The symptoms of gastroenteritis can vary depending on the cause of the infection. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Some people may also experience muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.
For mild cases of gastroenteritis, treatment typically involves rest and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea and fever. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or anti-nausea medication.
If you or your child experience severe symptoms such as persistent vomiting, high fever, bloody stools, or signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, decreased urine output, dizziness), it is important to seek medical help immediately. Severe cases of gastroenteritis may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and other treatments.
Overall, practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and properly preparing and storing food, can help prevent gastroenteritis. If you or your child does become ill, it is important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Types of Gastroenteritis
The most common culprits for gastroenteritis are viruses (such as norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus) and bacteria (such as Salmonella and E. coli).
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and spreads through fecal-oral transmission, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial infections are often contracted through contaminated food or water, causing symptoms like fever, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Parasitic Gastroenteritis
Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can also trigger gastroenteritis through contaminated sources or fecal-oral transmission.
Toxin-Induced Gastroenteritis
Ingesting chemical toxins from plants, seafood, or contaminated substances can also induce gastroenteritis in children.
Medication-Induced Gastroenteritis
Certain medications may lead to diarrhea as a side effect, resulting in symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
Viral Symptoms
Viral gastroenteritis typically causes watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, with specific symptoms varying based on the virus responsible for the infection.
Bacterial Symptoms
Bacterial gastroenteritis may involve fever, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and potential complications like hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
Gastroenteritis caused by parasites
Parasitic infections often lead to prolonged diarrhea in children, which can result in weight loss and fatigue.
Complications of gastroenteritis
Dehydration is a common complication of severe gastroenteritis, causing children to feel tired, irritable, or sluggish. Infants are particularly vulnerable and require prompt medical attention.
Signs of dehydration in infants include a sunken soft spot, sunken eyes, absence of tears when crying, dry mouth, reduced urine output, and decreased responsiveness.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans may be used to diagnose gastroenteritis in children. Blood tests can also help identify any underlying causes or complications.
It is important for parents to monitor their child’s symptoms closely and seek medical attention if the child shows signs of dehydration, persistent vomiting, high fever, or severe abdominal pain. Treatment may include rehydration therapy, medication to control symptoms, and in severe cases, hospitalization.
Prevention of gastroenteritis in children includes proper handwashing, safe food preparation, clean drinking water, and vaccination against rotavirus, one of the common causes of the illness.
Diet
During recovery from gastroenteritis, it is important to follow a bland diet that is easy on the stomach. This may include foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoiding greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods is recommended until symptoms improve.
Rest
Rest is essential for children with gastroenteritis to allow their bodies to recover. Encourage your child to rest and avoid strenuous activities until they are feeling better.
Prevention
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and properly preparing and storing food, can help prevent the spread of gastroenteritis. Ensuring your child is up to date on vaccinations can also help protect against certain causes of gastroenteritis.
When to Seek Medical Help
If your child shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output, or if symptoms worsen or persist, it is important to seek medical attention. Severe cases of gastroenteritis may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and monitoring.
Prevention of Gastroenteritis in Children
Rotavirus vaccines are available to prevent infection and have been successful in reducing cases by 80% in the US. Proper handwashing, food storage, and breastfeeding can also aid in preventing gastroenteritis.
Parents should ensure that infants are fed safely prepared food and practice good hygiene. Children with diarrhea should avoid attending childcare until symptoms have resolved.
To prevent swimming-related illnesses, parents should prohibit children with diarrhea from swimming in public water bodies. Diaper-wearing children should be frequently checked and changed away from water. Teach children to avoid swallowing water while swimming.
Gastroenteritis is a common condition characterized by diarrhea and vomiting, typically caused by bacterial or viral infections. While it can affect individuals of all ages, it is more prevalent in young children. Rotavirus is a common culprit in children, while norovirus and bacterial food poisoning are typical in adults.
Gastroenteritis can be unpleasant but often resolves within a week. Home care can help manage symptoms until recovery.
If experiencing sudden diarrhea and vomiting, it is advisable to stay at home until feeling better. Stay hydrated, take paracetamol, rest, consume plain foods, and consider rehydration drinks if necessary.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis
The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include sudden, watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting (potentially projectile), and a mild fever. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, upset stomach, body aches, and headaches. It is important to stay hydrated during episodes of gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration, which can worsen symptoms. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine, can also help ease symptoms and promote recovery. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
What to do if you have gastroenteritis
If suddenly experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, it is recommended to stay home until feeling better. Consume fluids, take paracetamol, rest, eat plain foods, and consider rehydration drinks if facing dehydration. Regular handwashing is essential to prevent spreading the illness.
Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and fatty foods until symptoms improve. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. Remember to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
When to get medical advice
In most cases, a visit to the GP is not necessary for gastroenteritis. Contact medical professionals if symptoms worsen or if there are concerns.
Phone 111 or your GP practice if:
- Severe dehydration symptoms
- Bloody diarrhea
- Excessive vomiting
- Fever over 38C
- Symptoms lasting more than a few days
- Travel to areas with poor sanitation
- Underlying health conditions
Your GP may request a stool sample for analysis and prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is detected.
Looking after a child with gastroenteritis
Caring for a child with gastroenteritis at home involves encouraging fluid intake, rest, plain foods, and using paracetamol if necessary. Avoid giving anti-vomiting or antidiarrheal medications without professional advice.
Getting medical advice for your child
In most cases, a child’s gastroenteritis will resolve without a visit to the GP. Seek guidance if symptoms persist or if there are concerns.
Phone 111 or your GP practice if:
- Dehydration symptoms in children
- Abnormal stool or vomit
- Excessive vomiting in children
- Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting
- Symptoms suggesting a serious illness
- Underlying health conditions in children
The doctor may request a stool sample for diagnosis and potentially prescribe antibiotics.
How gastroenteritis is spread
Gastroenteritis can easily spread from person to person through contact with contaminated substances like vomit or feces. Precautionary measures can help reduce its transmission.
Preventing gastroenteritis
To prevent the spread of gastroenteritis, remain at home, wash hands regularly, disinfect surfaces, follow good food hygiene practices, and avoid sharing personal items. When traveling to areas with poor sanitation, take necessary precautions.
You can protect young children from gastroenteritis by ensuring they receive the rotavirus vaccination to lower their risk.