Gastroenteritis 

Bacterial gastroenteritis is frequently a result of

poor sanitation, the lack of safe drinking water, or
Definition contaminated food-conditions common in
developing nations. Natural or man-made
Gastroenteritis is a catchall term for infection or disasters can make underlying problems in
irritation of the digestive tract, particularly the sanitation and food safety worse. In developed
stomach and intestine. It is frequently referred to nations, the modern food production system
as the stomach or intestinal flu, although potentially exposes millions of people to disease-
the influenza virus is not associated with this causing bacteria through its intensive production
illness. Major symptoms include nausea and and distribution methods. Common types of
vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These bacterial gastroenteritis can be linked
symptoms are sometimes also accompanied to Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria;
by fever and overall weakness. Gastroenteritis however, Escherichia coli 0157 and Listeria
typically lasts about three days. Adults usually monocytogenes are creating increased concern in
recover without problem, but children, the elderly, developed nations. Cholera and Shigella remain
and anyone with an underlying disease are more two diseases of great concern in developing
vulnerable to complications such asdehydration. countries, and research to develop long-term
vaccines against them is underway.
Description
Gastroenteritis is an uncomfortable and Causes and symptoms
inconvenient ailment, but it is rarely life- Gastroenteritis arises from ingestion of viruses,
threatening in the United States and other certain bacteria, or parasites. Food that has
developed nations. However, an estimated spoiled may also cause illness. Certain
220,000 children younger than age five are medications and excessive alcohol can irritate the
hospitalized with gastroenteritis symptoms in the digestive tract to the point of inducing
United States annually. Of these children, 300 die gastroenteritis. Regardless of the cause, the
as a result of severe diarrhea and dehydration. In symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea,
developing nations, diarrheal illnesses are a nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain and
major source of mortality. In 1990, approximately cramps. Sufferers may also experience bloating,
three million deaths occurred worldwide as a low fever, and overall tiredness. Typically, the
result of diarrheal illness. symptoms last only two to three days, but some
The most common cause of gastroenteritis is viral viruses may last up to a week.
infection. Viruses such as rotavirus, adenovirus, A usual bout of gastroenteritis shouldn't require a
astrovirus, and calicivirus and small round- visit to the doctor. However, medical treatment is
structured viruses (SRSVs) are found all over the essential if symptoms worsen or if there are
world. Exposure typically occurs through the complications. Infants, young children, the
fecal-oral route, such as by consuming foods elderly, and persons with underlying disease
contaminated by fecal material related to poor require special attention in this regard.
sanitation. However, the infective dose can be The greatest danger presented by gastroenteritis
very low (approximately 100 virus particles), so is dehydration. The loss of fluids through diarrhea
other routes of transmission are quite probable. and vomiting can upset the body's electrolyte
Typically, children are more vulnerable to balance, leading to potentially life-threatening
rotaviruses, the most significant cause of acute problems such as heart beat abnormalities
watery diarrhea. Annually, worldwide, rotaviruses (arrhythmia). The risk of dehydration increases as
are estimated to cause 800,000 deaths in children symptoms are prolonged. Dehydration should be
below age five. For this reason, much research suspected if a dry mouth, increased or excessive
has gone into developing a vaccine to protect thirst, or scanty urination is experienced.
children from this virus. Adults can be infected If symptoms do not resolve within a week, an
with rotaviruses, but these infections typically infection or disorder more serious than
have minimal or no symptoms. gastroenteritis may be involved. Symptoms of
Children are also susceptible to adenoviruses and great concern include a high fever (102 ° F [38.9
astroviruses, which are minor causes of °C] or above), blood or mucus in the diarrhea,
childhood gastroenteritis. Adults experience blood in the vomit, and severe abdominal pain or
illness from astroviruses as well, but the major swelling. These symptoms require prompt
causes of adult viral gastroenteritis are the medical attention.
