GASTROENTERITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Irritation and infection of the digestive tract that can often cause sudden and sometimes violent upsets. Gastroenteritis is a generic term and often is used when there is a nonspecific, uncertain or unknown cause. Infectious causes can be spread by contact with an infected person or consumption of contaminated food or water.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Stomach; small intestine; colon.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most severe in young children (1 to 5 years) and adults over 60.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Nausea; vomiting.
• Diarrhea that ranges from 2 or 3 loose stools to many watery stools.
• Abdominal cramps, pain or tenderness.
• Appetite loss; fever; weakness.
• Headache; loss of appetite.

CAUSES

• A viral infection is the most common cause. Types includes Norwalk virus (second only to the common cold in prevalence of viral infections), rotavirus (causes about 50% of diarrheal illnesses among infants and children), adenovirus and enterovirus.
• Bacterial or parasitic infection.
• Food poisoning (see in Illness section).
• Food allergy (see in Illness section).
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Use of drugs, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, laxatives, cortisone or caffeine.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Newborns and infants.
• Travel to foreign countries.

HOW TO PREVENT

• There are no specific preventive measures. If you or someone around you has symptoms of gastroenteritis, be extra careful about personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently.
• Medical researchers are experimenting with various vaccines that may be effective against some viruses.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as blood counts and stool studies (sometimes.)

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment (sometimes).
• Hospitalization, if dehydration is severe.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Serious dehydration that requires intravenous fluids.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Vomiting and diarrhea usually disappear in 2 to 5 days, but adults may feel weak, fatigued and depressed for about 1 week.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• It is not necessary to isolate persons with gastroenteritis.
• Supportive care is the most important aspect of treatment (rest, fluids, close proximity to bathroom or bedpan).
• Consult your doctor if you are a breast-feeding mother and your infant has gastroenteritis.

MEDICATION--Medicine is usually not necessary. If gastroenteritis is severe or prolonged, your doctor may prescribe antinausea and antidiarrhea medication. Antibiotics do not help.

ACTIVITY--Rest in bed until nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever are gone.

DIET--

• Suck ice chips or drink small amounts of clear fluids frequently.
• Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with commercial products such as Pedialyte or Ricelyte for infants and children; diluted rehydration fluids (Gatorade) for adults.
• After diarrhea and vomiting stop, drink small amounts of clear liquids, such as tea, "flat" ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, broth and gelatin.
• If you tolerate liquids for 12 hours, eat small amounts of soft foods, such as cooked cereal, rice, eggs, custard, baked potato and yogurt.
• If you tolerate soft food for 2 or 3 days, gradually return to a normal diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• Symptoms of gastroenteritis persist longer than 2 to 3 days.
• The following occurs during treatment: Mucus or blood in the stool. Fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher. Abdominal swelling. Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum, especially pain that begins in the center and moves to the lower right side.
• Signs of dehydration develop.