Stomach cold symptoms: What are the most common causes?
Appear Stomach cold symptoms When the stomach is affected by several external factors. These factors may include the common cold, stomach that is sensitive to cold, or gastroenteritis due to bacterial or viral infection factors.
Stomach cold symptoms
Although it is called more often than not Stomach cold symptoms The name of stomach flu, but they differ. Stomach cold attacks the upper part of the intestine, causing many pathological symptoms, such as:
- Non-bloody watery diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- headache
- mild fever
- Pain in the joints and muscles
- Anorexia
As for stomach flu, it causes inflammation in both the stomach and intestines. Depending on the causes, the symptoms of a stomach cold may last for a period ranging from one to three days. Sometimes the infection period may extend to 10 days. The level of symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of stomach cold in children
And if it appears Symptoms of stomach cold in children and infantsYou should consult a doctor in the following cases:
- Fever higher than 38.5°C
- Lethargy or irritability
- bloody diarrhea
- feeling pain
- Drought
Stomach cold treatment
There is no specific treatment for stomach cold, and antibiotics do not achieve an effective effect against viruses. Therefore, the treatment of stomach cold depends mainly on following some home procedures in order to treat the symptoms of stomach cold. And that By following:
- Keep washing hands frequently.
- Eat healthy.
- Avoid overeating ice cream
- Wash vegetables and fruits
- Get enough rest
- Be careful when taking medicines, as some types of medicines may cause stomach pain.
- Avoid direct contact with people who have any cold or flu symptoms
- In severe cases, a gastritis vaccine is available, but it is not available in all countries of the world.
And in order to treat a stomach cold as well, it is a must Avoid eating certain foods Such as fatty, salty, and spicy foods such as curry, hot peppers, and tomatoes, and avoid eating dairy products. Although some may not suffer from the problem of milk when symptoms of stomach cold appear, it may be difficult to digest, and therefore the percentage of gas and diarrhea may increase with infection.
Best drinks for stomach cold
In the event of infection, one of the ways to treat stomach cold is to drink caffeine-free drinks, and avoid coffee, black tea, chocolate, and carbonated water. Among the best drinks to treat stomach cold symptoms:
- water
- Ginger drink
- Chamomile drink
- Coconut water
- Caffeine free tea
- Natural juices such as blueberry and apple juice
Notice: Natural fruit juices should not be consumed excessively due to their high sugar content, and they should be avoided to infants or children without consulting a doctor.
Causes of stomach cold
Stomach cold pain usually occurs in the upper abdomen in the epigastric region (the mouth of the stomach), and even slightly below the ribs.
Among the causes of stomach cold:
1. Stomach sensitive to cold
Which is severely affected when consuming cold and frozen foods and drinks, or exposure to cold air. Symptoms of a stomach flu include:
- The feeling of pain in the upper part of the stomach begins suddenly
- Nausea
- Vomiting, which usually helps relieve the pain.
Fortunately, those who suffer from stomach cold symptoms do not usually suffer from stomach flu (gastroenteritis).
2. Catching a cold
If the body is exposed to colds, it leads to stomach cold, and its symptoms are:
However, an improvement in symptoms usually occurs in a period ranging from 7 to 10 days, while the cough may last for two weeks or more.
3. Gastroenteritis
Stomach cold symptoms may appear as a result of gastroenteritis, caused by infection with a virus. It is called (in English: viral gastroenteritis). Gastritis is an intestinal infection that is accompanied by a number of symptoms, including:
- watery diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
- Sometimes a fever
Causes of gastritis
It is the most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis (sometimes called the stomach flu). is direct contact with another infected person, This may happen by:
- Sharing food, utensils, or towels with an infected person.
- Eating contaminated food or drink.
- Neglecting to wash hands well and continuously.
If your immunity is good, you will most likely be able to recover without any complications. However, it can be fatal if the immune system is weakened or in children, infants, and the elderly.
A number of viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including:
1. Noroviruses
Both adults and children can get norovirus infection. It is the most common cause of disease transmitted through contaminated food and drink. It is common in crowded places. Among its symptoms:
- diarrhea
- Nausea
- body aches
- fever
It is worth noting that most people who are infected with the norovirus have symptoms that improve within 2 to 3 days.
2. Rotavirus infection
Rotavirus infection (rotavirus) is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children and infants, who put fingers or objects in their mouths that may be contaminated. The infection can also be transmitted from them to other people, whether they are adults or children. Among its symptoms:
Despite the severity of this virus, it can be treated at home by drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
However, in the case of severe dehydration, it is necessary to go to the hospital, where the person with fluids is provided through the vein.
A vaccine against gastritis is also available in some countries of the world, who recommend early vaccination of children against rotavirus infection. However, the best solution is prevention by maintaining hygiene habits and strengthening immunity.
3. Adenoviruses
People of advanced age can be infected with adenoviruses. Where the virus is transmitted through the air by sneezing or coughing, or through direct contact or direct contact with contaminated people and things. Among its symptoms:
People infected with the virus, especially children, may feel an improvement in symptoms a few days after infection, but the pink eye may take longer to recover.
4. Astroviruses
It is considered one of the viruses that cause gastritis in children. Among its symptoms:
- Collywobbles
- Headache
- Mild dryness
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 3 days after exposure. It is improved in a period similar to the incubation period of the virus.
The most susceptible people
The people most at risk of viral gastroenteritis are:
- babies
- Children under the age of five
- People with weak immunity
- Elderly
Cases that may resemble symptoms of a stomach cold
- Food hypersensitivity: Such as lactose, fructose, and artificial sweeteners.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Which includes inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- pharmaceutical: Where some types of medicines can cause accompanying symptoms, such as symptoms of stomach cold such as antibiotics, or antacids that contain magnesium.
When should you visit the doctor?
- Vomiting for more than two days
- Watery diarrhea, lasting 3 or more days without feeling better
- bloody diarrhea
- bloody vomiting
- Fever (when the body temperature is over 40°C)
- Dehydration. Signs of dehydration include general weakness, extreme thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination, and dizziness.
Now that you know the symptoms of stomach cold, the most important causes, and ways to prevent them. Always take care of your health and visit a doctor if any of the symptoms of a cold stomach appear to seek the appropriate treatment.