How long do the effects last? Stomach flu rarely lasts longer than 1 to 3 days. However, it may be 1 to 2 weeks before your bowel habits are completely back to normal.
The symptoms usually appear up to a day after becoming infected. They typically last less than a week, but can sometimes last longer.
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.
Long-Term Effects
One potential outcome of gastroenteritis is a type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) known as post-infectious IBS. Studies have found that post-infectious IBS affects between 5-32% of those who experience gastroenteritis.
One common cause of IBS is infectious gastroenteritis, also known as food poisoning. This subtype of IBS is called post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). In PI-IBS, even though the infection has resolved, patients continue to experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
The main complication of gastroenteritis is dehydration, but this can be prevented if the fluid lost in vomit and diarrhoea is replaced. A person suffering from severe gastroenteritis may need fluids administered intravenously (directly into the bloodstream via a vein – the setup is often referred to as a 'drip').
For viral infections, you'll usually get symptoms about a day after catching the infection. It usually takes longer for symptoms to appear after infection with bacteria or parasites. Gastroenteritis symptoms can last for up to a week, sometimes more.
The results indicate that probiotic supplements may prevent PI-IBS if a person takes them when they have a stomach virus. The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research notes that taking a probiotic both during and after a stomach virus may help decrease damage to the gut microbiome.
Eat the BRAT diet
Instead, start with a BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Bland foods are suggested because they are easy to digest, provide several vital nutrients, and strengthen your stomach lining after a brutal few days of illness.
Avoid Inflammatory Triggers
It can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months to fully heal the gut. After all, since Leaky Gut Syndrome does not develop overnight, curing this condition will take some time.
Most stomach bugs are always followed by pale stools or diarrhoea. If you're experiencing either of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Why do people get stomach bugs? Stomach bugs, also known as gastroenteritis, are caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
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.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually last 24 to 72 hours. However, they can last up to 10 days if the stomach flu began while you were travelling abroad or upon your return. Persons with gastroenteritis are usually contagious when showing symptoms, and most particularly so when symptoms are severe.
Once the person's body has removed the virus, post-viral syndrome may make them feel drained of energy and generally unwell. This feeling may linger for days to months after a viral infection.
One tried-and-true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland, and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm up your stools.
Most people tolerate loperamide very well. Common side effects include constipation, abdominal cramping and nausea. Uncommon side effects include rash, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, dry mouth, restlessness, blurred vision and headache. A severe allergic reaction is a very rare side effect of loperamide.
The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals.
The most recommended foods to eat after the stomach flu, food poisoning, or a regular stomach ache are part of what's known as the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These particular foods are ideal because of their blandness and they're easy to digest.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in both the stomach and the small intestine.
Q: Can viral gastroenteritis recur? A: It is possible to be infected by a stomach virus more than once, though the same virus does not usually come back very soon after an infection.
Acute infectious gastroenteritis is a strong risk-factor for development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Approximately, 90% of post-infection IBS (PI-IBS) is either mixed or diarrhea predominant. Younger age, female sex, infection severity and psychological distress are associated with greater risk of PI-IBS.