Do Antacids Work for Gastroenteritis?

Another name for gastroenteritis is the "stomach flu." It results in vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain. Gastroenteritis is typically treatable at home. Most of the time, the illness only needs to finish its course.

A class of drugs known as antacids was initially created to treat peptic ulcers. They can relieve heartburn and indigestion by neutralising stomach acid.

Antacids won't assist if you have gastroenteritis-related vomiting. Certain varieties might lessen diarrhoea. If your diarrhoea is causing you to lose excessive amounts of fluid, this may assist.

Preventing dehydration and getting enough rest are the major therapies for gastroenteritis.

Do antacids help gastroenteritis?

Inflammation of the digestive tract is known as gastroenteritis. It is commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. Your body uses vomiting and diarrhoea as a means of eliminating the bacteria causing your illness.

For this reason, the primary therapies for gastroenteritis are rest and fluids. Unless you're losing so much fluid that you're getting dehydrated, you usually won't require medicine to treat vomiting or diarrhoea.

Bismuth subsalicylate, the active component of brands like Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, is one kind of antacid. The FDA has approved it to treat indigestion, nausea, and diarrhoea.

For gastroenteritis-related diarrhoea, it might be beneficial, particularly if the diarrhoea is causing you to lose so much fluid that you're finding it difficult to stay hydrated.

What treatment helps gastroenteritis?

The majority of gastroenteritis sufferers don't require medical attention. Your body will be able to combat the infection if you rest. All you can do is endure it.

Certain drugs may be beneficial. A fever-reducing medicine can help you feel more comfortable and get some rest if you have a fever.

Speak with a medical expert if you think you could get dehydrated. To assist you avoid dehydration, this individual might advise you to take medication to treat nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

If not, the most crucial things are to rest and stay hydrated. To help replenish lost fluids, suck on ice cubes or take tiny sips of clear liquid if you're vomiting.

What makes gastroenteritis worse?

If you have gastroenteritis, you probably won't feel like eating or drinking much. Appetite loss is not uncommon. If you do feel like eating, certain items may aggravate your digestive tract and make your symptoms worse.

Among them are:

• beverages with caffeine, such as energy drinks, coffee, and soda
• high-sugar foods and beverages, like soda or normal juice
• foods heavy in fat, such as meat, baked dishes, and fried foods

When to contact a doctor if you have gastroenteritis

The majority of gastroenteritis sufferers can recuperate at home and don't require medical care.

Nonetheless, seeking medical assistance is advised if you:

• have bloody diarrhea
• experiencing excruciating stomach ache that is growing worse
• exhibit symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, decreased urination, or extremely black urine

What’s the outlook if you have gastroenteritis?

Even though gastroenteritis can be uncomfortable, most of the time you'll feel better in a few days. Although symptoms can occasionally continue longer, they usually go away in less than a week.

Staying hydrated and getting lots of rest are the best things you can do for your recovery.

FAQs

What is the best medicine for gastroenteritis?

Usually, gastroenteritis only needs to run its course. It's possible you won't need to take any medicine.

You can feel more comfortable if you take fever-reducing medication if you have a fever. Unless you're starting to become dehydrated, medication is typically not necessary for nausea and diarrhoea.

If you're having trouble staying hydrated and you think you could become dehydrated, talk to your doctor about whether taking some medication could help.

Is Pepcid good for gastroenteritis?

Famotidine is the active component of Pepcid. This kind of acid blocker lowers the acidity of the stomach. It is probably not going to help with gastroenteritis symptoms, but it may aid with heartburn and indigestion.

Can you take antacids when you have a stomach bug?

Viral gastroenteritis, often known as the stomach flu, is a common illness that usually manifests as diarrhoea and vomiting. A class of drugs known as antacids is capable of neutralising stomach acid. Drugs that contain the moderate antacid bismuth subsalicylate can help treat diarrhoea brought on by the stomach flu.