Gastroenteritis: Treatments, Symptoms, and Causes

What Are the Symptoms of Gastroenteritis?

The symptoms of gastroenteritis can vary from mild to severe, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that symptoms may come on suddenly and typically include:

• Watery diarrhea or frequent diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal cramps and stomach pain

• A mild fever

• Loss of appetite

• Bloating

• Bloody stools (rare)

• Pus or mucus in the stools (rare)

• A general feeling of being unwell

• Lethargy

• Fatigue

• Body aches.

Some of these symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to dehydration, so it is important to be vigilant about fluid intake when experiencing gastroenteritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that the symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 days after exposure and can last from a day up to a week, depending on the cause and the individual's age and overall health. If symptoms are severe or persist, it is important to seek medical attention.

What Are the Causes of Gastroenteritis?

There are several causes of gastroenteritis, including viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. Contaminated food or water, poor hygiene practices, and close contact with infected individuals are common sources of these infections, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Understanding the various causes of gastroenteritis is important for effective prevention and management — as well as stopping the spread to others.

Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as the stomach flu, is a common cause of gastrointestinal distress. This condition is typically caused by a variety of viruses, including norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The viruses responsible for viral gastroenteritis are highly contagious and can spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. While viral gastroenteritis often resolves on its own within a few days, it can be particularly severe in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that proper hygiene and preventive measures are essential in reducing the risk of viral gastroenteritis.

Bacterial gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that proper food handling and hygiene are essential in preventing bacterial gastroenteritis.

Parasitic gastroenteritis

Parasitic gastroenteritis is a type of gastrointestinal infection caused by parasites such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Prevention involves maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contaminated water sources, they note.

Fungal gastroenteritis

Fungal gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal condition caused by fungal infections such as Candida, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms are similar to other forms of gastroenteritis and may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Chemical gastroenteritis

Chemical gastroenteritis is a condition resulting from the ingestion of toxic substances or chemicals, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Preventing this type of gastroenteritis involves proper storage and handling of chemicals and seeking immediate medical attention in case of ingestion, they note.

How Do You Treat Gastroenteritis?

Treating gastroenteritis often involves a combination of rest and hydration in most cases, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

From managing dehydration to addressing specific symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, effective treatment strategies play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from this common gastrointestinal condition. Below are treatment recommendations from the Cleveland Clinic on managing and alleviating the discomfort associated with gastroenteritis.

• Stay hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, sports drinks, or juice. Oral rehydration solutions or Pedialyte are also a great choice.

• Avoid eating solid food until you are hungry.

• Once you feel up to eating again, follow a bland diet, such as the BRAT diet which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are easier to digest so they are usually well tolerated in people who are just getting over the stomach flu.

• Rest as much as you can to allow your body to recover.

• Avoid anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhea drugs unless prescribed or recommended by your doctor because these medications can keep the virus or bacteria inside your body for longer — thus lengthening your illness.

• Intravenous fluid replacement (also known as an IV) can be done to help with dehydration in severe cases.

• Antibiotics, if bacteria is the cause of your gastroenteritis.

• Antiparasitic medication to kill the parasites if parasites are the cause.

Can Gastroenteritis Be Prevented?

Preventing gastroenteritis involves taking steps to avoid being exposed to the viruses and bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Viruses like rotavirus and norovirus often spread quickly in areas where many people gather—including schools. This includes:

• Good handwashing with soap and water—particularly before handling food and after using the bathroom is the best way to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They also note that hand sanitizer is not enough to kill certain viruses that cause gastroenteritis (like rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus).

• Ensure that food is prepared and stored properly to prevent eating contaminated food.

• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick with gastroenteritis symptoms.

• Only drink from water sources that are clean and safe to avoid consuming contaminated water.

• Clean toys regularly, especially if they are played with by multiple children or after a sick child has played with them.

• Disinfect toys and surfaces, especially during stomach flu season.

• Get your child's recommended rotavirus vaccine.

When to Seek Medical Help for Gastroenteritis?

If you or someone you know is experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms, it is important to be aware of when to seek medical help. Certain signs and symptoms may indicate the need for medical attention, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that you should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• An inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration.

• Stomach flu symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, lasting longer than five days.

• A fever lasting more than three days or reaches a temperature higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

• Severe abdominal pain or a rigid, distended abdomen.

• Abnormal heartbeat or abnormal breathing.

• Blood in the stool.

• An altered mental status, such as confusion or hallucinations — these can also be a sign of dehydration.