Overview
Gastroenteritis is commonly known as food poisoning or stomach flu. It causes diarrhoea and vomiting due to an inflamed lining of the stomach and intestine. This often occurs due to a bacterial infection.
Causes
Gastroenteritis occurs due to bacterial infection, parasites, toxins, and viruses. Most common infections are viral and take longer to resolve. In adults, norovirus is the culprit, while in children, rotavirus causes gastrointestinal infections. These viruses usually affect the small intestine.
Symptoms
Gastroenteritis has characteristic symptoms that make it easy for doctors to diagnose. These include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- Low-grade fever (sometimes)
- Malabsorption
- Stomach ache
- Headache and body aches
Based on the cause of inflammation, the symptoms may last from one day to more than a week.
Diagnosis
Stomach flu or gastroenteritis can be diagnosed with clinical symptoms alone. However, to rule out other ailments, doctors may prescribe the following tests:
- This test is advised to look for bacteria, viruses or parasites in the stool.
- It is a procedure that enables the doctor to view the large intestine with a camera to evaluate signs of inflammatory bowel disease.
Treatment
People with gastroenteritis lose a lot of water and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhoea. It is thus essential to stay hydrated during recovery. Taking frequent sips of water, juices or broth helps. In cases of severe dehydration, it is advisable to replace electrolytes and eat well.
Prevention
Gastroenteritis occurs due to multiple factors; hence, getting vaccinated is not enough to protect the causative organisms. However, it is essential for children to get rotavirus vaccination when indicated. Other preventive measures include:
- Washing hands regularly
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Eating freshly cooked homemade food.
- Avoid eating at joints that may have contaminated food.
- Maintaining personal hygiene.
- Keeping surroundings clean, especially the kitchen.
- Avoid keeping raw meat, eggs, and poultry away from foods that must be consumed must be consumed in raw form.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked food. These include eggs, meat, and shellfish.
- Consume only pasteurized dairy products.
