Overview
Gastroenteritis is stomach flu characterised by watery diarrhoea and intense abdominal pain. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection transmitted via food or water. Gastroenteritis is common in both children and adults.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis
Signs and symptoms
Gastroenteritis presents as watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, bloating and sometimes fever.
Causes and risk factors
Gastroenteritis is usually caused by a bacteria or virus contaminating the food or water consumed by the patient. It could also be a result of sub-par hand-washing practices. Infants and geriatric patients are especially vulnerable to Gastroenteritis. Patients with weakened immune systems are also at risk.
Complications
The risk of dehydration is the main complication to watch out for while suffering from gastroenteritis. Be sure to replace fluids and salts lost in vomiting and diarrhoea. In extreme cases, intravenous hydration may be necessary.
Diagnosis
Gastroenteritis is diagnosed based on symptoms, patient medical history and a physical exam. If it is necessary to identify the cause of infection, the doctor may prescribe a stool sample test.
Treatment and Surgical Interventions
There is no treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so rest and fluids are recommended. For bacterial gastroenteritis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and also some general probiotics and vitamins.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the contraction of gastroenteritis is to vaccinate and practice good hygiene. This is more critical in public or shared spaces and while travelling.
Other Ailments
- Achalasia
- Anal Fissure
- Aphthous Ulcer
- Autoimmune Pancreatitis
- Clostridium Difficile Infection
- Coeliac Disease
- Constipation
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diverticulitis
- Dysphagia
- Esophageal Cancer
- Esophageal Spasms
- Esophageal Ulcer
- Esophageal Varices
- Esophagitis
- Fecal Incontinence
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Haemorrhoids
- Indigestion, Non-ulcer Dyspepsia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Intestinal Ischemia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Lactose Intolerance
- Traveller’s Diarrhoea
- Ulcerative Colitis
Related Blogs & Videos
What Is Poem (Preoral Endoscopic Myotomy) Procedure | Dr Mahadevan| Gleneagles Global H...
Mr Seshadri’s Journey To A Reinvigorated Life With His Revived Appetite | Gleneagles Gl...
“laparoscopic Surgery Helped Me To Recover Fast From Hernia Repair” – Ms Shiko Rani Bur...
We are with you in your journey to better health
A consultation with our panel of doctors, specialists and surgeons will help you determine what kind of services you may need to help diagnose and treat your condition. If you or someone in your family or friend’s circle are facing any health issues, please get in touch with us, we are here for you.
