A- Z Health Guides

Gastroenteritis

What is Gastroenteritis?
An irritation and infection of the digestive tract, often causing sudden and violent upsets.

Signs and symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever.
Abdominal cramping and pain.
Weakness.
Appetitie loss.

Gastroenteritis may be caused by:

Food or water contaminated by viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Food poisoning.
Laxatives.
Chemicals and toxins from plants, seafoods or contaminated foods.
Change in normal intestinal bacteria (may occur when you are taking antibiotics).
Improperly prepared foods and diet.
Excess alcohol use.
Use of drugs such as aspirin, non-steroidal-anti-inflammatories, cortisone.
Travel to foreign countries.

How to prevent Gastroenteritis

Frequent hand washing if you or someone you live with is ill with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Avoid all causes.
Carefully prepare all foods (keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, especially during hot weather and picnic season).

How Gastroenteritis is treated

Sometimes diagnosis is made by studies of blood and stool.
Rest, plenty of fluids.
Give your system a rest by taking clear liquids for at least 24 hours (water, tea, broth, jello, white soda)
Medication usually is not needed, only if Gastroenteritis is severe and prolonged you may be prescribed anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications.
Slowly add bland foods such as cooked cereals, bananas, rice, potatoes, toast. Avoid alcohol, greasy, spicy foods, raw fruits and vegetables, caffeine and milk products for several days until you feel well.

Call your doctor

if you are ill longer than 2 days.
if you notice blood when vomiting or in your bowels.
if you have fever higher than 101� not relieved with Tylenol.
if you have severe abdominal pain and cramps.
if you have severe pain in the rectum.
if you become dehydrated (dry mouth, excess thirst, decreased urination, wrinkled skin).

You should feel better in 2 to 5 days with proper treatment but may feel weak and fatigued for about 1 week.

This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.

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