Intestinal flu is a disease caused by rotavirus infection. A peculiarity of the pathology can be called a combination of symptoms, characteristic of colds and intestinal frustration.
How does the intestinal flu develop in adults?
Often, pathology is called a disease of unwashed hands. The name accurately conveys the reason for the transmission of the viral infection. The main mechanism of infection is fecal-oral. At the same time, the peddler often does not suspect the presence of the virus in his body. The greatest risk of catching rotavirus exists in the initial period of clinical signs, which lasts 3-5 days.
Infection can be massive, since the virus settles on household items, perfectly feels in the water, long time is preserved at low temperatures. Often the source of infection is dairy products - almost the ideal habitat for a given microorganism.
The virus affects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. To a greater extent, the villi of the small intestine are affected. This leads to poor digestion of food, as well as the accumulation of disaccharides in this area. As a result, the body tries to remove toxins and toxins by directing a greater volume of water to the organ. In turn, this leads to the development of characteristic symptoms and can cause dehydration .
Clinical picture
Symptoms of intestinal flu in adults flow brightly, so treatment can begin as early as the first stage of infection. The initial symptoms are acute:
- increased flatulence;
- pain in the upper abdomen;
- attacks of nausea and vomiting;
- severe diarrhea;
- headache;
- weakness;
- it is possible to raise the temperature to 39 degrees;
- coryza;
- cough;
- pain in the larynx.
The clinical picture may vary depending on the course of the pathology. So, the severe development of intestinal flu in adults or lack of timely treatment can lead to loss of consciousness.
How to treat intestinal flu in adults?
Unfortunately, medicine does not have the means to rid the body of rotavirus. Therefore, the main program for treatment of intestinal influenza in adults includes the use of drugs that inhibit the activity of the microorganism and ensure the elimination of symptoms:
- Rehydration therapy involves the introduction of drugs needed to replenish nutrients, as well as fluid. Isotonic solutions are widely used.
- To reduce intoxication, sorbents, such as activated carbon, are used.
- Probiotics help to normalize the intestinal microflora .
- If there is a temperature, knocking it down is not recommended, since under these conditions the virus dies much faster. Taking drugs that knock down the temperature is only indicated in case of extreme heat or when the patient is seriously ill.
- It is important to follow a literate diet, which completely excludes dairy products, drinks with gas, fatty and fried foods.
Intestinal flu in adults and children can lead to complications. One of them often becomes cardiovascular insufficiency. With weakened immunity, against a background of severe dehydration complications of the disease increase the risk of death.
After recovering rotavirus infection, a person is not protected from infection in the future. However, the recurrent disease of intestinal flu in adults occurs with weakened signs, which practically do not pose a threat to the body. Therefore, a specific disease does not require a second disease.