When to Seek Medical Help for a Stomach Infection: Key Signs to Watch

In case of stomach infection, you can do first aid in the following way-

• Rest is most important when you have an infection, so that your body can put all its strength into fighting the infection. You will not be able to go out of the house due to vomiting and diarrhea, but it is very important to take adequate rest even while staying at home. 
• Diarrhea and vomiting cause dehydration in the body. To avoid this, try to take as much fluid as possible. However, you may start vomiting or diarrhea by drinking anything, if this happens then drink a little water at some time. Try drinking water again 10 minutes after diarrhea or vomiting. Avoid liquids available in the market that contain a lot of sugar as they can increase diarrhea. 
• If you want, you can also make electrolytes at home. For this, add 5 teaspoons of sugar in a glass of water and add a pinch of salt to it. Keep drinking this solution at regular intervals. If you want, you can also squeeze a lemon in it to enhance the taste. 
• If you have a stomach infection, do not take coffee, tea and alcohol. These cause dehydration in the body and can also increase your problem. 
• If you are having pain in your stomach due to infection, then fomenting the stomach can give you relief. For this, you can use a heating pad, or fomentation can also be done with many other home remedies. 
• Try to eat some light food at regular intervals. If you are not feeling hungry, do not force yourself to eat anything. Bananas and white rice are good for stomach infection because they are easy to digest. 
• Vomiting also causes pain in your throat. For this, you can apply cold compress on your throat. There are many different ways to do this, but the easiest way is to keep a packet of frozen peas on your throat. Keep in mind that if you are applying ice compress, do not place the ice cubes directly on your skin, it can damage your skin. 

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Although stomach infection can be cured by taking some measures, sometimes you may also need to go to the doctor for this. Be sure to go to your doctor if -

• You feel that your body is losing water or you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration. 
• You are vomiting for more than 24 hours. 
• You have blood in your stool or the stool is dark in color. 
• You are passing a lot of stool every one or two hours. 
• There is blood in the vomit. 
• You have a high fever and it is not getting cured. 
• You are having severe stomach pain. 
• You are vomiting dark coloured fluids. 
• You are unable to take any liquid due to vomiting. 
• You already have kidney, liver or heart disease. 
• You are a pregnant woman. 
• Suddenly, severe stomach pain started.
• Your immune system is already weak due to some disease, such as HIV. 
• You are above 60 years of age. 
• You already have some internal problems, such as diabetes, epilepsy etc.

(Read more - Diet and Exercise Tips to Combat Stomach Swelling)

In case of stomach infection, immediate treatment and precautions are necessary. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. Eat light and easily digestible foods such as oatmeal, bananas, yogurt, and coconut water at first to keep the body hydrated. Avoid heavy and spicy foods. Take medications as advised by a doctor to cure the infection, especially if the symptoms persist for more than 2-3 days. Ginger juice, mint, and cumin water may be beneficial for home remedies. Take care of hygiene and avoid contaminated food or water to prevent infection.