Gastroenteritis is the inflammation or infection of the digestive tract, primarily affecting the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, with potential severity that can lead to serious complications. Prevention measures involve proper hygiene, food handling, and avoiding contaminated sources.
Introduction to Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis 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.
3.
Most of thestomach infection are spread through
contamination food and water cause pain and
diarrhea.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
Nausea & Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Fever
Headache
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
4.
Continue…
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Cramps
Bloody Stools
Dehydration
Lethargy
If symptoms do not resolve within a week, an
infection or disorder more serious than
gastroenteritis may be involved. These symptoms
require prompt medical treatment
Continue:- Symptoms of
Gastroenteritis
5.
Bacterial gastroenteritis happenswhen bacteria
causes an infection in 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
6.
Rotavirus isthe 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
8.
Diagnosing gastroenteritisis mainly an exclusion
procedure
In 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 Examination
Complete blood count
Electrolytes
Kidney function test
When the symptoms are conclusive, no test apart
form the stool test are required.
Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis
9.
If you havea 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 bananas
Don’t take any medication with asking the
doctor.
Treatment of Gastroenteritis
10.
Proper Handwashing
Proper food handling and complete cooking
Pasteurization of milk and juice
Clean the toilet and bathroom regularly,
especially the toilet seat, door handles and taps.
Don’t forget to brush your teeth regularly, twice
a day
Avoid food buffets, uncooked foods or peeled
fruits and vegetables and ice in drinks.
Prevention of Gastroenteritis