Overview:

Gastroenteritis, also called ‘stomach flu’ or ‘stomach bug,’ is a condition in which the intestines are inflamed or irritated. Although it is more common among children, this condition equally affects individuals of all ages.

It is usually caused by a viral infection that interferes with the digestive system. Although individuals complain of stomach pain, the disease also affects the small intestines and the colon.

When this condition occurs in children, it is usually because of a rotavirus virus, and adults are affected by norovirus.

Gastroenteritis does not last long, but it can spread to others quickly. The illness is acute, and it can occur suddenly. Individuals affected by the disease can rest at home for a few weeks until they recover. Severe cases usually last for a week. However, it can be very unpleasant as individuals throw up frequently and suffer from diarrhoea.

Individuals can get better without medication by following simple home remedies. However, they may have to be hospitalised if the illness becomes severe. Severe symptoms may lead to extreme dehydration.

The best defence against gastroenteritis is frequent hand washing, maintaining hygiene, and cleaning kitchen tops, washrooms, and toilet seats.

Types of Gastroenteritis:

Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by different types of infections or chemicals. Some of the common types of gastroenteritis are:

Viral gastroenteritis: This is the most common type of gastroenteritis, caused by viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and enteric adenovirus. It can spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or unwashed hands. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, fever, and dehydration. It usually lasts for a few days and goes away on its own.

Bacterial gastroenteritis: This type of gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and campylobacter. It can be transmitted through undercooked or raw food, especially poultry, eggs, and seafood, or contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, and sometimes vomiting. It may require antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent complications.

Chemical gastroenteritis: This type of gastroenteritis is caused by ingesting toxic chemicals, such as heavy metals, alcohol, drugs, or certain medications. It can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines and cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. It may require medical attention to remove the toxin and treat the symptoms.

If you have gastroenteritis, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and to rest until you feel better. You should also avoid foods irritating your stomach, such as spicy, fried, or acidic foods and dairy products. You should see a doctor if you have severe symptoms, such as blood in your stool or vomit, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. You can also prevent gastroenteritis by washing your hands frequently, cooking food thoroughly, and getting vaccinated against certain types of viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms:

Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Different types of infections or chemicals can cause it. Some of the common symptoms of gastroenteritis are:

Watery diarrhoea: This is the most frequent and characteristic symptom of gastroenteritis. It occurs when the infection or toxin disrupts the normal absorption and secretion of fluids and electrolytes in the intestines.

Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are caused by the irritation of the stomach lining and the stimulation of the vomiting centre in the brain. They can also result from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Loss of appetite: This symptom is due to the reduced activity of the digestive enzymes and hormones and the nausea and vomiting. It can lead to weight loss and malnutrition if prolonged.

Abdominal pain and cramps: These symptoms are caused by the contraction and spasm of the intestinal muscles and the inflammation of the intestinal wall. They can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause and severity of the gastroenteritis.

Fever: This symptom shows the body’s immune response to the infection or toxin. It can also indicate a more serious complication, such as a bacterial invasion of the bloodstream or a perforation of the intestine.

If you have gastroenteritis, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and to rest until you feel better. You should also avoid foods that may irritate your stomach, such as spicy, fried, or acidic foods and dairy products. You should see a doctor if you have severe symptoms, such as blood in your stool or vomit, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. You can also prevent gastroenteritis by washing your hands frequently, cooking food thoroughly, and getting vaccinated against certain types of viruses and bacteria.

Causes:

Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Different types of infections or chemicals can cause it. Some of the common causes of gastroenteritis are:

Viral gastroenteritis: This is the most common type of gastroenteritis, caused by viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and enteric adenovirus. It can spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or unwashed hands.

Bacterial gastroenteritis: This type of gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, and campylobacter. It can be transmitted through undercooked or raw food, especially poultry, eggs, and seafood, or contact with an infected person or animal.

Chemical gastroenteritis: This type of gastroenteritis is caused by ingesting toxic chemicals, such as heavy metals, alcohol, drugs, or certain medications. It can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines and cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

Risk factors:

Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Different types of infections or chemicals can cause it. Some of the risk factors that can increase the chances of getting gastroenteritis are:

Age: Infants and young children are more susceptible to gastroenteritis because their immune systems are not fully developed. Older adults are also more vulnerable because age or other conditions may weaken their immune systems.

Living or working in a childcare or nursing home: These settings can facilitate the spread of gastroenteritis among people who share close contact with food or facilities.

Eating raw or undercooked food: Food that is not properly cooked or handled can harbour bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause gastroenteritis. Poultry, eggs, and seafood are common sources of infection.

Travelling abroad: Traveling to less developed regions can expose people to different types of pathogens that can cause gastroenteritis. Drinking contaminated water or eating unfamiliar food can increase the risk of infection.

Having a chronic condition that weakens the immune system: People who have diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or organ transplant may have a lower resistance to infections that can cause gastroenteritis.

You can reduce the risk of gastroenteritis by washing your hands frequently, cooking food thoroughly, drinking clean water, and getting vaccinated against certain types of viruses and bacteria. If you have gastroenteritis, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and to rest until you feel better. You should see a doctor if you have severe symptoms, such as blood in your stool or vomit, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. 

