Gastroenteritis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Gastroenteritis, also called gastro or infectious diarrhea, is due to inflammation or infection of the gastrointestinal tract, which comprises the stomach and intestine. Many people also refer to it as a "stomach bug," "stomach virus," or "stomach flu," but it is not influenza. Although most individuals complain of a painful stomach, it can also involve the small intestine and colon.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
The symptoms of gastroenteritis can include:
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Get A Second OpinionCauses and Risks Factors of Gastroenteritis
There are various gastroenteritis causes based on etiology, including
- Bacteria : Campylobacter bacterium
- Viruses : Norovirus, rotavirus, calicivirus, adenovirus and astrovirus.
- Parasites : Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia
- Bacterial toxins : Bacterial micro-organisms themselves are not responsible for causing diseases, but the bacterial poisonous by-products can result in contaminated food. Specific staphylococcal bacterial strains generate toxins that can give rise to gastroenteritis.
- Chemicals : Lead poisoning can induce gastroenteritis
- Medications : Few medications, for example - antibiotics can trigger gastroenteritis.
Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis
Your doctor will record your medical history and ask for symptoms and past travelling history. He may further recommend some tests to find out the underlying cause. The gastroenteritis diagnosis is done as follows.
Diagnosis of Viral Gastroenteritis
- Stool electron microscopy
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR test)
- Enzyme-linked immunoassay (Elisa test)
- Latex agglutination test
Diagnosis of Bacterial gastroenteritis
- Microscopy
- Stool culture
- Biochemical reactions
- Serological typing
- Sigmoidoscopy
Treatment of Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis treatment depends on the cause of the infection. The therapy usually followed is
- Drink plenty of fluids and oral rehydration drinks
- Hospital admission and intravenous fluid replacement are required in critical cases.
- Antibiotics for bacterial gastroenteritis
- Antiparasitic drugs for infections by parasites
- Refrain from taking anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoea drugs because these medicines will keep the infection inside the body. These drugs should be taken as per the doctor's prescription only.
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Book an AppointmentPrevention of Gastroenteritis
- Proper handwashing with soap and water is recommended after using the toilet or changing a baby's nappies, after smoking tobacco, and after handling animals.
- Only use raw and cooked foods with the kitchen appliances if they have been adequately washed after each use.
- Breastfeeding babies instead of using substitute milk formula
- Keep all kitchen surfaces, utensils and appliances clean.
- Store cold food below 5 °C to keep it cool and keep hot food hot above 60 °C to prevent bacterial growth.
- Take care that the food is entirely cooked.
Complications of Gastroenteritis
- Dehydration: This is a complication that can be common and serious, leading to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes (salts and sugars) through vomiting and diarrhoea. Untreated, severe dehydration can result in kidney failure, shock and death.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Loss of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride with diarrhoea and vomiting can cause confusion, weakness, irregular heart rhythms, or seizures.
- Chronic Gastric Symptoms: Long after the recovery, some people will have persistent symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or lingering gastric issues.
- Blood Infections (Sepsis): In rare instances, the bacteria resulting from a severe case of gastroenteritis can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.
- Immunocompromised State: Gastroenteritis can compromise the immune system, particularly in at-risk populations including the elderly, children, and those with underlying illnesses, making them more vulnerable to concurrent infections.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Chronic vomiting and diarrhoea can prevent nutrients from being absorbed, resulting in malnutrition if the condition is not adequately treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does gastroenteritis last?
Gastroenteritis often lasts one or two days, but on rare occasions, it can last 14 days. Due to their similar symptoms, parasitic diarrhea like giardiasis and diarrhea brought on by bacteria like Clostridium difficile, salmonella, and Escherichia coli are often confused with viral diarrhea.
What is the best treatment for gastroenteritis?
The best treatment for gastroenteritis is to drink plenty of fluids, rest, and eat gentle foods. Sometimes, doctors prescribe medication for severe cases.
What are the primary signs of gastroenteritis?
You might have diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea and/or vomiting many times in a short period.
What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis?
The most common cause of gastroenteritis is a viral infection, primarily from rotavirus, norovirus, or enteric adenovirus.
What is the recovery time for gastroenteritis?
Most people recover from gastroenteritis within 1 to 3 days with proper hydration and rest. In severe cases, it may take up to a week or longer for full recovery.
Can gastroenteritis be prevented?
Yes, gastroenteritis can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, consuming safe food and water, and avoiding close contact with infected people.
