Remedies for Constipation After Viral Gastroenteritis

Coping with Constipation After Viral Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, can cause several unpleasant symptoms. And for many sufferers, constipation is a common occurrence in the aftermath. Fortunately, there are many ways to find relief when constipation strikes after a bout of viral gastroenteritis.

Understanding Viral Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection typically caused by noroviruses, rotaviruses, adenoviruses or astroviruses. It is extremely contagious and often referred to as the stomach flu, although it is not related to the influenza viruses that cause seasonal flu.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and body aches
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Loss of appetite

These symptoms can be quite debilitating but typically resolve in a few days to a week as the virus runs its course. However, the aftermath sometimes brings a new problem - constipation.

Why Constipation Often Follows

There are several reasons why constipation commonly occurs after bouts of gastroenteritis or stomach viruses:

• Dehydration - Frequent vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss, which dries up the stools.
• Poor nutrition - Reduced appetite and nausea make it hard to get adequate fiber, fat and calories needed for bowel movements.
• Altered motility - Stomach viruses disrupt the muscular contractions of bowels that move stools along.
• Medications - Anti-nausea, anti-diarrheal and pain meds used to manage symptoms can cause constipation.

This drastic change from diarrhea to constipation reflects how significantly gastroenteritis impacts the gastrointestinal system. Getting bowels back on track is key to recovering after illness.

Easing Back Into Eating

After keeping down little food during illness, the thought of eating full meals may still seem unappealing. However, nutrition plays a vital role in recovering digestive health. Some tips for easing back into eating include:

• Start with the BRAT diet - Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast are easy on stomachs.
• Stay hydrated with water, diluted juices, clear broths.
• Avoid fatty, spicy or fiber-heavy foods initially.
• Consume soluble fiber like oats, lentils and yogurt.
• Take probiotics to replenish gut bacteria.
• Eat smaller, frequent meals to allow the GI tract to adjust.

Pay attention to how your stomach reacts and increase portion sizes gradually. This will provide the nutrition needed to get bowels moving regularly again.

Exercising Caution With Medications

Certain over-the-counter medications used to control gastroenteritis symptoms can lead to constipation. For instance:

• Antidiarrheals like loperamide (Imodium) slow gut motility.
• Antiemetics like promethazine, relieve nausea but can cause constipation.
• Pain relievers like codeine and oxycodone are constipating.

Check with your pharmacist and use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time needed. Stop usage once acute symptoms resolve. Returning to a normal diet and staying hydrated can often control persisting issues.

When to See a Doctor

Constipation after gastroenteritis often resolves on its own within a few days. However, consult your doctor if you experience:

• No bowel movements for 3 or more days
• Hard, painful stools
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent bloating and abdominal pain
• Vomiting returns
• Inability to pass gas

These may indicate complications like an intestinal obstruction, bowel tear or paralytic ileus where bowels temporarily stop working. Prompt medical care is vital in such cases.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Several lifestyle measures and natural remedies can stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation after gastroenteritis:

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, juices, soups and herbal teas to replenish fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea.

Increase Fiber Intake

Slowly ramp up high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet.

Exercise

Light physical activity stimulates the bowels. Try going for walks after illness subsides.

Probiotics

Consuming probiotic foods or supplements helps restore healthy gut bacteria.

Warm Beverages

Sipping warm water with lemon, ginger tea, mint tea or chamomile tea can aid digestion.

Massage

Massaging the abdomen in clockwise motions can help stimulate sluggish bowels.

Using these natural strategies consistently can often get your digestive system back on track within a few days after gastroenteritis runs its course.

Over-the-Counter Constipation Relief

Several non-prescription medications and supplements can provide effective constipation relief following gastroenteritis:

Stool Softeners

Docusate softens stools making them easier to pass. Brand names include Colace and Surfak.

Stimulant Laxatives

Senna, bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate stimulate colon contractions. Brands include Ex-Lax, Dulcolax and Senokot.

Osmotic Laxatives

Magnesium, lactulose and polyethylene glycol (MiraLax) draw water into the colon to soften stools.

Fiber Supplements

Psyllium husk, methylcellulose and calcium polycarbophil add bulk to stools. Brands include Metamucil, Citrucel.

Start with gentler options like stool softeners and gradually add stimulant laxatives if needed. Follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid overuse.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

While simple constipation can be managed at home, consult a doctor if you experience:

• No improvement after 2 weeks of self-treatment
• Blood in stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain and vomiting
• Constipation alternating with diarrhea

These may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring diagnosis and supervision. Rarely, severe long-term constipation may need assessment via colonoscopy and treatment such as prescription laxatives or bowel motility agents.

Preventing Dehydration and Nutrient Loss

The diarrhea and vomiting from gastroenteritis often lead to dehydration and depleted electrolytes. Monitoring hydration status and replenishing lost nutrients can aid recovery.

• Check urine color - dark yellow means you need more fluids.
• Drink oral rehydration solutions.
• Consume broths, juices and smoothies.
• Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, avocados.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.