Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is a common digestive disorder that leads to inflammation in your stomach and intestines. It is often referred to as the stomach flu. This condition can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and more. While it can be uncomfortable, it is usually not serious and can be managed at home.

Travelers' diarrhea affects more than half of people traveling from developed countries to developing countries.

- Acute gastroenteritis is a widespread condition, affecting people of all ages around the world.

- It is commonly caused by viruses (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus), bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella), or parasites (e.g., Giardia), with the most common being viral. 

- Outbreaks can occur in crowded or close-contact settings like schools, cruise ships, and healthcare facilities.

Symptoms:

-Frequent, loose, watery stools

-Vomiting

-Abdominal pain and discomfort

-Nausea

-Fever

-Decreased appetite

Symptoms usually resolve within 14 days 

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing acute gastroenteritis is based on your symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, they may order stool tests to identify the specific cause of your illness. 

If there are fevers, blood in the stool, or someone with a weak immune system then finding the exact pathogen may be beneficial.

It’s important to see a doctor if you have severe symptoms, signs of dehydration, or if your symptoms persist.

Management:

Most cases of acute gastroenteritis can be managed at home with the following steps:

- Drink clear fluids like water, electrolyte solutions, or clear broths to prevent dehydration.

- Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

-Gradually reintroduce bland foods like rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet) as your stomach tolerates.

- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and dairy products until you fully recover.

- Wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the illness.

-Over-the-counter medications like antidiarrheals and antiemetics may be used under a doctor's guidance.

- For some cases an antibiotic may be used to shorten the duration of symptoms 

Prevention:

To reduce your risk of acute gastroenteritis:

- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. You can also use hand sanitizers whenever possible.

-Practice safe food handling, including thorough cooking and refrigerating leftovers promptly.

- Drink clean, purified water, especially when traveling to areas with unsafe water supplies.

-For certain types of gastroenteritis, vaccines are available (e.g., rotavirus vaccine for children).

-If you or someone you know is sick, try to limit close contact with others to prevent the spread of the illness.

Remember, most cases of acute gastroenteritis resolve on their own within a few days. However, if you have severe symptoms or are concerned about your condition, consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

For more information and personalized advice, please consult with your healthcare provider.

References

Barr W, Smith A. Acute diarrhea. Am Fam Physician. 2014 Feb 1;89(3):180-9. PMID: 24506120.

Graves NS. Acute gastroenteritis. Prim Care. 2013 Sep;40(3):727-41. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2013.05.006. Epub 2013 Jul 19. PMID: 23958366; PMCID: PMC7119329.