Gastroenteritis
Introduction to Gastroenteritis ď‚— Gastroenteritis is an inflammation or infection of the
digestive tract, mainly the stomach and intestine.
ď‚— It is probably the most commonly occurring illness
with an average person having about three and four bouts in a year.
ď‚— The illness can sometimes be minor and the person
may
experience
only
nausea
and
it
may
go
completely unrecognized but on the other hand, it can also be very severe leading to death within a few days.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis Most
of
the
stomach infection are
spread
through contamination food and water cause pain and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
Nausea & Vomiting Diarrhea
Loss of appetite Fever
Headache
Continue:- Symptoms of Gastroenteritis Continue… Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Cramps Bloody Stools Dehydration Lethargy
If symptoms do not resolve within a week, an infection or disorder more serious than gastroenteritis may be involved. These symptoms require prompt medical treatment
Causes of Gastroenteritis Bacterial gastroenteritis happens when bacteria causes causes
an infection in your stomach. inflammation in your stomach
This and
intestines. Infectious agents (viruses, bacteria and parasites)
are the most common cause of Gastroenteritis. Viruses primarily rotavirus species, are responsible for 70 to 80 percent of infectious diarrhea. Bacterial pathogens accounts for another 10 to 20 percent of cases.
Continue:- Causes of Gastroenteritis ď‚— Rotavirus
is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. Rotavirus is less
common cause in adult due to acquired immunity. ď‚— Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis among adult. Norovirus is the cause of about 10 percent of cases in children. ď‚— Cryptosporidium is the organism most commonly isolated in HIV-positive patients presenting with diarrhea and cause gastrointestinal illness with diarrhea in humans.
Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis Diagnosing gastroenteritis is mainly an exclusion
procedure In rare case when the symptoms are not enough to diagnose gastroenteritis, several test may be performed in order to gastrointestinal disorders. Rectal Examination Complete blood count
rule
out
other
Electrolytes Kidney function test When the symptoms are conclusive, no test apart
form the stool test are required.
Treatment of Gastroenteritis If you have a milder case, you may be able to treat your illness at home. Try the following : Drink
liquid regularly through out the day, especially after the bouts of diarrhea. Eat little and often, and include some salty foods. Take food or drinks with potassium, such as fruit juice and bananas Don’t take any medication with asking the doctor.
Prevention of Gastroenteritis Proper Hand washing
Proper food handling and complete cooking Pasteurization of milk and juice Clean
the toilet and bathroom regularly, especially the toilet seat, door handles and taps. Don’t forget to brush your teeth regularly, twice a day Avoid food buffets, uncooked foods or peeled fruits and vegetables and ice in drinks.