Gastroenteritis: causes, symptoms and treatments

The most common symptoms are: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and weakness. Here are the complications and cures.

What is it

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestine triggered by different causes, such as bacteria, viruses and food intolerances, capable of generating a state of great intestinal disorder.

It is manifested by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and weakness. Children need more attention because these disorders could degenerate into severe dehydration more easily than in adults.

Causes

In most cases, gastrointestinal inflammations are viral (rotavirus, adenovirus, calicivirus, astrovirus) or bacterial (Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella).

Sometimes, however, the same disorder can be caused simply by a change in diet, habits or, in any case, by any other condition capable of altering the normal balance of intestinal bacterial flora such as, for example, taking antibiotics.

More frequently, gastroenteritis is the immediate consequence of allergies, disorders or overeating; They can be caused by alcohol abuse or the intake of foods and drinks that are too cold, spoiled or toxic.

The following table shows the infectious agents that can cause gastroenteritis.

Virus Bacteria
Adenovirus Escherichia coli
Calicivirus Shigella
Astrovirus Salmonella
Rotavirus Campylobacter
Norovirus Clostridium difficile

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • bouts of diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps
  • feverish
  • asthenia (weakness, exhaustion) and a sense of general malaise.

It is typically a self-limiting disorder, which improves within a few days. In more serious cases the symptoms can last up to ten days.

If you want to know more about the so-called gastrointestinal influences read this in-depth article.

Complications

Gastroenteritis can be very risky when fluid loss is not adequately balanced by fluid intake. This is especially true for infants, children and the elderly who are more sensitive to altered electrolyte balance and dehydration which, in very severe cases, can lead to shock.

Treatment

Often to solve the problem it is sufficient to suspend feeding, rest and rehydrate with special liquids containing mineral salts.

The therapy is aimed at replenishing electrolyte and fluid losses, while simultaneously calming annoying symptoms.

To calm vomiting, in some cases, oral or injecting antiemetics are prescribed.

Bacterial gastroenteritis may require the administration of antibiotics that cannot be absorbed at the gastrointestinal level, or systemic (in severe cases), which must be prescribed by the doctor. Less frequently, hospitalization and rehydration through drips is necessary.

Furthermore, in the case of infections, careful hygiene should be observed, as gastroenteritis can be easily transmitted to other people.

When to consult your doctor

In the case of an adult, it is advisable to consult the doctor if the symptoms worsen or do not resolve within a few days. The elderly and infants must instead be promptly examined to avoid the state of dehydration.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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