The symptoms usually appear up to a day after becoming infected. They typically last less than a week, but can sometimes last longer.
However, some cases may last up to two weeks, which is why it's important to know as much as possible about this infection in case you or someone you know contracts it. With that said, PhysicianOne Urgent Care is here to help you learn more about stomach bugs and why they last for the amount of time that they do.
Antibiotics work to cure some forms of bacterial gastroenteritis within a few days. You may need additional treatment to replace the fluids and electrolytes in your body. This will depend on the severity of your illness. In some cases, you may need IV fluid replacement.
In most cases, people with viral gastroenteritis get better on their own without medical treatment. You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
How long does stomach flu last? Stomach flu usually only lasts a few days, but it may last up to a week or two in severe cases. People with weaker immune systems may have a harder time defeating the virus, and it may take longer.
Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Nausea, vomiting or both. Stomach cramps and pain. Occasional muscle aches or headache.
And how long it takes for good bacteria to restore after antibiotics varies from person to person. For most people, the composition of the gut microbiome returns almost completely to baseline in one to two months. But for a few, things may not go back to the way they were for quite a long period of time.
The regular consumption of nutrient-dense foods can help reduce gut inflammation. Many experts recommend a Mediterranean-style diet for gut health. This includes green leafy vegetables, nuts, and berries which contain polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some patients just can't seem to get back to a normal GI rhythm or bowel function. This condition is known as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Gastroenterologist Brian Kirsh, MD, says post-infectious IBS is fairly common — and you can take steps to diagnose and treat it.
Acute infectious gastroenteritis usually resolves within two weeks but severe cases can last several weeks.
People with weak immune systems may have a harder time fighting the virus than normal. Their symptoms may last longer than normal, and they also have a high risk for complications. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any of those conditions and develop viral gastroenteritis.
An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and probiotics are all strategies to put in place before trying antimicrobials or antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria.
Prebiotic and probiotic foods like whole grains, onions, garlic, fermented foods, miso and yogurt feed the good bacteria in your gut. A diet rich with fiber and prebiotics ensures that the bacteria grows.
Incorporate Fiber-Rich Foods Into Your Diet
Discover the incredible benefits of fiber-rich foods in resetting your gut. High-fiber options like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promote healthy digestion, regulate bowel movements, and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
The biggest way to tell if your leaky gut is healing is when your energy and vitality have returned, you've regained mental clarity, your mood has improved, you've returned to your ideal weight, and you feel like your best self. It's important to remember that, as with most health concerns, gut health is on a spectrum.
Best: Polyphenols
Colorful foods are rich in polyphenols, as are tea, coffee, and red wine. Polyphenols in green tea may help fight “bad” bacteria like E. coli and calm symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and peptic ulcers. Polyphenols can also promote the growth of good gut bacteria.
Research so far has told us that it can happen quickly. If you want to restore your microbiome, your best bet is to feed it with high-fibre whole foods, establish a good sleep routine, get out in nature and simplify your day-to-day life. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements could really help too.
Take things slowly – if your digestion is still quite sensitive after the main symptoms have subsided, reintroduce foods slowly and stick to bland foods for a while until you feel better. Try little and often rather than large meals, unless you feel better by not eating too regularly.