Non-stop stomach ailment: Signs, origins, and remedies

Stomach Trouble Lasting a Day: Signs, Causes, and Remedies

In the United States, the leading cause of short-term stomach bugs, often referred to as acute viral gastroenteritis, is the norovirus. This highly contagious virus is responsible for over half of all cases and spreads easily through person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces, and ingestion of contaminated food or water[1][2].

Norovirus causes a rapid onset of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and sometimes fever. Symptoms typically appear 12-48 hours after exposure to the virus, and the illness usually lasts 1-3 days in adults and up to 12 days in children[3].

Another virus that primarily affects children under the age of 2 years is rotavirus. It spreads primarily via the fecal-oral route through contaminated hands or surfaces[2].

Symptoms of dehydration, a risk for people who vomit and have diarrhea multiple times a day, especially children, older adults, and people with preexisting health conditions, include extreme thirst, decreased urination, dark-colored urine, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, feeling tired, sunken eyes or cheeks, and skin not flattening back to normal right away after pinching it[4]. Additional signs of dehydration in young children include crying with few or no tears, urinating less or no wet diapers for 3 hours or more, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness[4].

To prevent the transmission of stomach bugs, surfaces should be cleaned with bleach disinfectants, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, and contaminated laundry should be washed immediately[5].

In children, stomach bugs can be dangerous and a doctor should be called if a child has symptoms of a stomach bug. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate) can be used to treat diarrhea in adults, but are not suitable for young children and should be used with caution[6].

People who have or have recently had a stomach bug should not prepare food for others for at least 2 days after their symptoms go away. People who are severely ill, pregnant, or show signs of dehydration may need medical help[7].

It is essential to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration during a stomach bug. Antidiarrheal medication and electrolyte replacements can be found at pharmacies or online[8]. If a person experiences bloody diarrhea or a fever, they should seek help from a doctor right away[9].

Most norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. happen between November and April, with some years experiencing an increase due to a new strain of norovirus[3]. Dehydration is a risk for people who vomit and have diarrhea multiple times a day, especially children, older adults, and people with preexisting health conditions[10].

People who work in crowded places should avoid work for at least 2 days after their symptoms resolve[7]. In summary, a 24-hour stomach bug—often a mild, self-limiting infection—is most frequently caused by norovirus, followed by rotavirus, while bacteria and parasites are less common for rapid-onset illness[1][3][5].

References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Norovirus.

Sclerosis, a neurological disorder, is a chronic condition that affects multiple areas of the body.
Predictive science has made significant strides in diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and ulcerative colitis.
Dry mouth can be a symptom of various health issues, including dehydration, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders like Sjogren's syndrome.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children's health checks at least twice a year.
Debt management is an essential part of personal finance, helping individuals save and budget effectively.
Pfizer recently announced a partnership to develop a predictive model for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for nearly one in four cancer diagnoses.
Colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stool.
Dehydration is a risk in cases of food poisoning, which can be caused by numerous pathogens such as salmonella and listeria.
AQ, or air quality, is a vital factor in managing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Depression has been linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Counseling and psychotherapy are common therapies and treatments for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
In the workplace, workplace wellness programs have been introduced to promote health, fitness, and exercise.
Macular degeneration, an age-related eye disease, affects the central vision and can lead to blindness.
Eczema, a skin condition, causes symptoms like redness, itching, and scaly patches on the skin.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80-85% of all cases.
Safety measures are essential in the science lab to prevent accidents and hazards such as chemical spills and electrical shocks.
Sleep is crucial for overall health and wellness, as it aids in bodily repair, immune function, and cognitive processing.
Workplace wellness programs have been designed to help employees manage stress, improve productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure can impact weight management and vice versa.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States for people aged 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
CBD oil has been explored as a treatment for various conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.
Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can be caused by viruses or toxins.
Finances play a crucial role in one's overall health, affecting factors such as access to healthcare, quality of housing, and nutrition.
Skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema can impact a person's self-esteem and mental health.
Therapies and treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are still under development.
A nutritious diet is essential for maintaining good digestive, eye, and skin health.
Aging can lead to various health issues, including a decline in cognitive function, memory loss, and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Women's health encompasses issues specific to females, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Parenting influences children's health and development, with factors like nutrition, sleep, and emotional support being critical.
Weight management is a crucial aspect of maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing obesity-related diseases.
Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can impact cardiovascular health.
Medicare caters to various health needs of individuals, including prescription drugs, hospitalization, and home health care.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant that has potential therapeutic benefits for managing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Lifestyle changes, including stress management and better sleep habits, can help manage symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Male-specific health issues include prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and testicular cancer.
Skin care is crucial for maintaining good eye, hearing, and overall health, as the skin acts as a barrier to protect the body from harmful pathogens.
Employers are promoting mindfulness practices and fostering a culture of wellness and positive mental health in the workplace.
Lifetime health insurance is an important aspect of financial planning, ensuring coverage during retired years and for unexpected health issues.