Gastroenteritis

What Is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by a virus or bacteria. As a result, you may experience belly pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Typically, the body’s immune response to an infection leads to this inflammation. However, in some cases, other factors like chemicals or certain medicines can also bring it on.

Although many people refer to it as “stomach flu,” gastroenteritis is not the same as influenza, which mostly affects the respiratory system. 

Gastroenteritis Symptoms

Generally, gastroenteritis symptoms appear suddenly. Common symptoms include nausea, cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can make bathroom trips urgent. Other symptoms may also occur, such as:

• Belly pain
• Loss of appetite
• Chills
• Fatigue and body aches
• Fever

Because vomiting and diarrhea cause fluid loss, dehydration is a common risk. Therefore, it’s important to watch for signs like dry mouth, dry skin, or dizziness.

How Long Does Gastroenteritis Last?

The length of gastroenteritis usually depends on the cause. In general, here’s what you might expect:

• Acute Gastroenteritis: Lasts up to 14 days.
• Persistent Gastroenteritis: Lasts between 14 and 30 days.
• Chronic Gastroenteritis: Lasts over 30 days.

Stomach Flu and Children

Children and infants can become dehydrated very quickly when they have gastroenteritis, so it’s important to watch for signs like:

• Sunken soft spot on the baby’s head
• Sunken eyes
• Dry mouth
• No tears when crying
• Not peeing often
• Low energy levels or irritability

If you notice these signs, contact a doctor promptly. When caused by a virus, gastroenteritis is very contagious, especially among children. Fortunately, there are vaccines, such as RotaTeq and Rotarix, to help protect children from rotavirus, a common viral cause of gastroenteritis.

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can result from viruses, bacteria, and sometimes, parasites or chemicals. Here’s an overview of the most common causes:

Viral Causes

The most common viral causes are norovirus and rotavirus. These viruses spread easily through:

• Contact with someone infected
• Sharing food or eating utensils with an infected person
• Drinking contaminated water
• Touching contaminated surfaces, then touching your mouth

Norovirus spreads quickly, and symptoms usually begin 12-48 hours after exposure. Similarly, rotavirus primarily affects children, and symptoms can last 5-7 days.

Bacterial Causes

E. coli and salmonella are two of the most common bacterial causes. These bacteria spread through undercooked poultry, eggs, or contaminated water. 

Other Causes

In addition, other causes like parasites, heavy metals, acidic foods, certain seafood toxins, and some medications can lead to gastroenteritis.

Stages of Viral Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis often progresses through four stages:

• Exposure: This is when you first come into contact with the virus, though symptoms haven’t started.
• Incubation: The virus takes time to infect your cells and grow. This period typically lasts 1-10 days, depending on the virus type.
• Acute Infection: As the body fights the infection, you may experience symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
• Recovery: Symptoms gradually improve, although you may still be contagious for some time.

Is Gastroenteritis Contagious?

Although gastroenteritis itself isn’t contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are highly contagious. These infections spread through bodily fluids, such as saliva and feces. Therefore, handwashing and good hygiene are crucial to prevent spreading the infection. Always remember to wash your hands well, and avoid preparing food for others if you’re sick.

Gastroenteritis Risk Factors

Several factors make you more likely to get gastroenteritis, such as:

• Being under age 6 or over 65
• Living or working in shared spaces, such as nursing homes
• Eating undercooked or raw fish or meat
• Having a weak immune system

Treatment for Gastroenteritis

Most people recover from gastroenteritis at home with rest and plenty of fluids. Here are some helpful tips to aid recovery:

• Drink clear fluids like water or electrolyte drinks often.
• Eat bland foods (such as toast or bananas) when you feel ready.
• For young children, give a hydration solution like Pedialyte.

Your doctor might suggest medications for nausea or diarrhea, though antibiotics are rarely needed, as most infections go away on their own.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you or your child:

• Vomits for more than a day
• Has severe diarrhea or diarrhea with blood
• Shows any signs of dehydration
• Has sudden, intense belly pain

Preventing Gastroenteritis

While it’s hard to prevent gastroenteritis entirely, you can reduce your risk with these steps:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Clean shared surfaces often.
• Handle and cook food safely.
• Vaccinate children against rotavirus.