Gastroenteritis

What to know about gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis , or “stomach flu,” is an irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines (note that the condition has no relation to flu viruses). Its most common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Many diseases and pathogens can cause it. Viral infections are responsible for most cases: The Norwalk virus causes 50%-70% of gastroenteritis infections in adults, while the rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children. Other gastroenteritis-inducing viruses include adenoviruses, parvoviruses, and astroviruses.

Some non-viral agents of gastroenteritis include strains of bacteria and certain parasites. The Staphylococcus aureus bacterium (“staph”), which infects the intestinal walls and induces food poisoning, has gastroenteritis as one of its symptoms.

Viruses and bacteria can both spread through contaminated food or water. Improper hand washing following a bowel movement or handling a diaper can quickly spread the disease from person to person.

Not all gastroenteritis infections come from living pathogens. Chemical toxins, most often found in seafood, food allergies, heavy metals, antibiotics, and other medications, can also be responsible.

Treatment and Prevention

The condition does not always require medical attention. Children and elderly adults are of special concern, however, since the loss of bodily fluid with gastroenteritis can cause dehydration which can be a serious threat to their physical health. A sick individual from either age group might need intravenous rehydration.

No matter what your age, you should call a hospital if your symptoms persist, your fever worsens, or if you come down with more severe symptoms such as vomiting blood or having bloody or black bowel movements.

Doctors will not be inclined to use antibiotics unless the cause is bacterial, but they might prescribe medications to treat the symptoms. Some common medications to stop vomiting include Phenergan, Anergan, Compazine) and Zofran. For diarrhea doctors may prescribe Lomotil, Lofene, Lonox, or Imodium.

Proper hygiene is vital to preventing gastroenteritis infections. Always wash your hands before cooking or eating and eat only properly prepared and stored food. Bleach soiled laundry.

In addition, parents should have their children vaccinated for some of the gastroenteritis-causing viral strains: Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and rotavirus. Individuals of any age group are advised to get vaccinated for S. typhi and V. cholerae if they are traveling overseas.