caliciviruses and SRSVs. These viruses also
cause illness in children. The SRSVs are a type of
calicivirus and include the Norwalk, Diagnosis
Southhampton, and Lonsdale viruses. These The symptoms of gastroenteritis are usually
viruses are the most likely to produce vomiting as enough to identify the illness. Unless there is an
a major symptom. outbreak affecting several people or
complications are encountered in a particular
case, identifying the specific cause of the illness juice, broth, and sports beverages-are not
is not a priority. However, if identification of the recommended to treat dehydration. If vomiting
infectious agent is required, a stool sample will be interferes with oral rehydration, small frequent
collected and analyzed for the presence of fluid intake may be better tolerated. Should oral
viruses, disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria, or rehydration fail or severe dehydration occur,
parasites. medical treatment in the form of intravenous (IV)
therapy is required. IV therapy can be followed
Treatment with oral rehydration as the patient's condition
improves. Once normal hydration is achieved, the
Gastroenteritis is a self-limiting illness which will patient can return to a regular diet.
resolve by itself. However, for comfort and
convenience, a person may use over-the-counter
medications such as Pepto Bismol to relieve the Alternative treatment
symptoms. These medications work by altering Symptoms of uncomplicated gastroenteritis can
the ability of the intestine to move or secrete be relieved with adjustments in diet, herbal
spontaneously, absorbing toxins and water, or remedies, and homeopathy. An infusion of
altering intestinal microflora. Some over-the- meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) may be
counter medicines use more than one element to effective in reducing nausea and stomach acidity.
treat symptoms. Once the worst symptoms are relieved, slippery
If over-the-counter medications are ineffective elm (Ulmus fulva) can help calm the digestive
and medical treatment is sought, a doctor may tract. Of the homeopathic remedies
prescribe a more powerful anti-diarrheal drug, available, Arsenicum album, ipecac, or Nux
such as motofen or lomotil. Should pathogenic vomica are three said to relieve the symptoms of
bacteria or parasites be identified in the patient's gastroenteritis.
stool sample, medications such as antibiotics will Probiotics, bacteria that are beneficial to a
be prescribed. person's health, are recommended during the
It is important to stay hydrated and nourished recovery phase of gastroenteritis. Specifically,
during a bout of gastroenteritis. If dehydration is live cultures ofLactobacillus acidophilus are said
absent, the drinking of generous amounts of to be effective in soothing the digestive tract and
nonalcoholic fluids, such as water or juice, is returning the intestinal flora to normal. L.
adequate. Caffeine, since it increases urine acidophilus is found in live-culture yogurt, as well
output, should be avoided. The traditional BRAT as in capsule or powder form at health food
diet-bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast-is stores. The use of probiotics is found in folk
tolerated by the tender gastrointestinal system, remedies and has some support in the medical
but it is not particularly nutritious. Many, but not literature. Castor oil packs to the abdomen can
all, medical researchers recommend a diet that reduce inflammation and also reduce spasms or
includes complex carbohydrates (e.g., rice, wheat, discomfort.
potatoes, bread, and cereal), lean meats, yogurt,
fruit, and vegetables. Milk and other dairy Prognosis
products shouldn't create problems if they are
part of the normal diet. Fatty foods or foods with a Gastroenteritis is usually resolved within two to
lot of sugar should be avoided. These three days and there are no long-term effects. If
recommendations are based on clinical dehydration occurs, recovery is extended by a
experience and controlled trials, but are not few days.
universally accepted.
Minimal to moderate dehydration is treated with Prevention
oral rehydrating solutions that contain glucose There are few steps that can be taken to avoid
and electrolytes. These solutions are gastroenteritis. Ensuring that food is well-cooked
commercially available under names such as and unspoiled can prevent bacterial
Naturalyte, Pedialyte, Infalyte, and Rehydralyte. gastroenteritis, but may not be effective against
Oral rehydrating solutions are formulated based viral gastroenteritis.
on physiological properties. Fluids that are not
based on these properties-such as cola, apple