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Gastroenteritis - Gastroenteritis symptom, treatment, causes

Gastroenteritis is mainly an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, The most common cause is bacterial or viral infection but gastroenteritis may also be caused by FOOD, POISONING due to toxins produced by bacterial growing in food, or swallowed poisons such as pesticides, some household cleaning agents, or an over dose of some drugs. When severe vomiting and diarrhoea cameon suddenly in toddlers, who have a tendency to apply the taste test to things they find when explarin cupboards and shelves, poisoning should always be considered as a possible cause.

Gastroenteritis is an acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestine. 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. Acute gastroenteritis can be caused by a virus, overindulgence in alcohol,food allergy, food poisoning, various drugs (such as salicylates or aspirin like compounds,quinacrine, colchicine), heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium), and infectious diseases. Gastroenteritis is a noninflammatory infection of the upper small bowel, or inflammatory infection of the colon, both part of the gastrointestinal tract. Bacterial gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria or bacterial toxins. Gastroenteritis may be life-threatening in debilitated people. Gastroenteritis is also called intestinal flu, traveler's diarrhea, viral enteritis, and food poisoning. Usually gastroenteritis may be caused by an infection, but this is not always the case. It usually is of acute onset, normally lasting less than 10 days and self-limiting. Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral infection. Gastroenteritis affects the young, the elderly, and immunosuppressed people most severely.

Most cases of gastroenteritis aren't serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. Certain bacteria and parasites that can get into food or water supplies also can lead to the disease. Mild gastroenteritis usually lasts just two or three days. Viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria or parasites, or by medications or other medical conditions, although the symptoms may be similar. Your doctor can determine if the diarrhea is caused by a virus or by something else. Washing the hands thoroughly after using the toilet, and before handling food, and before eating are important ways to prevent infectious gastroenteritis. Preparing and storing food properly also are important. People who eat the food prepared in large institutions and food-preparation facilities are at particular risk for spreading epidemics of gastroenteritis. Most people recover easily from a short bout with vomiting and diarrhea by drinking fluids and easing back into a normal diet. But for others, such as babies and the elderly, loss of bodily fluid with gastroenteritis can cause dehydration, which is a life-threatening illness unless the condition is treated and fluids restored.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

The common causes and risk factor's of Gastroenteritis include the following:

• Viruses.
• Food or water contaminated by bacteria or parasites.
• Side effect from medications.
• Reaction to a new food.
• Inability to tolerate the sugar lactose in milk and milk products such as cheese and ice cream.
• Parasites rarely cause gastroenteritis.

Symptoms and Complications of Gastroenteritis

The onset of gastroenteritis is usually sudden, starting with nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and cramps, and soon progressing to diarrhoea. Sometimes a high temperature develops. Adults who are otherwise healthy generally cope well with the water and salt loss from a brief bout of gastroenteritis, but yaung children and elderly or debilitated people are more liable to develop DEHYDRATION. Some sign and symptoms related to Gastroenteritis are as follows:

• Abdominal cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Abdominal pain.
• Vomiting.
• High temperatures (fever) and headaches are common.
• Bloating or pain.
• Diarrhea.

Treament of Gastroenteritis

Most patients with gastroenteritis caused by a viral or bacterial infection recover without treatment, needing only rest and plenty of liquids until vomiting subsides, usually an the second day. Sweetened drinks and broth with added salt help to prevent dehydration, provide energy and replace lost salt. Here is list of the methods for treating Gastroenteritis:

• Antibiotics may be given for certain bacteria, specifically Campylobacter, Shigella, and Vibrio cholerae, if properly identified through laboratory testing.
• The principal treatment of diarrhoeal illness in both children and adults is rehydration, i.e. replenishment of water lost in the stools.
• Self-care measures to avoid dehydration include drinking electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by diarrhea and eating no solid food until the diarrhea has passed.
• If you cannot take fluids by mouth because of vomiting, the doctor may insert an IV to put fluid back into your body (rehydration).
• Your doctor may prescribe an anti-sickness medicine (anti-emetic). Many anti-emetics are also sedatives, so it's advisable not to drive or use machinery after taking them.

It is generally best not to use drugs for the nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea are gut spasms except on your doctor's advice, as these medications may delay recovery, consult your doctor if

• there is no improvement in the vomiting and diarrhoea within 48 hours
• the abdominal pain is constant or getting worse
• there is blood in the vomit or faeces
• there is any sign of dehydration