Gastroenteritis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gastroenteritis is an acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestine, acute gastroenteritis can be caused by a virus ("intestinal grippe," intestinal flu"), overindulgence in alcohol,food alIergy, food poisoning, various drugs (such as salicylates or aspirin like compounds,quinacrine, colchicine), heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium), and infectious diseases.

Gastroenteritis involves diarrhea or vomiting, with noninflammatory infection of the upper small bowel , or inflammatory infection of the colon , both part of the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation develops suddenly. The nature and severity of symptoms depend on the irritant, how much of the gastrointestinal tract is affected, and the general health and resistance of the individual. Commonly, however, there is some degree of malaise, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, cramps, gut rumbling, and diarrhea. In severe cases, prostration may occur and blood and mucus may appear in stools. If the gastroenteritis is infectious in origin, fever often develops.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. Other symptoms are headache, fever, chills, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually appear within 4 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last for 1 to 2 days, though symptoms can last as long as 10 days. Often, symptoms subside within 48 hours. During that time, bed rest is advisable. Eating and drinking are well avoided until nausea and vomiting subside. Then, in order to replace the fluid and salt the body has lost, light fluids such as tea and strained broth, bouillon with added salt, and cereal can be taken. When these are tolerated, other foods such as eggs, gelatin, and simple puddings may be added.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of your stomach and intestines. Common causes are:

• Viruses.
• Food or water contaminated by bacteria or parasites.
• Reaction to a new food. Young children may develop signs and symptoms for this reason. Infants who are breast-fed may even react to a change in their mothers' diets.
• Side effect from medications.

Characteristic signs and symptoms include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps

Treatement of Gastroenteritis

In viral gastroenteritis, the combination of diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration are

• excessive thirst
• dry mouth
• little or no urine or dark yellow urine
• decreased tears
• severe weakness or lethargy
• dizziness or lightheadedness

A common treatment is to eat dry food (e.g. cooked toast with nothing on it) daily until the infection disappears