247 Doctor can clear up some common misconceptions patients have about gastro -
1. Gastro is not dangerous
The fundamental risk associated with gastro is lack of hydration, particularly in babies and the elderly. During this condition, the body loses a great deal of liquid, so it is essential to try and drink sufficient water/liquids. Maintain the hydration level by giving patient liquids, particularly after vomiting and frequent visits to the loo. For infants that are breastfed, it is advised to feed the child frequently. Remember, if the water-level is not retained and it falls below the recommended level, patients will have to go to the hospital for hydration.
2. Give your stomach rest, don’t each much when you have Gastro
Another common misconception is to eat less if your stomach is upset. Most patients don’t feel like eating when they have gastro, and so patients end up eating less or in some cases nothing. However, according to doctors eating will aid you to recover quickly as it’ll help the inner intestine lining to heal. So, remember to eat and drink a lot of liquids.
3. Gastro is nothing but diarrhea
Gastro is an irritation of the stomach related digestive organs, so it influences both your stomach and intestines. Gastro can include both looseness of the bowels as well as vomiting, and different side effects also. Also, that’s a reason why gastro is also known as 'stomach fever' as it includes symptoms like fever, body aches, and nausea.
4. Gastro can be treated in few days
Though most gastro diseases last only a few days, however in a few cases, for example, a giardia contamination, if untreated the patient can take a few weeks or even a month to recover - and the condition can also repeat.
Most people think that gastro doesn’t require treatment and a doctor’s consultation. For some patients, gastro can last several days with some distress, and after that, they may feel normal. However, in a few cases, the infection may persist especially in vulnerable patients, like babies and the elderly.
In such a situation it's best to consult a doctor and immediately start the treatment. If it’s late in the evening, when your GP is closed, you can call 247Doctor Service and book yourself a home doctor visit free of cost.