CNN-IBN

Mumbai, Mar 15: In Mumbai the celebrations of Holi lost a bit of sheen. That is because two people have succumbed to gastroenteritis and 37 others have been admitted to hospital in Mumbai after complaining of symptoms of the disease.

What is gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is the irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract. This condition may cause abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe cases of gastroenteritis can result in dehydration. In such cases, fluid replacement is the primary factor in treatment. The use of certain drugs such as aspirin, antibiotics or cortisone drugs may increase risk for this condition.

Symptoms

Abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Fever or chills
Dehydration
Mucus or blood in stools
Fever over 101 degrees
Severe abdominal or rectal pain
Vomiting and diarrhea after being treated

Cure

Self-treatment for adults may consist of the following:

1. Decrease activity until vomiting and diarrhea subside
2. Drink clear fluids such as ginger ale, broth, tea and gelatin for the first 24 hours or until diarrhea and vomiting stop
3. Eat bland foods for the second 24 hours such as crackers, rice, eggs, soup, bread, applesauce or cooked cereal
4. Do not consume spicy foods, vegetables, fruits, bran, dairy products, fried foods, candy or alcohol
5. Normal diet may resume after two or three days
6. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of liquid daily to prevent dehdyration through diarrhea or vomiting
7. Take non-aspirin medications for aches and avoid aspirin and ibuprofen since these medications may irritate the gastrointestinal system
8. Do not assume that all abdominal pain is a mild case of gastroenteritis, particularly if it is centered in the lower right abdomen, since this condition is often mistaken for other more serious ailments