Fire in the Belly

In the season of gastroenteritis, Toufiq Rashid tries to plug the leaks

GASTROENTERITIS seems to have come early this year, with hundreds in and out of hospitals in Mumbai. Experts say it could well be a portent for the rest of the country, with rising temperatures and humidity providing the perfect conditions for outbreaks.

What is gastroenteritis?
It is an inflammation of the stomach and the small and large intestines. It may be either bacterial or viral but, according to doctors, it is the viral form that is a cause for concern in India. It8217;s often called stomach flu, although it is not caused by influenza viruses, says Dr Anil Arora, senior consultant, gastroenterology and head of hepatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. 8216;8216;A variety of viruses may be responsible for gastroenteritis, but they all result in vomiting and/or diarrhoea,8217;8217; says Arora.

What are the symptoms?
Apart from watery diarrhoea and vomiting, viral gastroenteritis victims complain of headaches, fever, abdominal cramps or stomach aches. 8216;8216;In general, the symptoms begin within one or two days of the infection or even immediately, because of the preformed toxins in the contaminated food they8217;ve eaten,8217;8217; says Arora. 8216;8216;It can last one day or 10, depending on the virus causing the illness.8217;8217;

What are the causes of gastroenteritis?
Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, the Norwalk virus and a group of noroviruses. 8216;8216;Rotavirus causes most of the outbreaks in India,8217;8217; says Arora. This particular species commonly contaminates food and water sources. The Mumbai outbreak, for instance, was triggered by sewage-contaminated drinking water.

Is consuming safe water the only precaution?
It isn8217;t that easy. Once a person is infected, he can pass on the virus through shared food, water or utensils. Besides, food and drink prepared with contaminated water is a sure-fire way of transmitting the virus.

8216;8216;Food may be contaminated by infected people cooking or handling it. The risk is particularly high if they do not wash their hands well after visiting the loo,8217;8217; says Arora.

Is it a serious illness?
For most people, it is not. People who get viral gastroenteritis almost always recover completely. 8216;8216;However, it can turn serious for people who are unable to drink enough fluids to replace what they lose through vomiting or diarrhoea,8217;8217; says Arora. At risk for gastroenteritis-related dehydration are infants, young children and people who are unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly. In these cases, warns Arora, the condition can cause irreversible damage or can even be fatal.

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How is viral gastroent eritis treated?
8216;8216;The first and most important step is to avoid dehydration,8217;8217; says Arora. This treatment should begin at home, but abide by a physician8217;s advice on the nature of fluids to be consumed. In some cases, intravenous fluids may be recommended.

Experts suggest families with infants or young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution at home at all times, and start using it at the first sign of diarrhoea. Alternatively, the solution of a spoonful of sugar and a pinch of salt in a glass of boiled water can help.

Are there any vaccines for gastroenteritis?
There is no vaccine or medicine currently available that prevents viral gastroenteritis. A vaccine is being developed, however, which can protect infants and young children against severe diarrhoea from rotavirus infection.