Acute Gastro-Enteritis

Acute gastro-enteritis is a common acute illness with symptoms of abdominal pain and cramps, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. It occurs frequently in children when they have eaten incompatible foods, or in excess of their needs. Similarly, in adults it is a sign of dietary indiscretion or food poisoning. This form of illness is not a disease and should not be interpreted as such. It is a sign that some dietary abuse has been committed and that the body is seeking to heal itself unaided. It only asks that it be given rest, including rest from food for a few days while the symptoms continue.

General fevers and diarrhoea of this simple kind should not be suppressed by drug management, as this only serves to prevent the body's efforts to eliminate waste matter. Rather, the best way to help is to conserve energy by fasting as long as the fever continues. This will ensure that the elimination is effective and recovery occurs rapidly over one or two days.

However, if the fever continues without dropping, or if marked dehydration is occurring due to continuing severe diarrhoea, or if the patient seems to have taken a turn for the worse and appears to be getting sicker, if is an indication that expert medical guidance should be sought. It may be that the patient has contracted a more serious infection. A patient with cholera or typhoid is easily recognized and differentiated; he appears to be very sick and seems to be getting worse. Call a doctor. This is the time and place for him. His powerful drugs, which have no proper place in simple cleansing diarrhoeas and temporary fevers, may well save a life now. The difference between the two states is a matter of experience and commonsense.

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