Gastrointestinal (gastroenteritis) Disease Information

Gastroenteritis is an irritation of the stomach and bowels, typically caused by a virus or bacteria. It is also known as the “stomach flu”. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal aches, and sometimes fever. In some cases, dehydration can occur due to the loss of fluids from the body. Gastroenteritis can be transmitted through contact with an infected individual or through unclean food or water. The most widely recognized cause of gastroenteritis is the Norovirus, which is highly contagious and can be passed on from person to person. Other causes include rotavirus, adenovirus, and different bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Treatment for gastroenteritis normally includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications to reduce symptoms. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to treat bacterial infections. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to prevent dehydration. Preventing gastroenteritis can be done by regularly washing hands, avoiding contact with people who are unwell, and properly cooking food. It is also important to avoid drinking contaminated water and to practice good hygiene.

1. infections
2. Bacterial gastroenteritis: caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
3. Viral gastroenteritis: caused by viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus.
4. Parasitic gastroenteritis: caused by parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium.
5. Fungal gastroenteritis: caused by fungi such as Candida albicans.
6. Chemical gastroenteritis: caused by ingestion of toxins or irritants such as alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

1. Abdominal cramps
2. Diarrhea
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Loss of appetite
6. Fever
7. Bloody stools
8. Bloating
9. Fatigue
10. Headache

1. Contagious stomach flu
2. Bacterial stomach flu
3. Parasitic stomach flu
4. Food contamination
5. Crohn's disorder
6. Ulcerative inflammation
7. Gluten intolerance
8. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
9. Acid reflux disease
10. Eosinophilic gullet inflammation

1. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Common triggers of gastroenteritis include:
2. Viral infections, such as norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus
3. Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and E. coli
4. Parasitic infections, such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium
5. Food poisoning, such as from tainted food or water
6. Allergic reactions to certain foods
7. Certain medications, such as antibiotics
8. Excessive alcohol consumption
9. Stress

Gastroenteritis is usually managed with supportive care, such as rest, liquids, and non-prescription drugs to reduce indications like fever, throwing up, and looseness of the bowels. Antibiotics are normally not suggested for viral gastroenteritis, as they are not effective against viruses. In some cases, the physician may prescribe antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection. Probiotics may also be suggested to help restore the bacteria balance in the intestines.

Consume lots of liquids: It is essential to stay hydrated when you have gastroenteritis. Consume lots of liquids, such as water, juice, and broth. Abstain from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Eat small portions: Eating small, frequent portions can help reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Stick to plain foods that are easy to digest, such as toast, crackers, boiled potatoes, rice, and bananas. Evade certain foods: Evade high-fat, spicy, or acidic foods, as they can irritate your stomach. Get plenty of rest: Resting can help your body fight off the infection. Take medication: Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve symptoms of pain and fever. Avert dairy products: Dairy products can worsen symptoms of gastroenteritis. Take probiotics: Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Seek medical assistance: If your symptoms are severe or are not improving, seek medical assistance. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help treat your condition.