Acute Gastroenteritis Without Diarrhea

Acute gastroenteritis without diarrhea can occur for various reasons, such as mild intestinal symptoms, overlooked mild diarrhea, or the body beginning to recover from the illness. Depending on the specific cause, appropriate treatment can be applied accordingly. Below are some detailed explanations and recommendations:

1. Mild Intestinal Involvement

In some cases, such as mild bacterial gastroenteritis, the infection may not significantly affect the intestines. Patients may experience symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain, which are more typical of acute gastritis rather than intestinal inflammation. In such cases, antibiotic treatment may be necessary to eliminate the infection. Additionally, medications like domperidone or mosapride can help stimulate intestinal motility and alleviate symptoms. It's also crucial to stay hydrated by drinking fluids or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.

2. Mild or Atypical Diarrhea

Subtle Bowel Changes

Some patients may experience only mild diarrhea that doesn't fit the classic description of watery or "egg-drop soup-like" stools. Instead, the stool may appear yellow-green with mucus and bowel movements may occur less than 10 times a day. For these symptoms, medications such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can help reduce bowel frequency and absorb toxins in the gut. Probiotics and other microbial supplements can also help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, promoting faster recovery and improved digestion.

3. Recovery Phase

As treatment progresses and the body responds positively, diarrhea and other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and nausea typically begin to subside. This indicates that the condition is improving. In some cases, doctors may recommend endoscopic procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy to monitor healing and rule out other underlying conditions. During this phase, it's important to continue following medical advice regarding medication, hydration, and rest to ensure a full recovery.

Prevention and When to Seek Help

Acute gastroenteritis is most commonly seen during the summer and autumn months and is often linked to poor dietary habits, overeating, or consuming contaminated food. In severe cases, complications such as dehydration and shock can occur, which may be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It's essential to maintain good hygiene and make healthy dietary choices to reduce the risk of infection. If symptoms like persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness or dry mouth) occur, seek medical attention immediately to avoid delays in treatment.