Features of intestinal flu - signs and treatment, doctor's recommendations, drugs approved during pregnancy
In practice, doctors most often encounter food poisoning of various origins, which is attributed to rotavirus infection.
The causative agents of intestinal flu are rotaviruses. This is a whole group of viruses that are transmitted by the feco-oral route, that is, they enter the body through the mouth. Most often, a person brings them in with dirty hands
In practice, doctors most often encounter food poisoning of various origins, which is attributed to rotavirus infection.
The causative agents of intestinal flu are rotaviruses. This is a whole group of viruses that are transmitted by the feco-oral route, that is, they enter the body through the mouth. Most often, a person brings them in with dirty hands or with poorly washed and processed food. But you can also get infected from a sick person through everyday life (through personal hygiene items) or airborne (through saliva, feces or vomit).
Intestinal flu is easily transmitted, so it is quite dangerous.
Rotaviruses penetrate the epithelial cells that line the mucous membrane of the digestive system, where they multiply. The intestinal flu virus most often affects the mucous membrane of the small intestine, which is characterized by the corresponding symptoms.
Clinical picture
The onset of intestinal flu is acute, often without apparent cause. The patient is concerned about the following symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea, which is replaced by gray-yellow stool of clay-like consistency;
- runny nose and pain when swallowing;
- a feeling of irritation, discomfort in the throat;
- an increase in body temperature.
Treatment of intestinal flu during pregnancy
Usually, the treatment tactics for intestinal flu depend on the severity of the disease, but during pregnancy it is also due to the fact that a woman "in position" is contraindicated to take most medications. Therefore, in mild cases, home regimen and plenty of fluids are enough for her. In such conditions, the body will fight the infection on its own. In case of moderate or severe intestinal flu, the expectant mother is prescribed symptomatic treatment.
- If the body temperature rises above 38˚C, it is permissible to take an antipyretic based on paracetamol, and in case of severe nausea and vomiting - antiemetic drugs.
- If the patient has intense vomiting and diarrhea, saline solutions will help. Their task is to restore the water and electrolyte balance in the body.
- Sorbents create non-toxic compounds with toxins, viruses and bacteria, after which they are removed from the body naturally. Previously, activated carbon was actively used as a sorbent. Now there are drugs that are significantly superior to it in effectiveness. Some of the most popular are "Enterosgel" and "Smecta".
The doctor may also recommend taking proton pump inhibitors, which block the production of hydrochloric acid, and antacids (drugs such as "Maalox", "Phosphalugel"). Antacids reduce acidity and coat the stomach, protecting the mucous membrane from the damaging effects of pathogenic microorganisms.
Intestinal antiseptics have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms present in the digestive tract. They are not absorbed into the blood, so they are allowed to be taken during pregnancy to treat intestinal flu.
The expectant mother should understand that any of these drugs should be prescribed by the attending physician based on the severity of the condition and the danger to the life and health of the baby.
Therefore, with any symptoms of intestinal flu, the first thing you need to do is call a doctor. Treatment should also be under his supervision, and if three days after starting to take the drugs the patient does not get better, he should take all measures to stabilize her condition.
Intestinal flu: prevention and recommendations
Prevention of intestinal flu is very simple and consists mainly in observing the rules of hygiene.
- You need to wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating and when you come home.
- Do not use raw water or water from unverified sources for drinking or cooking. For the same reason, it is not advisable to swallow water when swimming in pools or natural reservoirs.
- The freshness of the food consumed is very important. Even minor external changes indicate that there may be an infection inside the product.
- During cooking, food must undergo high-quality heat treatment.
- Vegetables and fruits must be thoroughly washed before consumption.
- If there is a sick person near you, do not hesitate to limit contact with him or use a respiratory mask - first of all, you should take care of the little person who will soon be born.
Compliance with these rules reduces the risk of infection to a minimum. There is no specific prevention of the disease.
Схожі новини:
