Gastroenteritis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Gastroenteritis (gas-tro-in-ter-I-tis) is a common infection (in-FEK-shun) of the stomach and bowel. It is often called the "stomach flu". It may be serious for babies, young children, people with health problems, and older adults. Most people with gastroenteritis feel better in about seven days.

What are common causes of gastroenteritis? When you have gastroenteritis, a germ irritates and infects the lining of your stomach or bowel. Germs such as a virus, bacteria (bak-TE-re-ah), or parasite can cause it. Some common causes of gastroenteritis are:

• Drinking water that is not clean.
  
  
• Food poisoning (eating food that has germs in it).
  
  
• Eating food that was prepared by someone who did not wash their hands after going to the bathroom. This may also happen if the person did not wash their hands after diapering a baby.
  
  
• Having close contact with an infected person. This includes kissing them, eating or drinking after them, or sharing utensils like forks and spoons.

Who is at higher risk for getting gastroenteritis?

• People who drink water in countries that do not have purified (clean) water.
  
  
• Campers or hikers who drink water directly from a stream.
  
  
• People who eat raw shellfish (seafood) such as oysters. Also people who eat meats that are not fully cooked.
  
  
• People who eat foods that have stayed out of the refrigerator for too long. This includes foods like potatoes, mayonnaise, eggs, and milk products.
  
  
• People who use cutting surfaces (for preparing food) that were not cleaned well. These include cutting boards, counters, and plates.
  
  
• People who live or go to places where food is served to many people. This includes children in daycare centers and schools, and people who live in nursing homes.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Low fever, usually less than 101 °F (38.3 °C).
  
  
• Abdominal (belly) cramps.
  
  
• Diarrhea (loose, runny bowel movements).
  
  
• Nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Headaches or muscle aches.
  
  
• Tiredness and weakness.
  
  
• No appetite (do not feel like eating anything).

How is gastroenteritis diagnosed? Your caregiver will ask you questions about your gastroenteritis and will do a medical exam. Sometimes, the caregiver may draw blood or take some of your bowel movement to run tests. These tests can help the caregiver learn which type of germ is causing your gastroenteritis.

How is gastroenteritis treated?

• Dehydration (dee-hy-DRAY-shen) is the most common serious problem that can happen because of gastroenteritis. Dehydration means that your body has lost too much water. It is very important to replace the fluids that may be lost from having diarrhea and vomiting. Even if you feel nausea or have been vomiting, suck on ice chips. You may also take small sips of clear liquids very often. Good liquids to sip are sports drinks that have no caffeine in them. You may need to go into the hospital if you have lost too much body fluid.
  
  
• If you have not vomited or had diarrhea for a while, you may begin eating soft, bland foods. Examples are crackers, bananas, cooked cereals, noodles, clear soup, toast, boiled potatoes, sweetened gelatin, or applesauce. Do not eat fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, or ice cream until your stomach flu is gone. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine until you feel better. You may begin eating your regular foods again in two to three days.
  
  
• Rest in bed until you feel better. Stay away from others to help avoid spreading your germs to them. If possible, use a separate bathroom from other household members. Do not share hand towels, plates, or eating utensils like forks and spoons.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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