At Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic, located in Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), we offer comprehensive care for gastroenteritis and other digestive disorders such as acute and chronic diarrhea. Our family medicine clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal issues, providing personalized care for patients of all ages. Whether you’re dealing with a short-term illness like gastroenteritis or long-term digestive health concerns, our general practitioners (GPs) are here to provide the right treatment to help you feel better quickly and safely.
Welcome to Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic – Expert Care for Gastroenteritis and Diarrhea in JBR
What is Gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. It is typically associated with symptoms like:
- Diarrhea (watery stools)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Fever (in some cases)
- Dehydration
Infectious agents such as norovirus, rotavirus, E. coli, or Salmonella are common causes of gastroenteritis, although foodborne illnesses and contaminated water are often the main culprits.
Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhea
Acute diarrhea refers to diarrhea that lasts for a short time (less than two weeks) and is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as gastroenteritis. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer (more than four weeks) and may be caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease.
Causes of Gastroenteritis
The primary causes of gastroenteritis include:
- Viral infections: Such as norovirus and rotavirus, which are highly contagious.
- Bacterial infections: Including Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli.
- Parasitic infections: Like Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica.
- Food poisoning: Caused by contaminated food or water.
- Contaminated water sources: Drinking unclean or untreated water can lead to infection.
Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include:
- Frequent, watery stools
- Vomiting and nausea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever (especially with bacterial infections)
- Headache and fatigue
- Dehydration: Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, excessive thirst, and reduced urination.
Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis and Diarrhea
At Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. Diagnostic services include:
- Stool tests: To detect bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
- Blood tests: To assess dehydration and check for underlying conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
- Physical examination: To assess your overall condition and identify possible complications.
- Hydration tests: To monitor your hydration levels and provide appropriate rehydration therapy.
Treatment for Gastroenteritis and Diarrhea
Treatment for gastroenteritis and diarrhea depends on the severity and cause of your symptoms. Our general practitioners (GPs) will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Common treatments include:
- Rehydration therapy: Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is a key part of managing both gastroenteritis and diarrhea. This can include oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or, in more severe cases, intravenous fluids (IV).
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is diagnosed, we may prescribe antibiotics. This is typically not recommended for viral causes of gastroenteritis.
- Antiemetic medications: Medications such as ondansetron may be used to control nausea and vomiting.
- Antidiarrheal medications: Loperamide (Imodium) can help manage diarrhea, but it’s typically not recommended in cases of bacterial or parasitic infections.
- Rest and hydration: A bland diet (e.g., BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is often recommended, alongside plenty of fluids.
- Probiotics: These can help restore the balance of healthy gut bacteria, especially after antibiotic treatment or in cases of IBS.
Family Medicine Services
As a family medicine clinic, we provide care for individuals of all ages, from young children to elderly adults. Our team is experienced in treating gastroenteritis and diarrhea for the whole family, ensuring that children, parents, and elderly patients alike receive the care they need to recover quickly and safely.
Our GPs are skilled in managing a variety of conditions, offering compassionate and comprehensive care. Whether your child is suffering from the stomach flu or you’re dealing with chronic digestive issues, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment.
Why Choose Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic?
- Experienced care: Our team of general practitioners has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Family-friendly: We provide healthcare for patients of all ages, making us the ideal choice for family care.
- Comprehensive diagnostic services: Our clinic offers a range of diagnostic tools, including stool tests, blood tests, and hydration assessments.
- Personalized treatment: We tailor treatment plans to your individual needs, whether for acute gastroenteritis or chronic diarrhea.
- Conveniently located in JBR, offering easy access to high-quality healthcare.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you or a family member are experiencing gastroenteritis, acute diarrhea, or chronic diarrhea, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and promote a speedy recovery.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced general practitioners and start your path to recovery.