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Suggest Treatment For Extreme Bloating And Gas Pain
Question: Yesterday I woke up with extreme bloating and gas pain. The pain subsided within an hour, and the rest of the day I felt fine until last night after dinner. I had bad stomach pains almost instantly after dinner, and about an hour after eating I had diarrhea. I had it a second time about thirty minutes later. Then i took some pepto bismol and started feeling better and went to bed a few hours later. This morning I woke up at 3AM and had more diarrhea even though there wasn't much left in my stomach. I took more pepto bismol and then went back to bed. I woke again at 7AM and had a little more diarrhea but it was just like water since there was nothing in my stomach. I have been drinking pedialyte and eating saltines and white rice. I do still have an appetite, but it's all running through me within an hour of eating so I'm scared to eat anything other than saltines and rice. Im not nauseated, not throwing up, no fever, and my stomach doesn't hurt inbetween the bouts of diarrhea. What does this sound like it could be?
Brief Answer:
Gastroenteritis - probably viral
Detailed Answer:
This sounds like a viral gastroenteritis or having eaten some contaminated food. Since you are not feverish or losing copious amounts of fluids, of very ill systemically (such as sweats, light headedness), I would continue on the course of what you are doing - pedialyte, white rice. You can add small amounts of toast, applesauce, and banana. But eat and drink only small amounts at a time so that your gastrointestinal tract doesn't react too violently from it.
As long as you are keeping hydrated and generally feeling well, what you are doing sounds appropriate.
Most likely this will start to get better in the next 48 hours. If it is not lessening after that, or if you are starting to feel sick and dehydrated, then a trip to the ER or Urgent Care for evaluation would be appropriate. But I think you will start to feel better in the next couple days.
Gastroenteritis - probably viral
Detailed Answer:
This sounds like a viral gastroenteritis or having eaten some contaminated food. Since you are not feverish or losing copious amounts of fluids, of very ill systemically (such as sweats, light headedness), I would continue on the course of what you are doing - pedialyte, white rice. You can add small amounts of toast, applesauce, and banana. But eat and drink only small amounts at a time so that your gastrointestinal tract doesn't react too violently from it.
As long as you are keeping hydrated and generally feeling well, what you are doing sounds appropriate.
Most likely this will start to get better in the next 48 hours. If it is not lessening after that, or if you are starting to feel sick and dehydrated, then a trip to the ER or Urgent Care for evaluation would be appropriate. But I think you will start to feel better in the next couple days.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have a 7 month old son, and I'm worried about him catching this. What are some things I can do to keep that from happening? I'm currently washing my hands for at least 60 seconds after I go to the bathroom, abd I'm also using germx before touching him or any of his things. He did have to go in the bathroom to get a bath earlier today, but since I flush with the toilet seat down would that prevent the particles from spreading in the bathroom? Also, if he does catch ot, would he need immediate treatment since he's just 7 months old?
Brief Answer:
You are doing a good job.
Detailed Answer:
It sounds like you are doing everything I would recommend. Most likely this is spread "fecal-oral route" and so washing your hands well, as you are doing, will greatly eliminate the risk of spread. You are doing everything right.
About his need for treatment if he catches it - we will need to wait and see. It is not a given that he will get a severe case of it (if he catches it). A virus can go thru a family and some individuals get worse cases, some milder. At 7 months, you should watch him closely, but 7 month olds have more robust immune systems and less chance of rapid dehydration and decline compared with a newborn. If he does catch it but appears overall well and happy, you may be able to treat him as you are yourself. Indications for taking him in for evaluation and treatment are if he is becoming dehydrated (fewer wet diapers), lethargic, severe pain or high fever that doesn't come down with Tylenol. Newer recommendations regarding treating babies with gastroenteritis are that you should continue nursing (or bottle feeding) regardless. You can supplement with Pedialyte.
I hope this helps and that you are soon feeling better and the rest of your household stays well.
You are doing a good job.
Detailed Answer:
It sounds like you are doing everything I would recommend. Most likely this is spread "fecal-oral route" and so washing your hands well, as you are doing, will greatly eliminate the risk of spread. You are doing everything right.
About his need for treatment if he catches it - we will need to wait and see. It is not a given that he will get a severe case of it (if he catches it). A virus can go thru a family and some individuals get worse cases, some milder. At 7 months, you should watch him closely, but 7 month olds have more robust immune systems and less chance of rapid dehydration and decline compared with a newborn. If he does catch it but appears overall well and happy, you may be able to treat him as you are yourself. Indications for taking him in for evaluation and treatment are if he is becoming dehydrated (fewer wet diapers), lethargic, severe pain or high fever that doesn't come down with Tylenol. Newer recommendations regarding treating babies with gastroenteritis are that you should continue nursing (or bottle feeding) regardless. You can supplement with Pedialyte.
I hope this helps and that you are soon feeling better and the rest of your household stays well.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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