Stomach ache? The difference between the 'stomach flu' and food poisoning
How to differentiate the symptoms?
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Stomach pain, a key organ in digestion , can be related to food poisoning or even the stomach flu. While both conditions have very similar symptoms, it's important to know how to identify them to find the right treatment. What's the difference between the two diagnoses?
According to Medical News Today, there is a significant difference in the ability to ensure a proper diagnosis and follow appropriate medical instructions to overcome this condition.
To begin with, a stomach virus is linked to an infection that attacks the digestive system and is known as the stomach flu . " Although this name is misleading, since influenza attacks the respiratory system. A stomach virus is also known as viral gastroenteritis," the aforementioned institution clarifies.
(See more: The plant that can fill your house with cockroaches because they take such good shelter there.) Regarding food poisoning, it is caused by eating food contaminated by external agents such as viruses, bacteria, and even parasites. This can cause symptoms associated with gastroenteritis.
How to treat these symptoms at home?
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The aforementioned organization emphasizes that in both cases, the discomfort can be treated at home, with rest and, above all, maintaining proper hydration. Therefore, you should drink water, broth, and electrolyte solutions , and avoid caffeine and alcohol, products that can worsen the condition. (See more: Take note: 4 places where snakes can hide in a house.) Additionally, it will be necessary to eat easy-to-digest foods and diets that do not contain spicy ingredients or dairy. Finally, rest is essential to overcome these discomforts. Therefore, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen will help you control your symptoms.
“In more severe cases of food poisoning, your provider may also prescribe antibiotics or antiparasitic medications to combat the infection or recommend probiotics to help increase the good bacteria in your digestive tract,” they noted.
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