Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Tips

Gastroenteritis, muscle soreness in the hands, chills, fever, and abdominal warmth?

Two days ago, it was 16 degrees outside, and I was only wearing a cotton T-shirt and a tank top with a beanie.
When I felt cold, I went inside, and I started to feel chilly, shivering and trembling.
I turned on the heater, but I had no warm packs or hot water bottles.
I felt lightheaded and in pain, so I went to the clinic to see a doctor.
After taking his medication, I felt much better, but by 11:30 PM, I felt extremely cold again, my teeth were chattering, and my whole body was shaking uncontrollably.
I was short of breath and shaking so much that I could barely walk.
I vomited five times in the car, which was very distressing.
My husband took me to the emergency room at Chengqing Hospital.
The doctor said I was experiencing a fever response, which caused the shaking, and he gave me two injections: an anti-nausea medication and a motion sickness medication.
They did an X-ray and said there was nothing wrong with my lungs.
I continued to vomit until only saliva was left.
The doctor said I did not have the flu but rather gastroenteritis.
When I got home, I drank some warm water and felt comfortable enough to get up at 6 AM.

At 8:25 AM, I took my first dose of medication: 500 mg of Ruanai Aishuteng tablets and 3.84 g of Weiminglang tablets.
I really wanted to drink coffee, so I called to ask how long I should wait before having it.
They said one to one and a half hours.
My husband mentioned that the doctor said not to take anything if I had no symptoms, so I didn’t take it.
I had no appetite at noon and was busy until 3 PM when I finally felt hungry but didn’t have time to eat.
Tonight, after taking a shower and preparing for bed, I had a fever of 38.2 degrees.
I woke up after four hours due to the sound of my heartbeat.
My blood pressure was 113/64 with a heart rate of 97 on the right side, and 100/60 with a heart rate of 95 on the left side.
The readings were 93/60/94 on the right, and 98/68/91.
I’ve never had gastroenteritis before, and now I’m so cold that I can’t sleep.
Even my tailbone feels hot, my abdomen is hot, and my urine is hot.
My lower back is sore.

Doctor, do I need to take this medication three times a day, or should I only take it if I have symptoms? Why am I still feeling unwell after receiving two injections? I haven’t had diarrhea, but I previously had gas in my right colon.
Should I go to the health center for more medication, or should I see a gastroenterologist? Or should I continue taking this medication? Would drinking a 1:1 solution of Shupao help me recover faster? I’ve been advised to avoid spicy foods, dairy products, and Yakult, and I can’t eat loquat! Doctor, I woke up at 2 PM and now it’s 3:56 PM, and I’m so cold that I can’t sleep.
Is there any way to recover quickly? I’m in so much pain from the cold.
If I drink more warm water, will it help flush out the virus and speed up my recovery? The clinic only prescribed medications for cold symptoms, so I didn’t take them! Doctor, I kindly ask for your guidance! Thank you! I read online that the illness lasts 5 to 7 days, and I can’t take it anymore on the second day! I have a headache and feel like I’m in the Arctic, it’s so cold! Crying!

Lin Xin-Yi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/13

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

It is recommended to return for an evaluation if there is a persistent fever to assess for any underlying causes.
Hospitalization for observation and treatment may be necessary if warranted.

Reply Date: 2024/03/13

More Info

Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can lead to a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Your experience of feeling cold, shivering, and having episodes of vomiting after experiencing these gastrointestinal symptoms is not uncommon. It’s important to understand that gastroenteritis can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, or even food poisoning.
Given your symptoms, it seems that you may be experiencing a viral gastroenteritis, which is often self-limiting and can resolve within a few days to a week. The key to managing gastroenteritis is to focus on hydration and symptom relief. Here are some tips to help you recover:
1. Hydration: Since you mentioned vomiting and possibly diarrhea, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Drinking warm fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or clear broths, can help replenish lost fluids. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are also beneficial as they contain electrolytes that can help restore balance in your body.

2. Diet: When you start feeling hungry, begin with bland foods that are easy on the stomach. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is often recommended. Avoid spicy, fatty, or dairy foods until you feel better, as these can exacerbate symptoms.

3. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the infection, so ensure you get plenty of rest. Sleep can help your immune system function optimally.

4. Medications: Follow your doctor's advice regarding medications. If you were prescribed medication for nausea or vomiting, take it as directed. If you are unsure about whether to take your medications, especially if you are feeling better, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, high fever, or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination), seek medical attention immediately.

6. Avoid Certain Foods: As you mentioned, avoid spicy foods, dairy products, and anything that could irritate your stomach. Foods that are high in fiber may also be hard to digest during this time.

7. Temperature Regulation: If you are feeling cold and shivering, it may be due to your body’s response to fever or the infection itself. Dress warmly, use blankets, and consider using a heating pad to help alleviate discomfort.

8. Follow-Up Care: If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to conduct further tests to rule out other conditions or infections.

9. Prevention: Once you recover, practice good hygiene to prevent future infections. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food, and avoid sharing utensils or drinks with others.

In summary, while gastroenteritis can be uncomfortable and distressing, most cases resolve with proper care and hydration. If you continue to feel unwell or have concerns about your symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. Your health and comfort are paramount, and seeking help is always a wise choice when in doubt.

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