Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine. It can be due to various reasons. The major one is bacterial gastroenteritis.

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloody stools

Causes:

• Due to various bacterial infections (Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, E.coli).
• Food poisoning due to contaminated foods or presence of toxins

Tests:

Stool culture

Treatment:

• Intake of lot of fluid and electrolytes to prevent dehydration
• Antibiotics are normally not necessary and are often avoided.
• Sometimes intravenous supply of fluids is required in small children.

Note:

• Be careful if you are taking diuretics and should be preferably stopped during acute conditions.
• Complications such as systemic infection, anemia or kidney failure are rare. Still do not neglect attention.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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