Gastroenteritis

Everyone suffers from stomach and intestinal complaints at some point, but what exactly is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract and is also known as stomach flu. This is usually accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and fever. Gastroenteritis can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. It is usually highly contagious. You can become infected even by shaking hands.

The treatment mainly consists of drinking water because a lot of fluid can be lost due to fever, vomiting and diarrhea. In small children, this fluid loss can quickly become dangerous and hospitalization is often necessary. Anti-diarrhea medicines can help against nausea and limit fluid loss, but are not strictly necessary. If the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary. Normally a modified diet is not recommended.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024