Gastroenteritis (Food Poisoning)

How is gastroenteritis treated?

Diarrhoea can usually be treated effectively by self-medication.

Hydration and fluid replacement

The mainstay of therapy is adequate hydration. Illness is usually self-limiting and does not require any specific medical therapy. The overwhelming majority of adults have mild diarrhoea that will not lead to dehydration provided adequate fluids are taken.

Hydration can be achieved by drinking boiled barley or rice water with a sprinkle of salt. This formulation helps to increase water absorption across the gut wall. An easier way is to consume commercially available oral rehydration salts in tablets or sachets form (Rehidrat, Dioralyte). These tablets can be drunk after reconstitution in boiled water (Please read the manufacturer's instructions for methods of dilution).

Dietary considerations

Most people will find it more comfortable to rest the bowel for a few days by avoiding high-fibre, high-fat foods. Frequent feedings of fruit drinks, tea, de-fizzed carbonated beverages and soft easily digested foods (eg. soups, crackers) are encouraged.

Antibiotics

Routine use of antibiotics is not recommended as illness is self-limiting. Antibiotics are indicated for those persons with high fever and prolonged diarrhoea. Antibiotics are used in diarrhoea due to invasive bacterial agents (e.g., shigella, salmonella) as antibiotics are believed to reduce environmental contamination.

Anti-diarrhoeal medications

Anti-diarrhoeal agents (such Lomotil) work by decreasing bowel contraction and may be used to decrease the frequency of diarrhoea, liquidity of stool and abdominal cramps. It should not be used if there is a high fever and blood is present in the stool indicating severe large bowel inflammation. This drug should also be discontinued and medical advice should be sought if diarrhoea worsens after a few days of therapy.

Lactose avoidance

Avoidance of milk and milk products is recommended for the first few weeks to avoid worsening of the diarrhoea from lactase deficiency. Gastroenteritis can reduce the concentration of the enzyme lactase and thus the ability of the small bowel to digest lactose present in milk.