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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a common condition that affects the gut. It refers to the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that includes the stomach and the intestines. The major cause of gastroenteritis is the entry of bacteria or virus (more common) through contaminated food and water causing bacterial or viral infection. This condition is usually mild and self-limiting and does not require any medical treatment. However, if the condition becomes severe or if the symptoms persist for a long time, medical attention should be provided.

Signs and symptoms

The following are the common signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Diarrhea: Passage of three or more liquid stools per day

Blood or mucus in the stool

Vomiting

Nausea

Abdominal pain and cramps

Fever and chills

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Vomiting and watery diarrhea may cause dehydration, which is one of the major complication of gastroenteritis. It is important to watch out for the signs of dehydration, which include:

Excessive thirst

Dry mouth

Reduced urine

Urine dark in color

Dry skin

Sunken eyes and cheeks

Diagnosis

Most people with gastroenteritis may not recognize the typical symptoms of the condition or do not seek medical attention as the symptoms are usually mild and resolve in a few days. However, in conditions where diarrhea and vomiting are severe, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. After taking a detailed history and performing a physical examination, your doctor may ask to take the following tests to find out the underlying cause of diarrhea.

Stool tests: These are the most common diagnostic tests performed to identify the pathogen that has caused gastroenteritis. These include:

Stool culture: A sample of your stool would be cultured in a specific nutrient media which allows the selective growth of the pathogen. Culture tests helps in detecting most common intestinal infections such as- Salmonella, Campylobacter and Shigella.

Specific stool tests for detecting the toxins produced by organisms such as Clostridium Difficile and Escherichia Coli.

Antigen Tests: In this test, the stool sample is studied to detect the antigens produced by virus such as rotavirus and parasites such as Giardia Lambia and Entamoeba Histolytica. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children.

Tests to rule out other causes of diarrhea include:

Trypsin- chromotrypsin test: Low levels of enzymes such as trypsin and chromotrypsin in the stool sample indicate cystic fibrosis or other pancreatic diseases.

Fecal fat test: Increased levels of fat in the stool is usually due to malabsorption which is seen in conditions such as celiac disease or cystic fibrosis.

Food Allergy tests: Allergy to food products may also cause diarrhea. Allergy tests include oral food challenges and food elimination tests.

Lactose intolerance test: This test helps to evaluate whether a patient is able to digest lactose.

Treatment

There is often no specific treatment for gastroenteritis. No antibiotics are effective against viral gastroenteritis. However, the most important factor while providing treatment for gastroenteritis is replacing the lost fluids and electrolytes from the body caused due to vomiting and diarrhea.

The doctor would recommend the patient to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. He may also prescribe over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions to replenish the body with the lost electrolytes and minerals. In severe cases, intravenous fluids are also given.

Prevention

There are some measures which help in reducing the risk of developing gastroenteritis such as

Wash hands frequently

Wash all the fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating

Avoid sharing towels, clothes or utensils

Practice good hygiene

Follow a healthy diet

Drink plenty of water

Keep surroundings clean

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For appointments, please call 9205478479.

References

Gastroenteritis. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis#1. Accessed on 24-10-2017

Gastroenteritis (diagnosis and tests). https://medlineplus.gov/gastroenteritis.html. Accessed on 24-10-2017

Diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastroenteritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx#medical-advice. Accessed on 24-10-2017

Gastroenteritis (treatment). http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/digestive-health/a4931/gastroenteritis/. Accessed on 24-10-2017

Causes of Gastroenteritis. https://patient.info/in/health/gastroenteritis-in-adults/causes-and-diagnosis. Accessed on 24-10-2017

Gastroenteritis (prevention). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroenteritis. Accessed on 24-10-2017

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/basics/prevention/con-20019350. Accessed on 24-10-2017

Gastroenteritis (treatment). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gastroenteritis. Accessed on 24-10-2017

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