Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis

Introduction to GastroenteritisGastroenteritis is an inflammation or infection of the digestive tract, mainly the stomach and intestine.

It is probably the most commonly occurring illness with an average person having about three and four bouts in a year.

The illness can sometimes be minor and the person may experience only nausea and it may go completely unrecognized but on the other hand, it can also be very severe leading to death within a few days.

Most of the stomach infection are spread through contamination food and water cause pain and diarrhea.Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

Nausea & VomitingDiarrheaLoss of appetiteFeverHeadache

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

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Abdominal PainAbdominal CrampsBloody StoolsDehydrationLethargy

If symptoms do not resolve within a week, an infection or disorder more serious than gastroenteritis may be involved. These symptoms require prompt medical treatmentContinue:- Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis happens when bacteria causes aninfectionin your stomach. This causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines.

Infectious agents (viruses, bacteria and parasites) are the most common cause of Gastroenteritis.Viruses primarily rotavirus species, are responsible for 70 to 80 percent of infectious diarrhea.Bacterial pathogens accounts for another 10 to 20 percent of cases.Causes of Gastroenteritis

Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. Rotavirus is less common cause in adult due to acquired immunity.Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis among adult. Norovirus is the cause of about 10 percent of cases in children.Cryptosporidium is the organism most commonly isolated in HIV-positive patients presenting with diarrhea and cause gastrointestinal illness with diarrhea in humans.Continue:- Causes of Gastroenteritis

Diagnosing gastroenteritis is mainly an exclusion procedureIn rare case when the symptoms are not enough to diagnose gastroenteritis, several test may be performed in order to rule out other gastrointestinal disorders.Rectal ExaminationComplete blood countElectrolytesKidney function testWhen the symptoms are conclusive, no test apart form the stool test are required.Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis

If you have a milder case, you may be able to treat your illness at home. Try the following :-

Drink liquid regularly through out the day, especially after the bouts of diarrhea.Eat little and often, and include some salty foods.Take food or drinks with potassium, such as fruit juice and bananasDont take any medication with asking the doctor.

Treatment of Gastroenteritis

Proper Hand washingProper food handling and complete cookingPasteurization of milk and juiceClean the toilet and bathroom regularly, especially the toilet seat, door handles and taps.Dont forget to brush your teeth regularly, twice a dayAvoid food buffets, uncooked foods or peeled fruits and vegetables and ice in drinks.Prevention of Gastroenteritis