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Gastroenteritis is the medical term for infections causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Viruses are common causes of gastroenteritis.
Many infections of the digestive tract are lumped under the term gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as "stomach flu."
Most cases of gastroenteritis are caused by viruses, although the upset also may be caused by toxic substances, antibiotics or other drugs that alter the natural bacterial population of the lower gastrointestinal tract, or a reaction to certain foods.
Bacteria such as salmonella and shigella, and intestinal parasites also may cause gastroenteritis.
Viral gastroenteritis takes two major forms: sporadic and epidemic. The sporadic form of viral gastroenteritis induces vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, fever, or a combination of these. However, it differs from the epidemic form in a number of important respects: it primarily affects infants and young children under two years of age, and it induces a range of responses that vary from subclinical infection to mild diarrhea, to a severe and occasionally life-threatening, dehydrating illness.
Epidemic viral gastroenteritis has acquired various names in medical literature including "winter vomiting disease," "acute infectious nonbacterial gastroenteritis ," "epidemic diarrhea and vomiting," "epidemic collapse," and "epidemic nausea and vomiting." In the lay press, it is frequently referred to as "intestinal flu" or "stomach flu." The last two terms are incorrect and should be avoided. The influenza virus does not cause epidemic viral gastroenteritis but instead is responsible for "the flu," a systemic, febrile (causes a fever) disease that predominantly involves the respiratory tract and not the digestive tract in humans.
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The primary cause of this problem is the ingestion of food that has been prepared by someone carrying the virus. (Return to Top)
The symptoms caused by these infections include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. When nausea and vomiting are present, they are usually strongest the first 12 to 24 hours and slowly improve thereafter. In addition, diarrhea and cramping may begin during this 24 hour period or immediately afterward.
Diarrhea may last a day or two, or in young children it may last a week or longer. Fever is generally short-lived, lasting one to three days.
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Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and physical exam. Stool studies may be done to rule out bacterial or parasitic infection. (Return to Top)
Viral gastroenteritis cannot be cured by antibiotics.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. If the underlying cause of the gastroenteritis is viral, antibiotic therapy may prolong the diarrhea.
A bland diet consisting of clear liquids, bananas, rice, apples, and toast may be recommended initially, as well as adequate fluid replacement. Elderly or extremely ill persons may have to be hospitalized for intravenous replacement of fluids.
A variety of medicines, many of them non-prescription, can ease the effects of stomach cramps and gas pains. Although these agents may be effective in reducing the fluid loss associated with diarrhea, their use does not preclude fluid maintenance and replacement. Common antidiarrheals include Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, and Lomotil.
Certain antidiarrheals may reduce the ability of your intestines to eliminate an infectious agent and may prolong or complicate your condition. Ask your physician for advice.
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Sooner or later every infant or young toddler will have a bout of diarrhea. Most cases are due to viruses which are extremely contagious and may run through all family members and their close contacts. Some of these viral illnesses will be accompanied by a gastric component including nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and lack of appetite; hence, the name "gastrointestinal" virus. As with most viruses, there may be varying degrees of accompanying malaise (general discomfort, aches), and fever.
Viral gastrointestinal disease is often self-limited and the body will eliminate it in a few days.
Antibiotics do not treat viral infection.
The treatment problem really begins when the nausea and vomiting stop, and the cramping and diarrhea continue. Since the child feels a bit better, parents are anxious to resume feeding. This is the point at which many parents will call the pediatrician wondering what they can do to stop the diarrhea.
An appropriate fluid therapy for the young infant with diarrhea are those fluids manufactured specifically for this purpose such as Pedialyte or Ricelyte. These are found in most pharmacies and supermarkets. The fluids will provide the infant with water, sugar, and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium which are lost in large quantities in diarrheal fluid. These electrolytes must be replaced in order to improve the child's state of well-being, since they are needed in adequate amounts for all bodily functions.
Water alone is not adequate, and may even be harmful.
The correct way to give electrolyte fluids is to give small amounts frequently. An ounce or two given every half hour to an hour is preferable to larger amounts given less often.
For the older infant or young child who does not appear very ill but has diarrhea, the clear fluid diet may be liberalized by adding things like toast, crackers, rice or bananas. Ask your pediatrician for advice.
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Washing hands after using the bathroom and before meals may help prevent gastroenteritis.
Maintaining a clean kitchen, eating in restaurants where the kitchens are kept clean, washing fresh foods thoroughly, and cooking foods carefully are all safeguards against bacterial and viral infections.
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Is it bacterial or viral gastroenteritis?
What is the probable cause of the infection?
Is there evidence of dehydration?
What treatment do you recommended?
What do you recommend to relieve the diarrhea and cramping?
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