Astrovirus infection – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Astroviruses, family Astroviridae, are small, nonenveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses (HAstVs). HAstVs contribute to around 10 percent of non-bacterial, sporadic gastroenteritis in children, with the highest prevalence observed in community healthcare centers. Symptoms are generally mild, with patient hospitalization usually not required; asymptomatic carriage has been described in two percent of children.

Astroviruses are described as positive-sense viruses of icosahedral particle symmetry which cause a number of clinical diseases, including encephalitis and diarrhea. They are also known to cause asymptomatic infection in various types of birds and mammals, although they are mainly seen in young children.

In young children, astroviruses often cause a clinically mild diagnosis, and patients will suffer symptoms such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea. In healthy adults, the disease is uncommon, but individuals who are immunosuppressed or elderly are especially at risk.

Known side effects of astrovirus infection

Astroviruses can be spread from person to person with relative ease, simply due to a failure of observing proper hygiene. It is said that the virus can be triggered just by coming into contact with an infected individual; the virus infection can be transmitted from a mother to a child, by kissing, by blood transfusion, needles, and coughing.

Infected individuals will often develop a severe case of stomach flu, which is also known as gastroenteritis. Other severe conditions involving the stomach include vomiting and diarrhea. It should be noted, however, that the type of diarrhea that occurs from the Astrovirus can’t be compared to the one caused by rotavirus.

Body systems harmed by astrovirus infection

Before determining exactly what type of treatment is necessary, first it’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of astrovirus infection. Normally, viral infection symptoms start to manifest after about one or two days from the initial exposure. Once the manifestation of the symptoms begins, they will continue to go on for a couple of days.

Symptoms of astrovirus infection include fever, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Affected individuals may also experience dehydration, intestinal pain, and even unexplained and sudden weight loss.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent astrovirus infection

When gastroenteritis occurs, you can use some known natural treatments that are extremely effective. First, rehydration and rest are two of the best treatments available for it. Especially since the vomiting and diarrhea will undoubtedly leave patients with significant amounts of fluid loss. But other than that, there are a few other natural treatments that should be considered.

• Including yogurt in your diet, especially the probiotic kind, will go a long way towards fighting against astrovirus infections.
• Warm compress or the use of a hot water bag on the stomach can help reduce pain and cramps caused by gastroenteritis.
• Alternative remedies like acupuncture, aromatherapy, and acupressure can be used to treat symptoms of gastroenteritis.
• One teaspoon of clay in a glass of water every two hours could give the best results.

Treatments, management plans for astrovirus infection 

The treatment of viral gastroenteritis will depend on the cause as well as the severity of the symptoms. For some individuals, it may be enough to administer simple oral medication, in order to simply replace bodily fluids and avoid dehydration. For others, intravenous therapy may be necessary, especially if the patient falls out of consciousness. Finally, the use of zinc supplements has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of the illness, according to small studies.

Where to learn more

• Stomach Flu: 12 Herbal Home remedies
• Stop Stomach Flu In Its Tracks
• Contaminated chicken: Government looks at farmers, rather than processing plants, for the blame
• Natural Ways to Treat the Stomach Flu
• Immortal Fluids: Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink Best For Stomach Flu, Rehydration and Refuel Body

Summary

Astrovirus infection typically cause symptoms such as vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea.

Astrovirus infection can be treated with natural treatments unless the infection is so severe as to warrant urgent medical treatment.

Sources include:

ScienceDirect.com

MedicineNet.com

Emedicine.Staging.Medscape.com