Did You Know? Dehydration is the biggest risk of gastroenteritis.
The Most Common Causes of Gastroenteritis are Viral
What is often referred to as the stomach flu is actually gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. Influenza, or the flu, is a viral respiratory infection that causes sore throat, runny nose and general aches and pains. It rarely causes stomach problems.
What causes gastroenteritis? How long does it last? What are the symptoms and how is it treated? Please read the following guide to find answers to these questions.
01 | What Causes Gastroenteritis?
The most common cause of gastroenteritis is the Norovirus. Norovirus spreads quickly in crowded places, causes outbreaks in day care centers, schools, cruise ships, hospitals and nursing homes. Other viruses that cause gastroenteritis include adenovirus, astrovirus and rotavirus.
Diligent hand washing is the best way to prevent viral gastroenteritis, as it spreads via the “fecal-oral route.”
Other causes of gastroenteritis include:
02 | What are the Symptoms?
Unlike food poisoning, where symptoms strike fast and hard, gastroenteritis symptoms develop gradually, over one or two days. Most patients will experience the following symptoms:
03 | Treatment
Gastroenteritis is considered “self-limiting,” meaning it will play itself out and does not normally require medical intervention. Dehydration is the biggest risk, so supplementing with an oral electrolyte solution is recommended. Over-the-counter bismuth subsalicylate and antidiarrheal medication can relieve symptoms until the virus passes.
If a patient experiences any of the following symptoms, they should contact their medical provider:
For more information, please visit: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis
References
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20568435,00.html#gut-trouble-0