Possible Complications:

The symptoms of gastroenteritis usually disappear within a few days after sufficient rest, eating light meals, and staying hydrated. The doctor prescribes medicines in some cases.

• Dehydration: If the disease is left untreated, it can show severe complications. The complications of vomiting and diarrhoea go away within a few days. But the body loses fluids during this time. This causes dehydration and may require hospitalisation for fluids to be induced in the body intravenously. Dehydration can lead to further problems like heatstroke, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and kidney failure. One can also develop seizures. These issues can be life-threatening and can affect a healthy individual as well.

• Stomach Issues: Individuals affected with gastroenteritis can experience long-term stomach problems even after the symptoms are gone. The immune system may be weakened, and individuals can get infected easily. They may also have issues with digestion. One of the most common problems is post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, pain in the abdomen, or constipation become common. These symptoms may last for several months or years.

Prevention:

Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Different types of infections or chemicals can cause it. Some of the ways to prevent gastroenteritis are:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and after touching animals or sick people.

• Cook food thoroughly and avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs, seafood, or unpasteurized dairy products.

• Drink clean water and avoid ice cubes, tap water, or fountain drinks in areas where the water quality is questionable.

• Get vaccinated against certain types of viruses and bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis, such as rotavirus, norovirus, and typhoid.

• Avoid contact with people with gastroenteritis and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

  Following these tips can reduce the risk of gastroenteritis and protect yourself and others from this unpleasant condition. 

When to Consult a Doctor?

Gastroenteritis is not a severe condition, but getting in touch with a doctor as soon as possible is recommended if the symptoms do not disappear after a day or two following treatment at home.

The common symptoms to look out for include the following:

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Stomach cramps

• Dehydration

• Low fever

• Nausea

• Headache

• Dry skin and mouth

• Light-headedness

• Increased thirst

• Body cramp

Kids and infants may show fewer signs of the disease. They will require the immediate attention of the doctor. It is advised to seek the help of a healthcare provider to avoid any serious problems.

Diagnosis:

The doctor diagnoses gastroenteritis based on symptoms. An individual’s symptoms, food habits, recent dietary changes, and other factors will be considered before conducting a physical exam. Sometimes, similar cases of infections may become common in the neighbourhood, and the doctor administers medicine without any lab tests.

Lab tests are only required to diagnose the disease in case of severe symptoms or when the patient shows multiple signs.

Lab Tests:

• Stool Test: A stool sample test may be suggested by the doctor to identify bacteria or viruses. The test confirms whether it’s a bacterial infection.

• Blood Test: Additional blood tests may be prescribed by the doctor to understand the severity of the condition.

• Sigmoidoscopy: This diagnostic procedure allows the doctor to examine the lower large intestine for signs of infection. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube attached to a camera through the anus.

Treatment:

Home Care:

The first step of the treatment of gastroenteritis is home care. The basic steps doctors recommend are getting enough rest, eating light meals, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Some common home treatments advised for patients of gastroenteritis include:

• Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar daily

• Eating probiotic yoghurt to reduce inflammation

• Having ginger tea

• Drinking turmeric milk

• Eating green or unripe bananas

Medication:

Common antibiotics like co-trimoxazole and metronidazole are commonly administered orally. These are used to treat the gut and remove bacteria. Over-the-counter medicines may also treat diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever.

A doctor usually prescribes the medicine for over a week or month. This manages the symptoms of the disease and prevents it from progressing further.

Besides medicine, patients must take plenty of external fluids to manage the condition and prevent dehydration.

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery is rare in gastroenteritis cases. It is usually treated with medicine and home remedies. However, the doctor may suggest laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure to cure the disease. In this surgery, a doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen to enter the laparoscope, and the patient can return home the next day.

There is also traditional surgery on different organs like the small or large intestine, rectum, oesophagus, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. These surgeries involve a large incision in the abdomen and are considered major surgeries.

Gastrointestinal cancer, appendicitis, gallbladder, colon cancer, hernia, and rectal prolapse are common conditions treated by surgery.

Alternative Management:

Ayurveda is a complementary treatment method that aims to manage the symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Different methods like panchakarma, vasti, and similar procedures are administered by ayurvedic doctors to manage gastroenteritis. They also use various herbs like mulethi, asafetida, guduchi, bilva, and others to make paste and tea.

Ayurveda is known to improve digestion, eliminate toxins from the body, and promote intestinal health.

Additional Information

Gastroenteritis is caused by several factors, which include:

• Viruses, parasites, and bacteria: Norovirus, rotavirus, calicivirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus are common viruses that cause the disease. Campylobacter bacterium, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium are the bacteria and parasites responsible for spreading gastroenteritis.

• Medicines: Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can cause diarrhoea and vomiting and show mild symptoms of gastroenteritis.

• Chemicals: Chemicals, for example, arsenic or lead poisoning, can trigger gastroenteritis.

Infectious gastroenteritis is caused by food and water contaminated by parasites, bacteria, or viruses.

The following steps are recommended to prevent the food from getting contaminated:

• Clean kitchen tops, surfaces, and utensils with disinfectant

• Keep raw food separated from cooked foods

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked food

• Wash meat and poultry items well before cooking

• Drink bottled water while travelling

• Avoid cooking for others if you are sick to prevent the spread of the virus