5. Diarrhea and Dehydration
Other than vomiting, diarrhea is a classic sign of gastroenteritis infection. The infected individual may experience violent bouts of diarrhea where the body only expels fluids. Diarrhea can become a dangerous situation for the infected person. The body attempts to flush out the digestive system, drawing water into the bowels and expelling it through diarrhea.
Diarrhea can dehydrate an infected person quickly, so it’s important to remember to keep drinking fluids after each bowel movement to replace the water that your body is losing. Along with the water loss, the patient also depletes stores of vital minerals such as electrolytes, sodium, potassium, and calcium.
Fortunately, there are rehydration supplements you can add to your water to replenish your mineral and electrolyte stores. Should the infected individual fail to rehydrate themselves, they run the risk of developing seizures that could result in them falling into a coma. Avoid drinking sports drinks as the extra sugar will upset your stomach further.