Gastroenteritis is an inflammation that occurs in a part of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) as a result of a viral infection. Gastroenteritis is also known as viral infectious flu. This inflammation is one of the common infections that results in severe and acute pain, and gastroenteritis is caused by a viral infection of the rotavirus and norovirus type.
Symptoms often last for 2-5 Days. The virus is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person by contact with contaminated utensils, eating contaminated food, or not washing hands before eating and after using the restroom.
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Causes of gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an infectious disease that is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person mainly as a result of non-observance of general hygiene rules, and one of the specific causes that can lead to the development of gastroenteritis:
Infection with a viral infection, which is transmitted directly from an infected person to a healthy person as a result of using contaminated tools, eating contaminated food, or not washing hands before eating and after using the restroom.
Ingestion of caustic substances that cause erosion of the stomach lining.
The presence of a pathological condition that requires dependence on artificial respiration devices for a long period of time.
Infection with autoimmune diseases.
Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) in drinking water.
Eat lots of acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
Toxins can be found in some seafood.
Medicines such as antibiotics, antacids, laxatives, and chemotherapy drugs.
What is the physiology of gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis usually occurs due to infection with one of the types of viruses, in particular rotavirus and norovirus.
Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in the world in infants and young children. Norovirus is also the most common cause of gastrointestinal and foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States.
Infection with gastroenteritis leads to severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration of the body and a feeling of severe pain in the abdominal area.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis
Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis appear suddenly and include the following:
Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Sharp pain in the abdomen.
High fever (fever).
Chills.
A headache.
How is gastroenteritis diagnosed?
The doctor can resort to the following measures to diagnose gastroenteritis:
Clinical examination to determine the location of colic and note the symptoms.
Laboratory examination of a blood sample in order to check for the presence of inflammation and detect the causative agent.
Laboratory examination of a stool sample in order to detect the virus causing the disease.
Endoscopy is an examination of the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment of gastroenteritis
The following therapeutic measures are recommended to speed up recovery from gastroenteritis and reduce susceptibility to complications of diarrhea and dehydration:
There is no particular drug treatment for this condition because it is often caused by a viral infection from which the sufferer gradually recovers on his own.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Eat easily digestible food gradually.
Take enough rest.
Tips for living with gastroenteritis
It is advisable to follow the following guidelines when suffering from gastroenteritis to reduce the severity of symptoms, speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications:
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Avoid carbonated drinks, and stimulants containing caffeine during the treatment period.
Pay attention to personal hygiene.
Eat healthy and proper food.
Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods.
How can gastroenteritis be prevented?
Gastroenteritis can be prevented, it is advisable to follow the following guidelines:
Do not take medications only by prescription.
Eat healthy and balanced food.
Quit smoking.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Attention to general hygiene.
Eat well-cooked food.
Wash vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Not using other people's personal tools.
Wash hands thoroughly, especially before eating or after using the restroom.
Complications of gastroenteritis
Infection with gastroenteritis can lead to a number of complications, including:
Infectious bedsores.
Internal gastric bleeding.
In cases where there is severe diarrhea or vomiting, the patient can reach the stage of dehydration, especially if the lost fluid is not replaced.