Gastroenteritis -- Facts You Need to Know
by Beth G. Hodges, MD

Gastroenteritis is an infection characterized by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and possibly fever. It can be spread easily from an infected person to a close contact or by contaminated food or water.

Causes and Symptoms

Most gastroenteritis is viral, and there are many potential viral culprits, but two classes of viruses cause the vast majority of cases.

The first class is rotavirus. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Infection usually involves large quantities of diarrhea in addition to nausea and vomiting and the symptoms can last for weeks, though they tend to lessen in severity as time passes. Death can occur in rotavirus, usually due to dehydration. This complication is more common in third world countries where access to adequate health care can be limited. There is no cure for rotavirus, though there is now available a vaccine for young infants to provide some protection against severe illness.

The second class is the norovirus. Noroviruses are characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and fever. Symptoms begin within 18-24 hours of exposure. Most of those infected feel better within a few days.

Treatment of Gastroenteritis

Treatment of gastroenteritis consists mostly of supportive care, as there are no curative drugs and symptoms will generally pass on their own fairly quickly. The most important issue is to avoid dehydration by continuing intake of clear liquids and intravenous solutions if necessary.

Antiemetics (drugs that stop vomiting) should be used sparingly and only after the first few days of symptoms, as to use them prematurely will stop the body's natural process of eliminating the virus through vomiting and diarrhea. Trapping the virus in the body can prolong and worsen the illness. It is also important to avoid premature reintroduction of foods that can further irritate the stomach, such as acidic food (fruit juices and tomato products), fried or fatty goods, alcohol, and dairy (which can prolong diarrhea.)

Published - December, 2009