Table of contents:
- Why do you get a stomachache during the flu?
- Other conditions that cause stomach pain during flu
- 1. Stomach flu
- 2. Pneumonia
- 3. Salmonella infection
The flu often appears along with a host of other symptoms on the body. Some people can even experience stomach aches during the flu, which can become an obstacle to the recovery process. Viral infections are closely related to digestive problems while the body is in pain, but you also need to know what other conditions can cause this complaint.
Why do you get a stomachache during the flu?
Viruses that cause colds and other diseases can affect the digestive system and limit the movement of food in the digestive tract. As a result, you can experience flatulence and uncomfortable nausea.
Certain types of viruses can also complicate the digestion process of lactose in the small intestine. Lactose is a type of carbohydrate that is widely found in milk and its derivative products. This condition can even get worse if you are under stress. As a result, you not only experience stomach pain during the flu, but also diarrhea or constipation.
You may have used over-the-counter drugs to treat the flu. Unfortunately, some of the ingredients in this group of medicines also have side effects on the digestive tract. Dextromethorphan, which is found in cough and cold medicines, for example, can cause side effects in the form of nausea, constipation and abdominal pain.
Pseudoephedrine, which is found in nasal congestion relievers, is also known to have side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and insomnia. In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause constipation and is allegedly associated with microscopic colitis. This indigestion usually results in diarrhea.
Other conditions that cause stomach pain during flu
The flu is generally characterized by fever, congestion, fatigue and muscle aches. These symptoms can sometimes appear when you have other diseases of the digestive system. Hence, the stomach ache that occurs during the flu can signal another, completely different condition. For example the following diseases:
1. Stomach flu
The stomach flu is the general term for gastroenteritis, which is an inflammatory disease of the stomach and intestines. This disease can be caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that come from contaminated water and food. A number of cases of stomach flu can also occur due to infection with the influenza virus.
This disease is characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps on one side of the stomach. Depending on the type of germ that is infected, you can also experience headaches, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
2. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. This disease can be life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
Early symptoms of pneumonia can indeed resemble the flu, namely fever and chills, coughing, feeling tired, and difficulty breathing. Gradually, sufferers will experience more severe symptoms, including stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, to diarrhea while the flu is still going on.
3. Salmonella infection
Everyone is at risk for salmonella infection if they eat contaminated food or water. This bacterial infection is generally harmless, but you will experience a number of symptoms that cause discomfort.
Signs of infection will usually appear after 12-72 hours of infection. Initial symptoms are fever, chills, and headache. After that, you may experience stomach pain when the flu hasn't gone along with cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Stomach pain during flu can be triggered by a variety of conditions, from illnesses to medications. Even so, you still need to take medication if your doctor recommends it. Medicines used according to the provisions will help you deal with complaints so that they disappear quickly.
