Gastroenteritis (Stomach flu): Symptoms, Causes and medications used in Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

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   Overview of Gastroenteritis
   Causes of Gastroenteritis
   Signs and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
   When to Seek Medical Care
   Complication of Gastroenteritis: Dehydration
   Diagnosis and Tests of Gastroenteritis
   Treatment of Gastroenteritis
   Who is at Risk?
   Prevention of Gastroenteritis

Overview of gastroenteritis

Did last night’s meal at the neighborhood eatery herald a bad case of diarrhea with vomiting this morning? It’s quite likely that you have gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis, characterized by sudden onset of diarrhea and vomiting, is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the intestines (gastrointestinal tract).¹While viruses, bacteria and parasites are believed to be the cause in a majority of cases, certain food items and medications can also cause gastroenteritis.

Every year, worldwide 5–10 million people succumb to gastroenteritis,.²It is a leading cause of death among infants and children under 5 years of age.³ Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as ‘Stomach Flu’, is the second most common illness in USA,¹ causing millions of cases of diarrhea each year.

Although the statistics are disturbing, one has no cause for alarm if he or she is healthy. An otherwise healthy adult will recover from the illness by drinking fluids and easing up on the diet for a few days. But for infants, the elderly, and in people with low levels of immunity, gastroenteritis can be a life-threatening illness.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Causes of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is caused by viruses and bacteria, and less often by parasites and protozoa. Sometimes, one may develop gastroenteritis if he or she consumes food items, which irritate the intestines.

Viral gastroenteritis¹is caused by four major categories of viruses:

Rotavirus
Norovirus
Adenovirus
Astrovirus

Bacterial gastroenteritis³is less common than viral gastroenteritis. Common bacteria that cause gastroenteritis are:

Campylobacter and Salmonella spp
Shigella spp
Escherichia coli

Parasites and protozoa are less frequently responsible for gastroenteritis.

Giardia
Cryptosporidium spp.
Entamoeba spp.

Signs and Symptoms of gastroenteritis

Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis

Symptoms of gastroenteritis depend upon the type of organism causing the infection. The severity of the symptoms depends on the body’s resistance.

Some of the common symptoms of gastroenteritis are

Nausea with or without vomiting , Loose stools or diarrhea , Abdominal cramping and bloating, Fever

When to Seek Medical Care for gastroenteritis

Generally, the symptoms arising from gastroenteritis range from mild–to-moderate. If the symptoms are severe and not improving with homecare, then the patient may require medical intervention. If the patient is an adult with any of the following condition, then, he or she has to visit a medical professional

Vomiting for more than 48 h.

Blood in the vomit

High fever

Abdomen starts swelling

Dehydration

Gastroenteritis can be a serious illness in children. Small children and infants can get dehydrated quickly.
Consultation with a pediatrician is must if the child:

Has a high temperature

Is lethargic or irritable

Seems to be in pain

Seems dehydrated

Complication of Gastroenteritis: Dehydration

Complication of gastroenteritis

Dehydration (low water in the body) is the most serious and life-threatening complication of gastroenteritis. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea result in the loss of fluids as well as electrolytes from the body, causing dehydration.¹⁰

Diagnosis and Tests of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is generally diagnosed based on the symptoms, which are highly characteristic. A history of similar symptoms in the family and neighborhood aids in the diagnosis.

Some of the questions that a medical professional may ask the patient to determine the cause of the infection those are following:

How long have you had the symptoms? Long lasting symptoms may be indicators of immune disorders or a chronic inflammation, rather than gastroenteritis.

Have you recently undertaken any travel?

Have you consumed stale food?

Have you introduced something new in your diet?

Have you been taking any medication?

A stool test may be required to diagnosis the specific bacteria or parasite causing the infection. A rapid stool test can also identify rotavirus infection. Currently, there are no other tests to identify infections caused by other viruses. In cases of severe dehydration, blood electrolytes levels may be monitored to restore hydration levels.

Treatment of Gastroenteritis

Treatment for gastroenteritis

Most cases of gastroenteritis are self-limiting, requiring no medication. Self-care at home may help relieve the symptoms and prevent dehydration.

Follow these steps at home to recover from a bout of gastroenteritis.

Drink plenty of fluids

Get plenty of rest

Go easy on food

Avoid medications

Use oral rehydration solutions

Who is at Risk?

Gastroenteritis is a great equalizer; no one is immune from the disease. However, certain categories of people are at a greater risk of contracting the illness than others.

Children and workers in daycare centers and nurseries

Students living in dormitories

Military employees

Travelers

Prevention of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is contagious and the best way to prevent infections from spreading is to maintain hygiene.

Some steps you can take to avoid getting the infection are

Wash the hands thoroughly

Avoid sharing plates, glasses and towels

Get your child immunized

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 01, 2012

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References

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