Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), involving both the stomach and the small intestine<ref>

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic.

</ref>. It is commonly known as the stomach flu or gastric flu, although it is not caused by the influenza virus<ref>

Stomach Flu vs. Seasonal Flu(link). {{{website}}}. CDC.

</ref>. Gastroenteritis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, and its symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. World Health Organization.

</ref>.

Causes

Gastroenteritis can be caused by several factors<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. Healthline.

</ref>:

Viral infections: Most common cause of gastroenteritis, responsible for 50%-70% of cases. Common viruses include:

• • Norovirus
  • Rotavirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Astrovirus

Bacterial infections: Some common bacteria causing gastroenteritis include:

• • Salmonella
  • Shigella
  • Campylobacter
  • Escherichia coli

Parasitic infections: Less common, but some parasites causing gastroenteritis are:

• • Giardia lamblia
  • Cryptosporidium
  • Entamoeba histolytica

Symptoms

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. NHS.

</ref>:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration

Diagnosis

Gastroenteritis is typically diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms and medical history <ref>

Gastroenteritis: What You Should Know(link). {{{website}}}. WebMD.

</ref>. In some cases, further tests may be necessary, such as: Stool test: Helps identify the specific virus, bacteria, or parasite causing gastroenteritis<ref>

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) - Diagnosis and treatment(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic.

</ref>. Blood test: May be used to check for dehydration or other complications<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. Healthline.

</ref>.

Treatment

Treatment for gastroenteritis primarily focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration<ref>

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) - Diagnosis and treatment(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic.

</ref>. This includes:

• Rehydration: Drinking water, clear liquids, and oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes<ref>

Preventing Dehydration from Diarrhea(link). {{{website}}}. CDC.

</ref>.

• Rest: Giving the body time to recover.
• Medication: Over-the-counter medications may help alleviate symptoms, such as anti-diarrheal agents or antipyretics for fever. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections, but are not effective against viral infections<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. Healthline.

</ref>.

• Diet: Gradually reintroducing bland foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet), as symptoms improve<ref>

Gastroenteritis: What You Should Know(link). {{{website}}}. WebMD.

</ref>.

Prevention

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of gastroenteritis include<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. World Health Organization.

</ref>:

Handwashing: Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water, particularly before preparing or consuming food, and after using the toilet. Vaccination: Vaccines are available for some viruses, such as rotavirus<ref>

Preventing Rotavirus(link). {{{website}}}. CDC.

</ref>. Food safety: Proper food handling, preparation, and storage to prevent contamination and bacterial growth<ref>

Food Safety Basics(link). {{{website}}}. USDA.

</ref>.

Water safety: Ensuring access to safe drinking water and avoiding consumption of contaminated water<ref>

Travelers' Health: Drinking Water(link). {{{website}}}. CDC.

</ref>. Travel precautions: Taking extra care with food and water while traveling, particularly in regions with lower sanitation standards<ref>

Food and Water Safety(link). {{{website}}}. CDC.

</ref>.

Epidemiology

Gastroenteritis is a common illness worldwide, affecting millions of people each year<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. World Health Organization.

</ref>. It is particularly prevalent in developing countries with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities<ref>

Gastroenteritis(link). {{{website}}}. Healthline.

</ref>. Children under the age of 5 are at the highest risk for severe complications and death due to gastroenteritis<ref>

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(link). {{{website}}}. UNICEF.

</ref>.

References

<references />

External links

Rotavirus – CDC Norovirus – CDC Diarrhoeal Diseases – World Health Organization

See also

Inflammatory bowel disease Irritable bowel syndrome Food poisoning

This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia